The automotive services industry is booming, which should be good news for any vehicle owner. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 69,000 openings for mechanics and automotive service technicians each year. This means you'll never run out of professionals to fix your vehicle when you need a repair. That said, having professional help available doesn't mean much if you're unsure what constitutes a necessary repair. How do you know when it's time to visit an auto shop?

1. Weird Car Sounds

This is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. There are several things that can cause your car to produce weird sounds while you're driving. Some of the most common weird vehicle sounds include grinding noises when you hit the brakes. This is a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. You can also hear a whining noise from the transmission, which can be a sign that you're low on transmission fluid. Whining can also be attributed to worn needle bearings. Weird sounds are never a good sign for your vehicle. Fortunately, an auto shop should be able to identify what's causing them and fix any issues so you can enjoy a smooth ride again.

2. Strange Smells

Is there a lingering odor in your vehicle? This is a sign that something is wrong. Odors usually represent serious vehicle problems. If you can detect a maple syrup odor in your car, there's probably something wrong with the cooling system. On the other hand, dirty laundry smells can indicate that there's mold in the heater vents or AC. If there's a burning smell, it might mean that your clutch is worn out. These aren't the only smells that can come from your car. The best way to find out what might be causing whatever smell you're detecting is to take your car to an auto shop. They'll be able to get to the bottom of the issue.

3. Odd Vibrations

Your car shouldn't shake when you're driving. If it starts doing this, then you need to get it serviced. If your brake pedal vibrates each time you step on it, you're probably driving with warped rotors. Your gas pedal can start shaking too. This is usually caused by exhaust leaks. If it's the steering wheel shaking, you might be dealing with a wheel alignment issue or power steering problems. You must find an auto shop as soon as possible when you notice any of these signs.

If you notice any of these red flags, it's likely time to visit an auto shop. You may also notice dashboard indicator lights on your car. Each light signifies a certain problem. Your owner's manual should give you some hints, but the best would be to take the car to an auto shop for repairs. Get in touch with us at Bearded Mechanic today if you suspect that there might be something wrong with your car.