The last thing any vehicle owner wants to see is their "check engine light" turning on. Indeed, engine issues can be costly to diagnose and fix. A faulty engine can also cause the vehicle to randomly stop running or to fail to start at the most inconveniencing times.
Auto mechanics can help you repair engine problems before they bring about a complete breakdown. Here are some common problems that you could experience with your car's engine.
Engine failing to start
The most obvious sign of an engine failure is the car being unable to start. In some cases, the vehicle will only make a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, or it will crank and fail to start the engine. If it is the former, the most common cause is a battery issue. The battery could have charging problems and be unable to provide the power needed to start the engine. If it is the latter, there could be a problem with the starter, fuel system or the engine.
An engine failing to start should immediately be diagnosed by an auto mechanic.
Inadequate lubrication
Many motorists ignore basic maintenance steps for their engine. One of those steps is getting an oil change on a regular basis. The engine consists of an intricate network of moving parts, including nuts, bolts and belts.
These parts need to remain adequately lubricated to keep them running efficiently. Low oil levels can result in heat, friction and the breakage of engine components.
Broken oxygen sensor
The functioning of an oxygen sensor is important for the entire engine. An oxygen sensor works by detecting how much oxygen is left in the exhaust so that the signal transmitted can enable the vehicle to determine how much petrol is remaining in the tank.
If the oxygen sensor is faulty, the vehicle cannot detect how much petrol it has left, and this often results in poor fuel efficiency.
Engine noises
Some upcoming engine problems tend to give you a warning sign. If you notice any unfamiliar noises in the engine, such as screeching, banging and vibrations, it could indicate several issues with the engine.
A faulty timing belt, a weak starter and an overheating engine are the most common issues that come along with a noisy engine. Overheating can also be accompanied by steam/smoke coming out of the engine when the car is running.
As you can see from the problems above, an engine is not fail proof. There are several problems that could occur, thus it is a good idea to consult auto mechanics when you run into engine issues and to have regular car servicing to prevent issues from occurring..
