Your car’s engine powers your daily commutes and long drives. It’s something without which your car can’t move at all. It is a highly complex system comprising many smaller components that must work together for the vehicle to operate correctly and safely. As a car owner, you have to cope with regular maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, which can really help in preventing many issues. Sometimes small problems are easy to fix, but other times the engine gives signs that you need help from a trained mechanic. Knowing those signs early can save you money.
Here are some of the signs that let you know when to get professional engine repair.
1. Check Engine Light on the Dashboard
There are various symbols and lights displayed on the dashboard, each indicating a different part of the car. One of them is the engine light. You should keep an eye on that. If the check engine light turns on or flashes, it can indicate a range of issues, which may include a minor sensor problem to a more serious engine issue. When you notice a flashing light, it often means there is a severe misfire or damage has occurred that requires immediate attention. On the other hand, a steady engine light doesn’t indicate a serious issue, but it also deserves prompt attention so the problem doesn’t worsen.
2. Unfamiliar Noises May Indicate the Need for Auto Engine Repair
Your car communicates with you through various sounds and sensations, and if you notice any deviation from its usual voices, then it can be a red flag. There might be strange noises coming from the engine, such as knocking, hissing, grinding, or squealing. These noises are definite signs that something isn’t right with your engine. These noises are your car’s way of telling you it’s in distress. When you feel there are any unusual noises or vibrations, then you should immediately take your car to an experienced mechanic for auto engine repair.
3. Smoke of Unusual Colors and Smells
Smoke is something most drivers may overlook. Smoke coming from your exhaust pipe is normal to some extent, but there may be a change in it. The color, consistency, and accompanying smell of the smoke can reveal a great deal about your engine’s health. If you feel dense black smoke, then it indicates that too much fuel is being delivered to the engine, which can be possible due to a faulty fuel injector or air filter. On the other hand, thick and persistent white smoke often signals that coolant is entering the combustion chamber. In both cases, you should make sure to repair the problems before it become more complex engine problems.
4. Your Car is Using More Fuel
Sometimes, you might feel that your car is burning more fuel than usual. You might fill the tank, and even without long hours of driving, it gets empty early. There are many other factors that can cause such issues, like tire pressure and driving habits. If there is a noticeable and persistent drop in fuel economy without a change in your driving routine, it often indicates an underlying engine problem. This could be due to issues with oxygen sensors, a clogged air filter, or even faulty spark plugs. All of them force the engine to work harder and consume more fuel to achieve the same performance. Ignoring this can lead to more serious and costly engine damage down the line.