Your vehicle is unable to function without the engine. For this reason, routine vehicle maintenance is critical. When you have a problem with your engine, diagnosing the exact issue isn’t always easy. Keep an eye out for the following signs of engine problems and be familiar with the most common engine problems, as this will help prepare you when you next visit your local Las Vegas, NV auto repair shop.
What Are Signs of Engine Problems?
There are a number of warning signs of needing engine repairs that you should never ignore. Here is a look at a few of them:
- Check Engine Light – The most obvious indication you are having engine problems is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. It may be something as simple as having forgotten to tighten the gas cap, or it may be more serious that needs immediate attention before further damage is done.
- Smoke from Exhaust – Vehicles are designed to be cleaner for the environment than they once were, so if you notice smoke coming out of the exhaust, there is a problem. Black smoke is a sign that excess fuel is being burnt, and blue smoke is a sign of burning oil. White smoke can occur during warm up, but it may be a sign of a coolant leak.
- Engine Knocking – If you hear a weird knocking sound from your engine while it’s running, this is a sign that there are pockets of air and fuel burning rather than being ignited by the engine’s spark plug.
- Frequent Overheating – If your vehicle is prone to overheat, an inspection is needed immediately. Continuing to operate a vehicle with an overheating engine can result in warped cylinders.
What Are the Most Common Engine Problem?
It is important to note that all engine-related problems are not serious in nature and can be taken care of relatively quickly and without breaking the bank. But some common engine problems can result in complete breakdowns. Here is a look at a few of the most common engine problems.
- Engine Misfiring – This is normally a result of aged or worn-out spark plugs. However, it could also be a sign that the engine control unit is messing up. Make sure to change spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Defective Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor is known to fail between 80,000 and 100,000 miles of driving and can directly and negatively impact engine performance. Usually, the check engine light will come on, and if you must go through emissions testing each year, it won’t pass.
- Leaking Engine Coolant – This is probably one of the easier engine problems to diagnose. If you notice that the engine coolant is low shortly after topping it off, there is a problem within the vehicle’s cooling system. Coolant needs to be debris-free to ensure it can keep your engine at a safe operating temperature.
- Oil Starvation – There are two main reasons your engine can be starved for oil. A failing oil pump is more common, but a lack of sufficient motor oil levels can also create issues. It is important to keep the oil topped off, change it at recommended intervals, and have your vehicle regularly inspected for issues.
If you believe your engine is acting up, contact us in Las Vegas, NV for your engine repair and maintenance needs.