The engine is the most important component in the functionality of your vehicle. Engine damage is inconvenient and scary. However, knowing the signs can often avoid severe damage; you must pay attention! Regular preventative maintenance can also help catch issues before they fester into real problems. You should never ignore any signs of engine failure and immediately seek an automotive repair shop. Although not all engine issues are serious, they can all result in engine failure and, in the worst cases, involve the purchase of an entirely new engine.

ENGINE FAILURE WARNING SIGNS

The check engine light is the first warning sign to be on the lookout for. This light indicates that there is some issue within the engine and that it’s best to get your vehicle looked at. Engine knocking is a frequent knocking or banging sound coming from the engine; if left unattended, this issue could cause significant damage. Smoke from the exhaust can also indicate that your engine has a problem. Overheating can cause many problems and can cause the engine to seize if driven. Decreased fuel economy could indicate that your vehicle has engine damage and may need engine repair.

MOST COMMON VEHICLE ENGINE PROBLEMS

Many problems can occur in your vehicle’s engine bay. These engine issues can range in severity and cause more significant problems if left untreated. They are:

• Improper lubrication
• Oil deposits
• Broken timing belt
• Leaking coolant
• Damaged oxygen sensors
• Aged spark plugs
• Failing oil pump
• Prolonged engine detonation
• Inadequate fuel and air compression

These engine damage points can lead to more severe damage if left untreated. While these are the most common engine problems, there are others left unlisted that your vehicle may be experiencing. If you suspect your vehicle has engine problems, don’t hesitate to contact our automotive repair shop.

CAUSES OF ENGINE DAMAGE

One of the most preventable causes of engine damage is a lack of oil in the engine. This causes the engine’s moving parts to grind together and cause severe damage. Your vehicle can also experience damage from misfires, an explosion event that occurs in your engine’s combustion chamber. This can be caused by an issue with the timing, air/fuel ratio, or spark ignition. This isn’t an issue, but continuous misfires can lead to significant damage over time. A hydro-locked engine could also be a culprit for engine damage. This is when your vehicle gets submerged in water that is too deep, such as a flash flood, and water gets sucked into the engine. Water cannot be compressed, so it can cause significant issues; it is best to avoid deep water that is more than a couple of inches deep if possible. An overheating engine is the most common cause of engine damage, as issues with your cooling system can cause the engine to get too hot and make the metal components bend or warp and seize the engine altogether. To prevent his damage, keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge and have your cooling system checked periodically.