I’m an expert mechanic – sign your engine needs urgent repairs NOW to avoid it costing you thousands
EXPERT mechanics have revealed the key signs you need to be aware of that indicate your vehicle needs urgent repairs.
A motorist might very well own the flashiest of cars, surrounded by luxury and state-of-the-art gadgets but without the engine working properly, no one will be going anywhere.
Which is why drivers need to be aware of the warning signs to stop you having to fork out thousands of pounds in repair bills.
The experts at Collision Motoring Services have detailed the key points you need to know so you can continue with stress-free driving.
Car engine light is on
The first indication that something could be seriously wrong is when your car engine light goes on.
This is perhaps one of the most dreaded indications any motorist can see but it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious fault.
It could be switched on due to something minor, like a loose fuel cap.
Although it shouldn’t be ignored as it could be something major.
The car engine light could be triggered for any number of reasons to do with your engine, including transmission, emissions equipment, electronic powertrain control, air/fuel delivery, or ignition system.
The experts say that while being low on engine oil can be a serious problem, it shouldn’t trigger your check engine light.
You should still be able to drive your car with the light on, although this isn’t recommended, as long as you don’t notice any other signs, such as a loss of power or an odd noise.
However, drivers are advised to get your car checked over as soon as possible by a professional to prevent further damage.
Overheating is a continuous problem
Car engines that are in need of repair or even replacement, are especially prone to overheating.
If your car does constantly overheat there are a myriad of reasons why this is happening and people are advised to seek professional attention immediately.
One of the many reasons could be down to a defective engine block and while cracks in it can be repaired, the entire engine may need to be replaced.
A loss of power
One of the most obvious signs there is a problem with your engine is a noticeable loss in performance.
The experts say immediate attention is needed to prevent bigger problems arising and it will ensure your car is performing as it should.
Ignoring the issue may mean that in the not too distant future you may need to replace the entire engine.
The engine oil has some extra ingredients
It’s stating the obvious but no matter what engine your car has, it will need oil to function properly and give optimum performance.
If you have a warranty on your car, failing to use the correct engine oil for your vehicle type could also invalidate your policy.
The interval between needing an oil change will vary depending on your car’s make and model
Advances in modern lubricants mean nowadays changes are usually needed somewhere between 5,000 to 7,500 miles and some can go up to 15,000 miles.
Your driving habits – such as if you make long or short trips or if you regularly drive stop-start or with heavy loads – can also have an impact.
Even the weather conditions you usually drive in can also affect the frequency of oil changes.
When you do change your engine oil, keep an eye out for signs that the engine might be developing a problem.
You need to be aware of metal shavings in your engine oil, these shavings are parts of your engine that have disintegrated into the oil.
This is a problem that can’t be fixed.
While replacing your oil will help keep your engine running smoothly it doesn’t act as a cleaner.
The experts advise to give your engine a good once over with a car engine cleaner.
A knocking noise coming from your engine
Drivers need to be aware of what is known as “Rod knock”.
The constant, low-pitched knocking noise is caused by the pistons banging inside the cylinders and is the result of worn rod bearings.
The sound often becomes more frequent when driving at higher speeds, but will continue even after your engine warms up.
Drivers should get this attended to as soon as possible as it can cause some serious damage to your cylinder block and leave you with a hefty bill.
Lots of fumes coming from your exhaust
Checking on the state of your car’s exhaust fumes will indicate if your vehicle is having engine trouble.
Black fumes could mean it is burning too much fuel, whilst blue or grey fumes could indicate a major oil leak.
White fumes could be caused by a coolant leak.
Once again the experts warn the continuous emission of exhaust fumes needs to be checked over by a professional urgently, to prevent costly repairs being needed.