Your
engine is a very important part of your car. Unfortunately, however,
even the best engines sometimes develop problems. If those problems
are not tended to quickly, they can cause your engine to ultimately
fail.
Replacing
an engine is costly, and you can often avoid the need to do so
through regular vehicle care and maintenance. However, if you notice
any of the following signs, you might need a new engine altogether,
or at least some major engine repairs.
Black
Smoke
One
thing to be on the lookout for is any kind of smoke coming from your
exhaust pipe. While any smoke is a bad sign, be particularly wary of
black smoke.
Black
smoke typically indicates combustion problems within your engine.
These problems could be caused by issues with your fuel injectors,
air filter, general mechanical damage, or various other engine
problems.
A
mechanic can help determine the exact cause and severity of the
problem so you can decide on your next step.
Continual
Running
When
an engine has problems, it will sometimes continue to run, even after
you've taken the keys out of the ignition.
This
problem is often startling and confusing, but many people ultimately
write it off as just a weird occurrence. However, this is actually an
indicator that your engine needs professional help.
Continuing
to run in this manner is often caused by improper octane levels,
carburetor problems, or other issues that need to be addressed
quickly. Ignoring the problem increases the chances you will require
a full engine replacement.
Illuminated
Check Engine Light
Most
cars are equipped with a check engine light that comes on to indicate
when your engine needs some type of servicing.
If
you've done all the basic maintenance, however, and your check engine
light still stays lit, this could mean a more serious problem with
your engine.
Don't
panic. Other issues could be at play, such as a problem with the
light itself. However, you should still have your engine looked at,
just in case.
Stalling
Another
problem that people sometimes ignore or write off as just an odd
occurrence is an engine that stalls suddenly.
Engines
can stall at any time, but it's especially common when you're doing
something taxing in your vehicle, like going up a hill. Sometimes,
the engine will start right back up again. Other times, it will take
a few minutes to start again.
Either
way, don't continue to push your vehicle to the limit and allow it to
stall. Engines stall a problem is present, and that problem will only
get worse if you ignore it.
A
Decrease in Gas Mileage
If
your vehicle was once great on gas, but has recently turned into a
gas guzzler, this usually signifies an issue with your engine.
A
car's gas mileage should stay relatively consistent throughout its
lifespan, so if your vehicle suddenly stops getting great mileage, it
likely means your engine has compression issues. Whether or not
you'll have to replace the engine will depend on the exact cause of
the problem, as well as the severity.
Puddling
Oil
Sometimes,
vehicles develop leaks. One of the most serious types of leaks,
however, is an oil leak.
If
you ever notice a black or brown puddle underneath your vehicle, then
have your engine checked out, ideally before you drive it again.
Oil leaks typically only happen when your engine has a problem.
Your
engine is quite adept at letting you know when something is wrong,
providing that you know what to look for. If you happen to notice any
of these signs, don't hesitate to get some engine help from the pros
at Euroclassics
Limited.
