The engine is the beating heart of your car, and if it fails, it’s often too expensive to be worth fixing. Catching any developing engine problems early can stop things from getting to such a serious stage, and here are six essential warning signs to be aware of.
1) Illuminated Engine Light
The most immediate warning sign that your engine might have a problem is when the ‘check engine’ light on the dash is illuminated. This warning is given whenever the engine power drops below its normal level, and while it could be caused by a minor issue such as a faulty sensor or worn spark plugs, it’s important to get it checked to prevent major and expensive damage from other more serious faults.
2) Sluggish Handling
If pressing the accelerator doesn’t return the immediate jump in output you expect, there could be an issue with the combustion section of the engine. With luck, tuning the engine or replacing the spark plugs will solve the problem, but a full inspection is a wise idea to rule out anything more serious.
3) Rising Fuel Consumption
An aging engine grows less efficient at burning fuel, and it’s normal for older vehicles to cost you more at the gas station. However, if you notice fuel economy taking a sudden drop, there could be a more specific engine issue at play that needs to be checked out.
4) Strange Noises
Any unusual rattling, popping, or hissing noises coming from under the hood could be a sign that the fuel flow isn’t as smooth as it should be. Not only does this impair your car’s performance while increasing fuel consumption, but it can also lead to long-term engine damage if the problem isn’t fixed.
5) Strange Smells
If you notice the odor of exhaust fumes inside the cabin while driving, it could be a sign that the engine’s exhaust output is higher than the system can cope with. The problem could be minor and easily fixed with a replaced seal or gasket, but it’s important to book an inspection to rule out anything more serious.
6) Frequent Stalling
Lastly, if the engine cuts out completely with a stall during normal driving, there’s likely a blockage in the fuel line or another problem with combustion. And while it’s usually straightforward to fix frequent stalls, they put extra stress on the engine and can lead to longer-term damage, so it’s important to get the issue resolved.
A complete engine failure is often too expensive to be worth fixing, especially for older cars without much resale value. Catching any engine issues early can mean a quick and easy fix, so don’t ignore any of these warning signs if they appear.
