What are the Signs of Engine Trouble?
When Your Vehicle Speaks - Be Sure to Listen!
Your check engine light is on and you cannot shift into gear. You become increasingly concerned you are having engine trouble with your car and are faced with the decision to replace or repair your engine. Itβs definitely not something any driver wants to be faced with . In this blog, we will talk about the common signs of engine trouble and how you can decide on if engine repair or replacement is best for you.
Indicators of Engine Troubles
Noises: If you hear grinding, knockikng, or tapping sounds coming from your engine, it's likely something very wrong. Noises can be damaged engine components, worn-out bearings, or low oil pressure.
Warning Light on Dashboard: Most cars are equipped with a Check Engine Light (CEL) that lights up on your dashboard when something is wrong with the engine. The CEL can indicate minor or major issues with the engine. A warning light that stays on means you should probably have it checked out right away. Ignoring the check engine light may result in more costly repairs in the future.
Smoke: Smoke coming from your exhaust pipe is also a warning sign of engine trouble. Black smoke indicates too much fuel, white smoke can indicate coolant in the engine, and blue smoke means oil burning. it's important to have it checked immediately by a trained mechanic.
Performance: If your car lacks power, struggles to get started, or fails to accelerate smoothly, this is a sign of poor performance. Problems could be anything from a clogged fuel filter to a damaged spark plug. If ignored, poor engine performance can lead to complete engine failure.
Overheating: Some warning signs that your engine is overheating include steam coming from the engine, an usual odor, and the temperature gauge reading in the red on your dashboard. If your engine is overheating, turn off the vehicle and let it cool down before driving it again.
To Repair or Replace?
Many things can influence one's decision to either repair or replace an engine. First, consider the age of the care, any past damange and most importantly the cost. Small issues, like faulty spark plugs, can be pretty inexpensive to fix. Major issues, like a damaged engine block or head gasket failure, might make the decision to replace the engine more cost effective.
If your car is fairly new with minor issues, repairing it may be your best option, but if your car has high miles and other problems, it may be time to say goodbye to your engine AND car. Like always, Mad Hatter Auto Repair is here to help. Call our expert technicians in Omaha at 402-330-2286 or in Council Bluffs at 7123-322-7500.