If you’re a car owner, have you ever experienced having some serious engine troubles while you’re on the road? Engine problems, particularly engine failure, are scary situations that can sometimes lead to perilous outcomes. It will take a lot of your time and money to fix the issues and leave very little time and money to do more important things.
Although there’s not much you can do to avoid this from happening, there are still precautions you can take to see if you can catch any signs of engine failure before it occurs. So, if you’ve been experiencing any of the following signs, you should have your car checked right away:
1. Engine Oil Leaks
Most vehicles need to have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. And if you notice your car is leaking oil from its engine, you should probably get it checked.
Most of the time, oil leaks result from a damaged oil pan, leaky seals, worn-out gaskets, or a cracked oil pan. A leaking oil pan can end up being very expensive to fix, so you should try to catch the leak as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs and any further damage.
2. Oil Pressure Issue
Another problem you should watch out for is your car’s oil pressure light. Over time, your car’s oil pump can start to fail. And if you notice that the oil pressure light is blinking like crazy, your car might be having an oil pump problem.
However, it’s not just the oil pressure light that you need to look out for, but also the engine knocking sound. If your engine is knocking like crazy, it’s an indication that there’s something seriously wrong with your car’s engine, and you need to get it checked out right away!
3 Check Engine Light
All cars are equipped with a “Check Engine” light. This light will light up if your vehicle is experiencing any problem with its engine. You need to take note if the light is blinking or if it’s staying lit. If it’s blinking, your car is experiencing a problem, but if it’s lit, you definitely need to get it checked right away, as this indicates that your car’s engine is experiencing a serious problem.
However, most of the time, the Check engine light just means there’s an engine problem, and it should be looked at right away by a professional.
4. Weird Vibrations
Another bad thing that might happen is if your car is experiencing vibrations. Many times, engine vibrations indicate that your engine is either loose or there might be something wrong with your tires. But, if this happens suddenly, there might be something wrong with the engine itself.
You should be on the lookout for any signs of engine vibration, especially if it happens suddenly and without any reason. It might be a sign of serious engine troubles that you need to get checked out right away.
5. Engine Knock
A knocking engine is bad news, especially if it’s knocking while the car is idling. Knock is caused when the engine is under very high loads, like when your car is accelerating or driving uphill.
It’s bad news because it can damage your engine and lead to costly repairs. So if your engine is knocking when it’s at rest, you should have it checked right away.
Conclusion
Engine failure is scary and expensive to experience. You need to know what the early signs of engine failure are so you can manage the problem before it gets too big. So the next time you’re driving on the road and you notice any of the above signs, you need to take your car in for a checkup.
For all your car troubles, trust the experts at Hoover Automotive. We’re good at diagnosing car problems, fixing them, and getting your car back on the road. Whether you need a quick oil change or engine repair in Hoover, AL, just bring your car to us, and we’ll get it running like new again. Give us a call today to schedule a service.