7 Indications of Major Engine Trouble

At the first sign of an engine issue, you'll want to be proactive about bringing it to a mechanic's attention. If you delay, there's a greater risk that the problem will worsen to the point that your engine fails, sticking you with major expenses. By familiarizing yourself with common indications of engine trouble, you'll know to bring your vehicle to the mechanic when you first suspect a problem. Here are seven signs of serious engine trouble.

Knocking/Tapping Noise

A dangerously low oil level can cause repetitive knocking sounds that emerge due to insufficient lubrication. You may be able to resolve this issue by simply adding more oil. However, with this symptom, there's a possibility that the bottom end of your engine will need to be rebuilt.

Vibrating

Extremely low oil can lead to metal-on-metal contact which causes vibrations that stem from the engine.

Loss of Power

With old vehicles that have a ton of miles, it shouldn't be too worrisome if a bit of power has slowly been lost over time. But if your vehicle loses a lot of power quickly, then you've got a sign of a serious issue, such as low compression caused by worn-out pistons.

Check Engine Light Turns On

When the check engine light flashes on, you don't need to automatically worry that your engine is on the brink of failure. But it's still wise to soon bring your vehicle to the shop for diagnostics so that emerging problems can be addressed before they get worse.

Burning Odor

When oil burns, inadequate lubrication can result. This could potentially cause moving parts to fail.

Discolored Exhaust Smoke

Black smoke is a sign that too much fuel is burning up. Blue-tinted smoke suggests an oil leak. If coolant is leaking, you may see white smoke.

Overheating

Cooling system leaks are often to blame for overheating. Another possible cause of overheating is a failing water pump. Cooling system issues should always be addressed ASAP so that overheating doesn't lead to engine failure.

If you need engine repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For engine repair in San Diego, contact the experts at Japanese Car Masters - Mira Mesa Auto Repair at (858) 282-0918. Feel free to give Japanese Car Masters - Mira Mesa Auto Repair a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your foreign or domestic vehicle repair needs!

Japanese Car Masters - Mira Mesa Auto Repair Blog
Posted: January 8, 2021

Written and Published By MORBiZ