How do you know when your engine is going bad?

Is your car losing power when driving or failing to start? If you are experiencing such issues, consult a professional auto mechanic for guidance on engine repair. Identifying the signs before they escalate into costly replacements or repairs is the first step in ensuring your car functions well.

How do you know when your engine is going bad?

• The Engine Overheats: The Engine typically overheats owing to insufficient or leaking engine coolant, a defective thermostat resulting when the coolant does not flow, and a faulty water pump leading to non-circulation of the engine coolant. It is best practice for drivers to pull over as soon as they notice their car's Engine is overheating. Using a vehicle when it is overheating may damage the engine cylinders or destroy the engine block, resulting in costly engine repairs.
• The Engine will not start or has difficulty starting: One of the most common symptoms of a failing car engine is when the car fails to start or has difficulty starting. The most common causes of this include a drained car battery, faulty starter motors, when one hears clicking sounds when trying to start the car, problems with the fuel system emanating from blocked fuel filters or a defective fuel pump, and ignition system problems resulting from faulty spark plugs or coils. This may also result from damage to the Engine caused by low compression and timing belt failures.
• The Check Engine Light: This warning typically illuminates due to power loss or irregularities in engine performance. Get an early diagnosis from a trusted mechanic for a diagnostic scan to identify the underlying issues.
• Reduced Performance: Are you struggling to accelerate? This could mean a malfunctioning combustion cycle. Most cars utilize the four-stroke process; a breakdown of any of the steps could result in a performance reduction.
• Lower Fuel Efficiency: An unexpected increase in fuel consumption could indicate compression problems. Contact a professional auto mechanic if your car is suddenly guzzling more fuel than expected.
• Odd Engine Noises: Is Your Car Making Weird Noises? Weird noises such as knocking, popping, or hissing sounds could indicate combustion problems. Such noises could indicate ignition misfires or timing issues. One must not overlook odd or unusual noises.
• Frequent stalling: This occurs when the car engine dies abruptly when idling or driving. This is a severe problem. This occurs due to faulty air or fuel delivery during the intake stroke of the combustion cycle.
• Unusual Smells: Pay close attention to any foul smells, especially foul or burning odors emanating from the exhaust. Such smells could indicate faults during the engine exhaust stroke.
• Rough Idling: The typical symptoms of this include vibrations or engine misfiring when the car is stationary. This could indicate dirty spark plugs, low-quality fuel usage, or a faulty car battery.

Wondering how do you know when your engine is going bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the engine diagnosis and engine repair options available and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.