202-544-1110

202-544-1110

518 10th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Mon – Fri | 7:00am – 6:00pm

Sat | 8:00am – 4:00pm

Back-to-School Traffic Is Back: 5 Signs Your Car Needs Service in Washington, DC

School is back, morning traffic is picking up, and Washington, DC drivers are spending more time in stop-and-go conditions again.

If your daily routine takes you through Capitol Hill, Northeast DC, or across the city, September is a good time to pay attention to how your vehicle is running.

At Ben Nielsen’s 10th Street Automotive at 518 10th St NE, here are five signs your vehicle may be ready for service.

  1. Your Car Is Taking Longer to Start

If you turn the key or press the start button and notice the engine hesitating, your battery or charging system could be getting weaker.

It’s better to have it checked before you find yourself stuck in the driveway during the morning rush.

  1. You Hear New Noises

Squeaking, grinding, clicking, knocking, and rattling noises should never be considered “normal” simply because the vehicle still drives.

New sounds can be an early warning sign of problems involving the brakes, suspension, belts, exhaust, engine, or other components.

Having the noise inspected early can often prevent additional damage.

  1. Your Brakes Feel Different

You know how your vehicle normally feels.

If the brake pedal suddenly feels softer, the steering wheel shakes while braking, the vehicle pulls to one side, or you hear grinding or squealing, schedule a brake inspection.

Heavy stop-and-go traffic can put additional stress on your braking system.

  1. You Notice a Dashboard Warning Light

A check engine light, tire pressure warning, battery light, or other dashboard warning deserves attention.

Warning lights are your vehicle’s way of telling you that one of its systems needs to be checked.

Diagnosing the problem early gives you a better chance of addressing it before it turns into a breakdown.

  1. Your Maintenance Is Overdue

With everything that happens during the summer, routine maintenance can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list.

If you can’t remember your last oil change, tire rotation, inspection, or fluid service, September is a great time to get back on schedule.

If something feels different behind the wheel, don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem. Visit Ben Nielsen’s 10th Street Automotive in Washington, DC.