The engine serves as the heart of your vehicle's mechanical system. A properly functioning engine beats steadily underneath the hood, but an engine that is in need of repair can wreak havoc on the performance of your vehicle. Addressing minor concerns promptly is a simple way to prevent the need for more costly repairs.
Here are three early warning signs that you should be watching for to determine if your car's engine needs professional mechanical attention in the near future.
1. White smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe.
When you see white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe, this is an indication of several different types of engine problems. Problems within your engine's coolant system can create leaks, which can allow coolant fluid to find its way into the combustion chambers of your vehicle's engine.
Warping or cracking of the head gasket can be caused by coolant leaks, so it's important that you are taking the time to watch for white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe on a regular basis. Have your mechanic inspect your engine as soon as you notice white exhaust smoke, and you should be able to prevent additional damage from occurring within your vehicle's mechanical system.
2. Clunking sound coming from under your vehicle's hood.
Automotive engines are designed to run smoothly and quietly. If you begin to hear a clunking sound coming from under the hood of your car, it might be time to have your engine checked for damage by a skilled mechanic.
While there are many things that can cause a clunking noise to come from the front end of your vehicle, one of the most common culprits is worn engine bearings. The bearings serve as a resting place for all of the moving parts within your engine. When denied oil on a regular basis, engine bearings can go bad and seize up. This seizing leads to the development of an audible clunking noise, and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent additional engine damage.
3. Metal shavings in your engine oil.
Checking your engine oil levels on a regular basis is an important aspect of proper vehicle maintenance. In addition to ensuring that there is enough oil to keep your engine properly lubricated, you should also be checking the quality of your engine oil each time you pull your vehicle's dipstick.
When one metal component within your engine rubs against another, small flakes of metal can be dislodged and find their way into the oil that circulates throughout your engine. If you notice metal shavings in your engine oil reserve, having a mechanic check for potential rubbing can help you prevent more serious damage from occurring in the future.
Properly maintaining your vehicle's engine is essential when it comes to keeping your car running properly. Be on the lookout for white exhaust smoke, clunking sounds under the hood, and metal in your engine oil, as these are early warning signs that your engine is in need of repair. For more information, talk to a professional like Bearsch's United Auto Center.
Share27 April 2016
After trying in vain to fix my car for a few months, I realized that I needed to hire a professional. I was tired of dealing with repairs that I was unfamiliar with, and I knew that I needed to get some help. I started looking around for a great auto mechanic, and even though one business was more expensive than others, I decided to work with them. They worked hard to fix my car, and I was really pleased with how great of a job they did. This blog is all about investing in proper auto service so that you don't have to deal with problems in the future.
