Engine failure can be a scary experience. If not caught early, it can not only be very inconvenient but also very expensive to fix. Many of us don’t pay attention to our engine’s requirements unless it’s too late. Thankfully, your vehicle shows you a lot of signs before the engine comes to a failure.
In this guide, we will cover all the warning signs you need to know for your engine to work at its optimal performance. At Autosauce Performance, we want to ensure that you have all the essential knowledge about your vehicle. Keep on reading to learn more about engine failure and how to avoid it.
Causes of Engine Failure
1. Overheating Engine
The combustion that happens in gasoline engines generates enough heat to melt and distort metal. Thankfully, the cooling system prevents such incidents by taking surplus heat away from the engine block and dissipating it. If your cooling system is damaged or the head gasket gets blown off, your engine could experience extreme overheating.
2. Broken Timing Belt
Modern engines are most often interference engines. In such engines, pistons and valves occupy space within the same cylinder but at separate timings. The timing belt ensures that the movement of the pistons and valves is synchronized. If the timing belt breaks, the pistons may strike the valves when they’re open, destroying them. This is a fast way to suffer massive engine damage.
3. Low Engine Oil Levels
The oil in your engine is important in ensuring smooth engine operation. It lubricates the moving parts so they don’t become damaged due to friction. Damaged parts can lead to overheating. If your engine doesn’t have enough oil, the engine will eventually become run-down, leading to failure.
4. Hydrolocked Engine
The pistons in combustion engines are designed to compress a mixture of fuel and air in the cylinder. Air can be compressed easily, guaranteeing smooth function. Water, on the other hand, is incredibly difficult to compress. If too much water gets into the cylinders, the piston or related components, like the piston rod, will very likely break. Such instances can lead to engine failure.
Signs of Engine Failure
If your engine begins to fail, your vehicle will display various warning signs, suggesting a quick visit to the mechanic.
1. Engine Light
If the engine light turns on, that’s the most obvious clue for engine problems. It is located behind the steering wheel. When the light comes on, it can mean a range of problems, including engine problems. A blinking light can be indicative of more serious problems. If this light turns on, you should pay a quick visit to the auto repair shop to keep the problem from escalating.
2. Constant Overheating
If your engine is constantly overheating, it can be pointing towards engine failure. Using an overheated engine can lead to and worsen problems for your vehicle, including a warped cylinder causing the coolant to leak. This can cause white exhaust smoke; another sign that you may want to look into.
3. Decreasing Fuel Economy
A faulty engine usually leads to more fuel being consumed by your vehicle. Increased fuel consumption can point towards a range of problems. However, if this occurs while the engine light is on or it is coupled with other symptoms listed here, your engine may be causing problems. In such a case, an urgent trip to the mechanic is needed.
4. Engine Stalling
Engine stalling refers to the sudden slowing or stopping of the engine. If your engine keeps stalling, even when it’s idle or moving, it may point toward engine failure. If you have to turn your vehicle on over and over again, it could mean that your vehicle is experiencing problems with fuel delivery.
5. Rough Idle
Rough idle occurs when your vehicle is idle and experiences a shake or vibration, even without acceleration. This suggests that your engine is not running at a consistent revolutions per minute. Rough idle is a major issue that requires immediate attention.
6. Excessive Noises and Vibrations
A faulty engine makes a lot of sounds, including backfiring, hissing, popping, and knocking. These sounds indicate a problem within the combustion flow. Engine knocking, for instance, happens when there are pockets of burning air-fuel mixtures that burn on their own instead of by a spark plug. It can sound like there’s a knocking sound coming out of the engine. This can cause a lot of costly damage to the engine if left unchecked.
If you notice excessive vibrations in the engine, then there may be a problem with a faulty spark plug. Faulty spark plugs will make the engine misfire and cause vibrations. A spark plug replacement is usually required to fix excessive vibrations.
How to Avoid Engine failures?
1. Regular Oil Changes
Getting regular oil changes can be extremely beneficial for your engine. Oil keeps vital engine parts well lubricated so that they won’t overheat. Waiting between oil changes can cause sludge to accumulate within the engine, leading to slowed functioning and overheating.
2. Checking Cooling System
The cooling system is vital in ensuring that your engine functions properly. The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is by making sure you have the proper amount of coolant (radiator fluid) circulating throughout your engine. Keep taking your vehicle to the engine mechanic to check the functioning of the cooling system.
3. Ensuring Belt Function
The function of a belt can vary from vehicle to vehicle, but some of their main responsibilities are running the fan, water pump, alternator, and air conditioner. They typically last a very long time, but eventually, they will start to show signs of wear and begin to crack. Check your belts by turning them over slightly to see if they have any visible cracks in them. A squealing or spinning belt may also indicate that it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
4. Consistent Vehicle Checkups
The best way to avoid lasting engine catastrophes is by getting regular engine turning and vehicle checkups done. At Autosauce Performance, we make sure your vehicle gets the proper care it needs. Visit us in Lakeland, FL, or call us at +1 (863) 247 6345 for more information.