Signs of a Bad Engine You Should Not Ignore!

It is often difficult to pinpoint where the issue is, but once your vehicle starts acting up, it is no longer reliable!

Knowing the early warning signs of a bad engine may come in handy when you take your vehicle to the mechanic as he’ll know where to look under the hood, and that will save you a lot of time.

The vehicle is a complicated system and requires regular engine service and maintenance for the best performance.

Here are a few early warnings signs of a bad engine to look out for:

The Engine Light

The engine is just like your vehicle's heart; if it is working fine, you'll face no issues. Look out for dashboard warning signs as it is your car's way of letting you know that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. Ignoring any of the early warnings will result in more damage over time. If the engine light doesn't illuminate, it indicates one of the following:

• The oxygen sensor might need a replacement.
• A damaged mass-airflow
• Damaged catalytic converter
• Worn out or damaged spark plugs
• Actuator related issues

Strange Noises or Screeches

If your engine is making weird noises from under the bonnet, chances are your vehicle’s engine is dying and needs significant repairs. Once you notice such noises, you should take your car to the mechanic without any delays to prevent further damage.

If you ignore the noises, the car may break down at an inconvenient time and result in a much bigger repair bill.

Noises other than the bonnet may indicate spitting or backfiring from the exhaust.

In addition to this, look for the sound your engine makes when it's running. Is the sound consistent? If not, chances are your engine is struggling. Check for ignition coils, fuel pressure, and clean up the airflow meter. A car tune-up is also recommended!

Increased Fuel Consumption

This might be associated with a fault in fuel processing, but if it is paired with check engine light and related symptoms, it can be much more significant. Get your car checked ASAP by a professional to prevent further damage.

Smoke from the Exhaust

Although there are several reasons why the exhaust is producing smoke but look out for the smoke color. It will give you an idea about the underlying issue.

If the smoke is black, it could mean:

• Damaged air filter or clogged fuel return line
• Fuel injectors are not working properly.
• Mechanical damage

However, grey smoke may indicate transmission fluid issues, increased oil consumption, or stuck PVC valves.

Sometimes, the smoke may appear dark blue. This is generally due to damaged seals or worn-out pistons.

None of these early signs should be ignored, as it'll only result in increased damaged and higher bills. Look out for the engine noises and if you notice anything suspicious, go to a reliable and professional mechanic at once!

Find out more about your car engine health by visiting us at LeSueur Car Company.

Keep Moving!