Watch Out for these 7 Signs of Major Engine Trouble

When you first notice an indication of engine trouble, you should promptly bring your vehicle to the shop for diagnostics. If you wait, the issue may worsen to the point that your engine fails. Needless to say, this is a problem you don't want to have. It's helpful to know some common signs of engine issues so that you'll be alerted to get to the shop when they arise in your vehicle. Here are seven symptoms of serious engine trouble.

Knocking/Tapping Sound

When oil gets extremely low, the lack of lubrication can lead to repetitive knocking noises. By simply adding more oil, you might be able to remedy this problem. But there is also the possibility that you'll need a rebuild on the bottom end of your engine.

Vibrations

A dangerously low oil level could also result in vibrations, which arise due to metal-on-metal contact in the engine.

Power Loss

If you drive an old car with high miles, there's not cause for concern if it's slowly lost a bit of power over the years. But a sudden and steep loss of power is indicative of a significant problem, such as worn-out pistons causing low compression.

Overheating

Overheating is often the result of leaks in the cooling system. Another potential culprit is a faulty water pump. Whenever cooling system issues arise, it's important to quickly take care of them so that overheating doesn't cause major engine trouble.

Burning Smell

As oil burns, there's a greater risk of insufficient lubrication leading to the failure of moving parts.

Check Engine Light Turns On

An illuminated check engine light isn't automatically an indication that engine failure is near. However, it's smart to soon get to the shop for computerized diagnostics so that any developing problems can hopefully be nipped in the bud.

Discolored Exhaust Smoke

The color of the smoke can give you clues about the underlying problem. Blue-tinted smoke is a sign of an oil leak. White smoke suggests that coolant is leaking. Black smoke is an indication that an excessive amount of fuel is burning up.

If you need engine repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For engine repair in Olathe, Leawood, and Lenexa, KS, contact the experts at Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 270-1893. Feel free to give Smith Specialty Automotive a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your vehicle's repair or maintenance needs!

Smith Specialty Automotive Blog
Posted: January 14, 2021

Written and Published By MORBiZ