Your engine is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance and oil changes can help reduce the risk of major issues. But even with your best efforts, problems can still happen. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs that it is time for car engine repair. Check out our blog to learn some common engine repair signs!
1. The Check Engine Light Comes On
There are a lot of mysterious lights in the dashboard of your car, some that are warnings and others that are friendly reminders. One of the most common engine repair signs is the check engine light!
The check engine light comes on because your vehicle’s computer has noticed something wrong with the various systems it monitors. This computer is responsible for regulating everything from fuel delivery to spark timing and transmission shifting.
The problem could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be as complex as a bad catalytic converter. But whatever it is, it is usually a sign that your car needs repair.
2. You Notice Smoke
Occasionally, you may notice a small amount of smoke coming on as your engine burns fuel and air. Usually, this is an indication that your vehicle’s combustion chamber is overheating.
The smoke might also come from small amounts of motor oil that have spilled onto a hot engine or the exhaust system. This can be due to a leaking seal or gasket, and it’s a sign that you should pull over and take your car in for an inspection.
On the other hand, if you see blue smoke coming out of your tailpipe, it’s an indication that your engine is burning too much oil. This can happen when you’ve gotten far behind in your oil changes or if you’re using the wrong type of oil. This also indicates serious wear and tear on your internal components, which could result in expensive repairs down the road.
3. You Have Strange Smells
Strange smells can be a warning sign that something is wrong with your car. These odors are often caused by a serious mechanical issue that will need to be fixed quickly by an auto repair professional.
Burning Rubber – If you’re regularly smelling burning rubber in your vehicle, it may be a sign that a hose or belt has loosened and can cause hot engine parts to come into contact with one another. Be careful to wait until the engine cools down completely before going to work on it.
Gasoline – The smell of gasoline isn’t pleasant, but it could be an indication that there is a leak or issue with your fuel injector. This problem can cause poor fuel economy and health issues if it isn’t dealt with as soon as possible.
4. You Experience Power Loss
In order for a vehicle to work, it needs to properly regulate air, fuel and compression. Anything that interferes with this process can result in a loss of power.
There are a variety of factors that can cause this loss, such as a clogged exhaust system or fuel pump, and a bad spark plug. This problem can be frustrating and cause drivers to hesitate when they step on the gas.
Thankfully, it is often easy to diagnose the issue and fix it without having to get an entirely new engine. With a few simple steps, you can make sure your car is running like new again for years to come.
5. You Have Strange Noises
The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so when it starts making strange noises, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Getting the car checked out soon is crucial to avoid major repairs later on.
You might notice that your car isn’t getting the power you expected when accelerating or it stalls when you turn the key. It’s normal for your car to lose power over time, but if these symptoms persist it’s an indication that it is time for some type of engine repair.
A grinding or thudding sound that comes from your tires is also a warning that you should have a professional check out the issue. It can mean anything from severely under-inflated tires to suspension and alignment issues.
If you have encountered any car car engine repair signs, contact us today!
Contact us to schedule your engine repair today! We are here to serve you in Las Vegas, Nevada!