A car’s engine is its heart. It is important for every motorist to pay attention to the first signs of engine malfunction in a timely manner – this will help to avoid unforeseen breakdowns and significant repair costs for the car.
In addition to manufacturer-recommended car maintenance services, it’s important to regularly check oil, antifreeze, brake and transmission fluid levels, as well as tire inflation levels, especially if you’re heading out. travelling.
However, there will be occasions when your car’s engine develops malfunctions that will require your attention, and it’s important to detect them in a timely manner. Together with automotive experts, we decided to find out what signals the car gives out to indicate engine problems.
Engine Troubleshooting Tips
- Warning systems for your car. When starting the engine, the dashboard lights come on or are already on when driving. Some will report issues with oil level or pressure, tire inflation, or some sort of engine or sensor malfunction. Contact an auto mechanic before the problem escalates or the car leaves you on the side of the road.
“The first signal to pay attention to is the icons on the dashboard. If unusual icons illuminate on them, it may be a sign of an engine problem. For example, the illuminated “Check Engine” icon may indicate a malfunctioning engine,” says Andrey Kuznetsov, an expert from the network of tire centers “Autoexpert”.
- Unusual noises, knocks, squeaks
Be sure to listen to the engine. It should work properly without making extraneous noise.
“You should pay attention to the sounds that come from the engine. If you hear extraneous noises, rattles or knocks, it may mean that something is wrong with the engine,” Kuznetsov advises.
- Engine start
It is possible to determine that not everything is in order with the engine when it is started, notes Alexander Chepelev, director of after-sales service at KLYuCHAVTO in Moscow:
“A weak engine start and floating speed may indicate low compression in one or more cylinders. At idle, a worn engine will not run properly, there are various knocks that persist even when the car is in motion. In addition, severe detonation may occur. secondly , during the operation of the car, an experienced driver may notice a loss of engine power, which is associated with deterioration of compression due to wear of the cylinder, rings and piston .
- Exhaust smoke color
Also, adds Chepelev, problems with the engine can be signaled by the color of the smoke coming out of the tailpipe. If the smoke is black or blue, you should consider contacting professionals to fix the problem as soon as possible.
- Other Problem Symptoms
Increased fuel and oil consumption, “sponge” soot on the candles are also signs of engine malfunction. Contact a specialist who will diagnose the engine and tell you what to do next.
How to extend engine life
Every car owner dreams that his “iron horse” will serve him as long as possible. But what to do to make it so? Automotive experts emphasize the importance of changing oil and filters on time, using only recommended oils and fluids, and performing regular maintenance. It is not worth using cheap analogues of consumables – air, fuel and oil filters, as this can lead to expensive repairs in the future.
- Fill with oil specified by the manufacturer for this engine.
“The first and most important rule is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the operation and maintenance of the car. The manufacturer knows their product best and can give the most accurate recommendations for operation. It is important to follow the oil and filter change schedule , use only recommended oils and fluids and carry out regular maintenance, ”advises Andrey Kuznetsov, an expert from the Avtoexpert tire center network.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the oil level. Oil is a vital element for a car engine. It lubricates the engine and removes dirt and deposits. According to Kuznetsov, it is important to monitor the oil level and its condition. If the oil is heavily contaminated or the level is too low, change it as soon as possible.
- Monitor the condition of the cooling system. The cooling system maintains the optimum engine temperature and prevents it from overheating. Monitor the condition of the cooling system and avoid damage, warns Kuznetsov.
- Refuel with quality fuel. The quality of the fuel is of great importance for the operation of the engine.
“Use only high-quality fuel to avoid contaminating the engine and damaging its components,” recommends the automotive expert.
- Correct driving of the vehicle.
Alexander Chepelev, Klyuchavto Service Manager, listed several important points on how to properly run a car in order to extend the life of its engine:
“To extend the life of the engine, you need to warm up the car before you start using it, start moving smoothly, avoid regular sudden starts and drive at the limit. Timely maintenance – changing engine oil, filters and other consumables – is a prerequisite for long and high-quality operation of the car engine” .
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