Many cars will have a service light that comes on to indicate when the car is due for its next oil change or another type of maintenance. But sometimes this isn't enough to clue you in that it's time to take your car in for service work.

If you're unsure of what to look out for, here are a few signs to help you know when to visit an auto service shop.

Strange Noises You Haven't Heard Before

One of the first and most obvious signs that something is wrong with your car is if you start hearing strange noises. If your car starts making a noise it's never made before, it's definitely time to get it checked out by a professional.

Some common strange noises you should look out for are:

• Squealing noises when you start your car
• A grinding noise when you turn
• A rattling noise coming from under the hood

These are all indications that something is wrong with your car and needs to be serviced as soon as possible. For example, the squealing noise when you start your car could indicate that your serpentine belt needs to be replaced. This belt connects the alternator, water pump, and power steering, so getting it fixed as soon as possible is important.

On the other hand, the grinding noise when you turn could be an indication that your brakes need to be fixed. This is especially true if the noise is coming from your front wheels.

So next time you're on the road and hear a noise you haven't heard before, don't ignore it. Chances are, it's your car trying to tell you something. If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to visit an auto service shop and have them take a look.

Your Car Pulls to One Side

If you're driving down the road and you notice your car starts to pull to one side, it's definitely a sign that something is wrong. This is usually an indication that there's an issue with your tires, brakes, or alignment.

For example, if your car starts pulling to the left or right when you're driving straight, this could be an indication that your tires are inflated unevenly. It could also be that your brakes are wearing down unevenly. This is usually the case if the problem only seems to appear when you brake.

Another possibility is that your car's alignment is off. This can happen if you hit a pothole or curb. When the alignment is off, the wheels no longer point in the same direction, so your car will begin to pull to one side while you drive.

Either way, this is definitely not something you should ignore. If you notice your car pulling to one side, make sure to visit a local auto service shop to have it checked out.