Different parts and
functions of your car work as a combined force to make it run smoothly on the
roads. However, the engine is a vital part without which your vehicle will not
run. It is extremely important to keep your engine fully maintained and
repaired from time to time, but damaged are inevitable. The situation gets
worse when you don’t attend to your engine on time and the damages become
irreparable. If you want to keep your engine running for longer without having
to spend extra on engine replacement services, here are the top 5 signs that
will tell you if your engine is troubled.
Excessive Engine Smoke
Smoke coming out from the
engine or exhaust is a clear indication of a blown head gasket, so it doesn’t
really matter what the color is. The black, blue, or grey color determines
the gravity of the problem or damage in the engine. For example, white smoke
means that the coolant is leaking whereas black or dark grey smoke means that
the fuel gas is burning too much. Blue smoke means that the pistons or valves
are damaged. Clogged air filters and ignitions troubles can also be the reasons
for smoke emissions.
Overheating
When your engine is
turned off for a while, it takes some minutes for the cold engine to get back
to its normal temperature. However, if the season is not so hot but your engine
is rapidly overheating, there is a trouble that you have been overlooking.
Inefficient coolant blend, a leak in the coolant device, or trouble in the
flushing system can be the major reasons why your car is overheating. If the
coolant levels are fine, then check the water pump. Water pump leaks also make
your car’s engine heat up more often.
Strange Noises
Strange, loud, and
knocking noises coming from the engine is an audible sign that the engine needs
proper maintenance and repair. When you start your engine, you hear a normal
sound. Nonetheless, a different and disturbing sound that is clearly coming
from the engine can be because of muffler catalytic damage. Gaskets and seals
in your engine can also be ruptured or damaged. Take your vehicle to the
mechanic and replace any part that is causing the trouble before it is too
late.
Read also: Is A Car Engine Replacement Worth in 2021?
Check Engine Light
The latest car models
come with a smart on-board diagnostic system that makes your car efficient
enough to detect and inform you about any potential damage to any part of the
vehicle including the engine. If the check engine light on your dashboard is
still blinking after you have turned it off, it is time to pop the hood up.
Check engine light comes up usually when oxygen sensor or air filter needs
replacement, spark plugs are damaged, or issue in catalytic convertor.
Hard Starting and Acceleration
If you are finding it
hard to start your car in the first go and even harder for the engine to pick
up acceleration, while driving, you must take your engine for a detailed checkup. A vacuum leak, dirty exhaust, and spark plug damage are the common
reasons.
