Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Service Plus Automotive.
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Service Plus Automotive.
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Service Plus Automotive has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us

I am a owner of a Buick that is 14 years old . This car has a great running engine, but the brakes and suspension not so good. I brought my car to several automotive centers, Sears being one of them. The money I paid at Sears for just front brakes was outrageous and to add insult to injury they let me drive out with two very bad tires. I had no knowledge they could blow out at anytime. Most of all when they addressed the biggest problem, I said to my
husband maybe we should buy a new car. So through word of mouth my husband was told about Service Plus on Lakeview Ave in Dracut . A friend suggest I go there, because they are very good. When I brought my car to Service Plus, they where very professional. They gave me a free estimate and offered me a free car for the day while they repaired my car. Heck, they even fixed a problem from the work done previously at sears and saved me hundreds of $$$$. I am a big fan of Service Plus now. My car rides so good. I will go to them always in the future. I am grateful that I can count on Service Plus to be honest and do a professional and competent job. You can't say that about to many companies now a days. Bravo and well done.
I have been a customer at Service Plus for over eight years. I have also recommended Service Plus to others over the years. "Service Plus" is the correct name for this automotive center because that is exactly how Steve and Greg and their other workers treat customers...they provide service plus! I have very little knowledge of car problems so I rely on their expertise and honesty and I have never been disappointed. They make the repairs that they say they will make and charge you what they say they will charge you. They complete the work when they say they will and are very helpful for emergency type problems. They are respectful of their customer's time and money and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Have used them many times over the years. They are all always friendly, professional and honest. I recommend Service Plus to all my friends!
Long-time customer! Always honest, friendly and reasonable. They know how to treat their customers and keep them happy. We recommend Service Plus to all of our friends.
Took my truck there (really old and time for a new one) but they were incredibly nice and very professional and they fixed my truck the very next day. This is hands down the greatest shop in Massachusettes, As im writing this my truck is being looked at by them for another issue. To make a long story short these guys are fantastic and everybody should bring there vehicles there!!!!
I've been going to Service Plus since I started driving, introduced to Steve and Greg by my father who swore by them sine they opened. I refuse to go to any other mechanic because you simply cant beat the kindness and honesty they offer.