Like there’s no human body without a brain and a heart, there’s no car without an engine. The engine plays the most pivotal role in the functioning of a car. It takes on the role of receiving fuel, compressing it and igniting it. Upon ignition, the motor receives power to start the car. So, the importance of a well-functioning engine must be understood.
Above all, the multiple intricate components that make up a car’s engine could be prone to damage. Since, each part plays an important role, each component should receive care, separately. But that doesn’t promise a hassle-free engine, throughout a car’s lifespan. A few things can go wrong, here and there. Nothing to fret about, learn a little about the probabilities to be prepared.
Car Engine Problems: Explained
Until you know the origin of a glitch, it becomes difficult to troubleshoot a problem. Especially, with car engines. They have so many compartments and parts that only a skilled mechanic can diagnose the root of a problem in the car’s coolant chambers.
1.Car Engine Overheating
Your car’s engine could be overheating because of a multitude of reason. Including a damaged belt/hose that manages the airflow from the engine and simply, lack of engine oil. While causes are multiple, the effects are rather serious. An overheating engine could lead to a total breakdown, resulting in exorbitant expenses.
Quick Fix:
- Always monitor your car’s coolant levels.
- Put an engine oil change routine in place.
- Inspect the condition of the car’s cooling system, regularly.
- If the problem persists, a hose or a radiator may have gone bad. Replace it to ensure efficient engine performance.
2. Misfiring Engine
Most believe that an engine misfires when the spark plugs have undergone wear and tear. But that’s not the only reason engines misfire. It can also happen because of the Engine Control Module (ECM). Often when ECMs go bad, it results in misfiring engine. A faulty ECM also causes rough idling and worsened fuel economy.
Quick Fix:
- Replace the spark plugs if the mechanic recommends.
- If the problem persists, inspect the ECM.
- Check for damaged parts. If located, replace the same with new alternatives.
- Finally, reprogram the ECM to ensure functional efficiency.
3. Engine Oil Pump Problems
The first sign comes from the oil pressure icon on the dashboard. Whirring sounds will annoy you even when the car’s motor is turned off. Such sounds indicate the poor condition of the internal gears. Additionally, an oil pump provides the engine with oil to avoid metal objects from coming in contact with each other, to prevent corrosion. So, a problem in the oil pump will lead to lowered lubrication. Thus, increased risks of corrosion.
Quick Fix:
- If the internal gears have gone bad, it’s time for oil pump replacement.
- Take a look at all the parts that make up the pump – the gasket, filter, pan, etc. Make sure each component is running fine. If not, replace the same.
- Regularly check the oil levels. Top it off, when need be.
- Lastly, check for leaks. If you find one, repair it immediately.
4. Engine Keeps Stalling
In standard transmissions, uncalibrated gas pedal and clutch pedal can stall your engine – requiring several restarts. Repeatedly revving an engine puts it under stress, making the engine prone to meltdowns. However, when such conditions arise in automated transmissions, it acts as a sign for something seriously wrong with the engine and its parts. The only solution is expert’s advice.
Quick Fix:
- Ensure a balanced fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.
- Since the problem is much more complicated than the rest, we’d advise you to get in touch with skilled technicians.
- Ask them to inspect the engine. Repair what needs mending.
5. Smoke Coming Out of The Engine
If there’s smoke coming out of the engine, there’s no time left to think. It’s more of an SOS situation, which needs immediate handling. It may result from oil leaks, coolant leaks or some electrical glitch in the car.
Quick Fix:
- There’s only one fix for a smoky engine – call the mechanics.
- Ask technicians to diagnose the root issue and get it repaired.
- Neglecting a smoky engine can lead to big accidents. So, be quick and careful.
6. Flooded Car Engine
Your car can be in its’ prime but one heavy thunderstorm and shower can change its conditions, completely. If your area has received regular rainfall in the last couple of days, there’s a probability that the water has seeped into your car’s engine. Once such a situation occurs, chaos emerges. It can bend your engine’s rods and pipes, distorting the entire structure.
Quick Fix:
- Change the oil with a fresh batch.
- Detach spark plugs.
- Air dry any remaining wet areas and the cylinders.
- Ask mechanics to drain the fuel if your fuel chamber has been contaminated, too.
- If the problem prevails, get skilled assistance ASAP. This will help in faster diagnosis and repair.
7. Decayed Combustion Chamber
After years of rigorous service, an engine’s combustion chambers become prone to fragilities. Thanks to carbon buildup and faulty combustion components like damaged piston rings or valve seals. The combustion chamber takes on the most important role of supplying power to the motor of the vehicle. When you notice excessive tailpipe emissions, knocking noises and engine misfiring – know that your car’s combustion chamber demands a doctor’s visit.
Quick Fix:
- Check the condition of the different components that make up the combustion chamber.
- Check piston rings for signs of damage. Replace them if need be.
- Inspect the fuel system for anomalies.
- Get in touch with a skilled expert to repair the more complicated facets of the situation.
Read More:
9 Most Common Reasons Why the Check Engine Light Is On
8. Engine Oil Sludge Deposit
This is where regular oil changes take centre-stage. Oil sludge begins heaping up when the engine oil isn’t altered regularly. The sludge is mainly formed on the intake valves, slowing down fuel consumption and compression.
Quick Fix:
- Change engine oil, at the earliest.
- Replace clogged oil filters to ensure a smooth flow.
- Sludge buildup keeps spreading and finally, contaminates the entire engine. So, cleaning it and changing oil is mandatory in regular intervals.
9. Broken Oxygen Sensors
Faulty oxygen sensors not only slow down the efficiency of the engine but also poses a threat during emission tests. Defect in the oxygen sensors can lead to stunted mileage. It also disrupts fuel-air mixtures.
Quick Fix:
- Call mechanics to inspect sensors for loose connections or simple damage.
- If found, replace the oxygen sensors.
- And you’re done!
10. Dirty Coolants
Composed of parts including a radiator, radiator hose, thermostat, overflow tank and more. It requires a tad extra care to ensure the efficiency of the cooling system. An efficient cooling system doesn’t only keep passengers happy but also keeps the engine from overheating. However, negligence results in dirty coolants. Dirty coolants lag in efficiency and performance.
Quick Fix:
- Radiators get clogged, easily. Maintain a cleaning routine for the radiators, alone. Clean and refill, frequently.
- A cleaning session for the coolant should also be arranged to get rid of any remaining dirt.
- However, if your car has crossed the 5-year mark, it’s time to replace the coolants.
The Final Word
Like the human heart, a car’s engine has multifarious complications. Some controllable, others’ not. However, diagnosing an engine problem will save you from a lot of added expenses at the auto care centre. One may be befuddled by the various noises and other symptoms that arise when an engine’s component goes bad. SO, the best hack is to get in touch with experts who have spent years diagnosing such troubles and troubleshooting them, too. Booking a slot with a mechanic ensures successful vehicle engine repair, which would otherwise be uncertain without professional assistance.
