Car engines are like the heart of a vehicle, responsible for generating the power required to move the car and run all the systems inside of it.
Just like any other component, car engines may experience problems over time. These can range from small annoyances to major issues and can impact the performance, fuel efficiency, and safety of your vehicle.
When it comes to taking care of your engine, there’s no room for shortcuts. A car with a damaged engine won’t be reliable and will struggle to perform well. That’s why you need to address any car engine faults as soon as possible.
While some engine problems can be resolved quickly, all of them can lead to car breakdowns. If you leave engine troubles unaddressed for too long, your car may even end up needing a brand-new engine.
In this article, we’ll explore some common engine problems and what causes them. When you’re able to recognise the signs of car engine problems early on, you can quickly resolve them and prolong the life of your engine.
1) Overheating
Overheating is one of the biggest car engine problems and needs to be dealt with quickly to prevent further damage to your car. Engine overheating can occur due to low coolant levels, a dysfunctional thermostat, a failing water pump, or a blocked radiator.
Steam and vapour coming out from under the car bonnet is one of the tell-tale signs of an overheating car. You may also notice that the dashboard temperature gauge begins to rise.
Driving a car with an overheating engine is dangerous and can cause severe damage to your vehicle. If you notice your car engine overheating, slow down, park your vehicle in a safe space, and call for a mechanic.
Town Automotive’s skilled mechanics are trained to diagnose and resolve engine overheating issues quickly and efficiently. Contact us to book an appointment today.
2) Poor Lubrication
Your car’s engine requires enough oil between its moving parts to keep it functioning smoothly. A lack of lubrication will cause unnecessary friction inside the car engine, which may lead to overheating or the engine seizing up.
Ensure you get your vehicle serviced periodically and carry out oil changes regularly to keep oil quantities at an adequate level.
3) Leaking Cooling System
A leaking cooling system can lead to your vehicle overheating if you don’t address the issue in time. Typically, when coolant leaks out of the radiator, gaskets, water pump, or other cooling system parts, it means the level of coolant remaining is too low for it to be effective.
If you notice your engine coolant is continually low even after it’s topped up, there’s probably an issue with your cooling system.
Typically, coolant is supposed to be regularly flushed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If this isn’t done, the quality of the coolant will deteriorate and cause the parts it interacts with to degrade, shortening their lifespan.
Keeping your coolants at the appropriate levels and free of debris and deposits is an effective way to ensure safe operating temperatures.
4) Blocked Engine Radiators
Engine coolant that’s old or contaminated may fill your car engine’s radiators with unwanted sediments and deposits. This is another common cause of car engine problems.
Avoid mixing hard water with the coolant, as this can lead to your radiators becoming damaged over time due to limescale formation.
5) Damaged Oxygen Sensors
An inaccurate oxygen sensor is dangerous for your car engine and the rest of your vehicle.
If your oxygen sensor doesn’t give you accurate data about the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and fuel, your car may have poor fuel efficiency.
When it comes to car engine problems, this one is often overlooked but can have serious consequences. Take your car to a professional car garage like In Town Automotive and replace the oxygen sensor promptly to reduce further damage to your vehicle.
6) Aged Spark Plugs
Aged spark plugs are one of the car engine problems commonly seen in older vehicles.
Spark plugs ignite the compressed fuel in the engine of your vehicle. An aged spark plug creates a weak ignition and may cause your engine to misfire. This issue can lead to inefficient fuel economy and cause long-term damage to your car’s engine.
Choose In Town Automotive For Top-Tier Car Maintenance Services
Understanding common car engine problems and what causes them is essential if you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly for a long time. If your car is regularly serviced and well-maintained, you’re less likely to encounter any car engine problems.
At In Town Automotive, we offer a variety of car repair and maintenance services to keep your vehicle functioning optimally. From repairing brakes and exhausts to turbo replacements, DPF cleaning, and MOTs, we’re here to help.
Our award-winning garage in Northampton is staffed with skilled mechanics, offering excellent service to help you maintain your vehicle performance. Whether you need a quick fix or a thorough inspection, you can trust us to provide the servicing that your vehicle requires.
To learn more about us, visit our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.
bookings@intownautomotive.co.uk