Did you know that your engine problems are among the top 5 things that can go wrong when you least expect it? This is because your car’s engine is the heart of your vehicle.
It gives your vehicle the necessary power to run the way you want it to. When your car’s engine is damaged, it will negatively affect your ride’s performance.
The good news is that you can save yourself a lot of time and money by diagnosing car engine issues yourself by keeping an eye out for a few symptoms. Here is everything you need to know about a failing engine and how to maintain it before it causes more harm to your car.
1. Engine Light
The best way to know whether you have engine problems or not is by looking at your car’s dashboard. There will be warning lights on the dashboard that may become brighter.
These are your car’s way of letting you know about the problems it finds through its OBD system also known as on-board diagnostics. If your CEL or Check Engine Light is turned on, you should never ignore it.
Ignoring your engine issues can cause more expensive damages down the line. Then you will also need to spend more on expensive car parts for repairs. Do you have a taste for the finer wheels in life? Check out this resource for Mercedes Benz repairs.
When the CEL comes on, it can also mean that your Oxygen Sensor needs to be changed. Your Mass-Airflow Sensor may also need to be replaced. Other things that may have one wrong are that the catalytic converter is damaged, and you need to repair it immediately.
Alternatively, your spark plugs may also be worn out or damaged. This is dangerous because it can cause engine misfires. Finally, your engine light can turn on if the fuel cap is not on tight enough. However, this is the most straightforward problem to fix with a little bit of muscle.
2. Strange Bonnet Sounds
Is your car making strange noises? A knocking sound coming from the bonnet is a surefire sign of engine failure. The noise may be caused due to the extent of damage to your car’s mechanical parts.
These are the bearings and pistons. If you hear this awkward sound, you should immediately take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic to prevent further damage.
Ignoring this issue can lead to your car breaking down in the middle of the road with expensive repair and tow truck bills. Other strange sounds to keep your ears peeled for are spitting, backfiring from the exhaust, and popping.
3. Inconsistent Engine
You should always listen to your engine’s sound while you are driving. Is the sound constant as you speed down the roads? If your motor is struggling, you should hear a shake or stutter as you lose power.
The most common solution for this is to replace your spark plugs. Otherwise, you should also look at your ignition coils to see if they need to be replaced as well. Finally, check your fuel pressure and give your Air Flow Meter an excellent clean.
Alternatively, you can always take the car in for a service and ask for an engine tune-up. This should ensure that a professional mechanic looks at every bit of your engine to ensure that you will not have any dramas on the roads beside a bit of road rage.
4. Oil Patches
When you drive away from your garage, do you notice puddles of oil under the vehicle? This is most likely due to a leak in the engine. When your engine’s oil depletes, it causes more friction inside the machine.
This can also generate a lot of excess heat. Oil leaks are typical from engine oil seals and sump plug washers. However, they can severely damage your car and engine’s components over time if you do not take the vehicle in for inspection.
Always get engine leaks examined as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you will be leaking oil all over the place, and then your engine will give out when you least expect it.
5. Strange Smells
You should never expect to smell the car’s emissions inside the vehicle when you are usually driving. If you pick up on a strong exhaust smell that seems like engine fumes, you have a big problem on your hands. This is a typical sign of engine damage.
You should never ignore weird smells coming from inside the car. No matter how much you roll down your windows, they will not go away. Always get your car checked by a professional mechanic to ensure that the problem gets diagnosed and fixed before it becomes more expensive.
6. More Gas
Is your car using more gas than normal? Your bank statements should be able to confirm this quite easily. Increased fuel consumption can most likely be related to how your engine processes fuel if it breaks down.
When this is combined with the engine light that blinks in the car, you know that you have multiple engine-related problems that can become very serious.
If your fuel bill keeps getting higher for no reason, you should always get your car checked and tuned up by a professional. This will help save you a lot of money and time in the future.
7. Engine Power
Is your car slowing down and losing power suddenly? Car engines will run at their regular level unless there is a problem.
When your car starts stalling or shaking at high speeds, you should prepare for the worst. Even a struggle uphill should cause concern because your engine may not be working correctly.
Say Goodbye to Engine Problems
Now that you know the symptoms to look out for, you can tackle all your engine problems before they become more expensive and time-consuming. Remember to always get a regular tune-up from your local mechanic to ensure nothing is wrong.
Otherwise, you may be the worst designated driver if you unexpectedly break down in the middle of a highway, with barely any room for everyone on the tow truck. If you enjoyed reading this engine maintenance guide, check out some of our other posts for more information.