Car engines are designed to go for thousands of miles without needing to do any serious repair work. But, over time, all cars will need some work to maintain the performance of the engine and the car as a whole.
It’s incredibly important that when you notice something strange or off with your engine, you act quickly to identify and fix the problem so you avoid the risk of it causing serious damage.
So, recognizing and treating potential engine problems as soon as you can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run. Plus, it’s also a great way to avoid the risk of breaking down on the road.
What are the Signs of Car Engine Damage that You Need to Recognize?
Sign #1: If Your Car Makes Odd Noises
If you notice any odd noises coming from your car, it could be a sign of engine damage. Anything that’s unusual about the noises you’re hearing from your engine could point to a problem, especially if it’s louder.
For example, if the sound is something that’s louder than it normally is, like a loud rattle, or something that’s different than it normally is like a strange grinding noise, that’s something that you really want to watch out for. Other sounds you should be wary of include knocks or squeals.
Sign #2: If Your Car Creates Excessive Smoke
In the same way, you should be wary if you notice a lot of smoke coming from your exhaust. So, if you notice that your car is emitting a lot of smoke when you start it up and when you’re driving, that could be a sign of engine problems.
Keep in mind that there are different colors of smoke to know. For instance, blue smoke indicates an oil problem, white smoke means there’s water condensation, while black smoke could point to clogged air filters.
Whatever the color, excessive smoke can be a sign of a cracked cylinder head or a piston that’s damaged or broken. There are plenty of other causes of excessive smoke, including a leak or a build-up of carbon in the engine, so it’s important to figure out exactly what’s causing it.
Sign #3: If Your Engine Light is On
A warning light on your dashboard is also a sign of an issue with your engine. The light will alert you of something that is wrong, so it’s really important that you pay attention when you see your dashboard light up.
Sign #4: If You See Oil or Fluid Under the Car
You might notice that there is oil or an oil-like liquid leaking from or under your car. If you think this is happening, take your car to the mechanic for a checkup as you might need to get your engine fixed quickly.
Sign #5: If You’re Burning Fuel Faster than Usual
A lot of people don’t realize this, but burning more fuel than normal is a sign that there is a problem with your engine. If you realize that you’re having to fill up more than you usually do, especially if you’re driving shorter distances, that could be a sign that your engine is burning too much fuel.
Gas can be a great way to detect engine problems, but this can also be a sign that something is wrong with your fuel system. So, if you’re feeling like you’re burning more fuel than usual, you should have your car checked by a mechanic for potential engine damage.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Staying on Top of Your Car Engine’s Health
Car engines are pretty sturdy and can go for quite a long time before needing any serious repair. However, no matter what make or model of engine you have, it needs to be looked after.
To do so, it’s important to catch and treat potential engine issues as soon as they appear. This way you can avoid the risk of bigger problems and save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress.
Are You Looking for an Auto Mechanic in Hoover, AL?
At Hoover Automotive, we understand how important it is for you to have your vehicle taken care of by an auto repair shop you can trust. We’ve been providing the best auto repair in Hoover, Alabama for years, so get in touch with us to see how we can get you on the road with the smoothest ride.