Engines are built tough, however without the right maintenance, they stand a high chance of failure. In order to avoid engine damage, here are five signs that you can note which will tell you that you have engine trouble, and it is time for a thorough check-up to avoid further damage.
Check engine hazard light
Every car comes with numerous light icons in the dashboard. When your car is healthy, these lights do not flash, however, if you see the light that looks like an engine light up, it means you have engine trouble and should take your car to the service station immediately. In most cases it will be a minor issue, but if you ignore the sign and continue driving for long periods, it could result in a larger issue and a bigger repair bill.
Exhaust smoke
All cars emit exhaust, and a little bit of smoke is normal. This might go up a bit during the winter months which is also of no concern, but if your car regularly emits a thick white smoke, it could be that engine oil is burning along with your fuel. A black coloured exhaust is a sure sign that your fuel supply isn’t working properly and too much fuel is getting into the engine. A blue exhaust colour is also a sign of your engine not running at its optimum level. If you notice any of these, it is recommended that you get your engine properly diagnosed at a service centre to get the best advice and solution to the problem.
Jerks while driving
If you feel that your car isn’t running smooth and there are unexpected jerks resulting from the engine not performing well, the prime cause is a clogged fuel line or bad spark plugs / heater coils. A clogged fuel line includes the possibility of a dirty fuel filter which needs replacing. Spark plugs / heater coils that aren’t working properly will also have to be replaced. While it isn’t a costly affair, your car will still need a mechanic to carry out the task. Regular check-ups ensure that you don’t run into such problems.
Loss of power and poor mileage
A combination of loss of power and poor mileage is a sure sign that your engine is in need of a complete overhaul. The cause of such a problem can result from a gap in the head gasket which doesn’t allow for proper combustion. If caught early, this problem can be easily fixed. If ignored, this could lead to a complete engine overhaul. It is more common in cars that have run a higher number of kilometres or are at least 7-10 years old.
Engine knocking
If you hear an unusual amount of sound coming from your engine bay that sounds like metal knocking on metal, it is a sign that your engine isn’t running well. This is a sign of a bad air-fuel mixture that isn’t allowing for proper combustion. If left unfixed, this will lead to a lot of engine damage, and it is best to have it checked immediately to avoid hefty repair costs.
Oil leakage
It is good practice to look under your car every so often to see if there is an oil patch on the ground where you park. Oil leakages can happen, especially considering our rough roads and large speed breakers that could hit the oil sump. If your car has no oil, the engine will overheat and eventually seize. The only way to fix a seized engine is to completely replace it. If you do notice an oil leak, do not start your car. Call for a tow truck and have it taken in for repair immediately.
Pro Tip
While engine failure can happen for numerous reasons, it is extremely unlikely to occur if you service your vehicle at regular intervals. Keep a check on engine oil levels and coolant levels as they are key to ensuring that your engine runs well.
