Your engine will tell you if it is in trouble; you just need to pay attention to the signs. Some of the signs are unavoidable but others are subtle. It’s the subtle signs that can lead to costly automobile repairs because you don’t pick up on them until they become unavoidable. Preventative maintenance keeps your engine in shape but just in case, AmeriFix lists four warning signs that point to engine problems.
1. Motion Signs
If your automobile jerks, stalls or surges when you press on the accelerator or while it’s in motion, you might have a fuel, ignition or transmission system problem. Clogged fuel lines and filters can affect vehicle performance as can bad spark plugs or wires. If your transmission needs work, your vehicle might jerk or slip in and out of gear. A rough or stalled ride means trouble, so get it checked out.
2. Audible Signs
You should never hear a popping or tapping sound from your engine. If you do, it might mean the gas used to start and run your vehicle is igniting prematurely within the ignition system. This can damage your pistons, which an expensive repair to say the least. If you hear popping or tapping when you start your car, truck or SUV or while you drive, pull into an auto shop right away to isolate the source.
Another audible sign of impending doom is grinding when you start your car. If you hear grinding when you brake, your brake pads are worn and need replacement. If you hear grinding when you try to start your vehicle, the starter motor life has run its course. Replacing the starter isn’t cheap – it could be a couple of hundred bucks with labor – but your car won’t start at all without a healthy starter.
3. Smell Signs
Burning smells indicate an oil or coolant leak, overheating, carbon monoxide leaks or worse. Nothing should smell hot while you drive. Keep an eye on your dashboard temperature gauge while you drive to make sure your engine isn’t overheating. If you notice something that smells like rotten eggs, your catalytic converter is in trouble. Bottom line: If something smells strange, have your vehicle inspected.
4. Visual Signs
You shouldn’t see smoke from your vehicle. If you notice blue smoke coming from underneath your hood or out of your exhaust pipes, your engine is burning motor oil quickly, which can lead to further, expensive damage. If you see white smoke, you might have antifreeze leaking into your fuel supply. Pull over, shut off your vehicle and call for help at the first signs of smoke, especially if you see fire, too.
AmeriFix in Franklin, TN, can investigate all of the above because we are experts in engine service and repair. Stop by our Royal Oaks Blvd. shop or call us today.
