The engine is the heart of your car, and taking care of it is essential for keeping it running smoothly. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Scroll down to discover common engine problems and how to address them. Keep reading!
Spark Plugs
Older vehicles often face this issue. Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your car’s engine, but as they age, they may fail to ignite the fuel properly, causing the engine to misfire and struggle to start. This problem can lead to poor fuel efficiency and potentially cause significant long-term damage to the engine.
The Fix:
If your engine isn’t performing well, the ignition seems off, and fuel economy is lacking, consider changing the spark plugs. This will revitalize your engine, improve efficiency, and enhance responsiveness. Additionally, ensure you have the right tires with proper tire pressure for better fuel economy. You can find these at Clean Complete Auto Care & Transmissions, the best tire and suspension shop in Berea.
Overheating
When an engine overheats, it can fail, leading to expensive repairs or a complete overhaul. This typically occurs when the engine loses coolant, often due to a faulty radiator, thermostat, hose, water pump, or cooling fan.
The Fix:
Whenever your car overheats, be sure to check the radiator, thermostat, hose, water pump, and cooling fan. If you can’t do it yourself, have professionals inspect them. Regularly checking, servicing, or replacing these components is essential to help prevent overheating issues.
Oil Debris
Older, dirty oil leaves debris on your engine’s components, including intake valves, spark plugs, and combustion chambers. When these parts become obstructed, the engine lacks the power to run normally.
The Fix:
If you’re facing this issue and want to resolve it, visit our local garage. The professionals there will handle the job for you, cleaning your engine’s oil filters as part of routine service to prevent debris from clogging your vehicle’s bearings.
Dirty Engine Coolant
If your car has driven over 100,000 miles or is five years old and hasn’t had its radiator flushed and refilled, the coolant is likely dirty. Sediment in the dirty coolant can block your radiator, leading to overheating.
The Fix:
Have the dirty engine coolant flushed out and replaced with fresh coolant to ensure your engine performs well and you avoid issues while driving.
Poor Lubrication
Your engine needs sufficient oil to lubricate its moving parts. A lack of lubrication creates unnecessary friction, leading to overheating and, ultimately, engine seizing.
The Fix:
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to ensure your engine receives adequate lubrication and friction for optimal performance. This includes routine oil changes to maintain appropriate oil levels.
Faulty Sensors
Modern cars have advanced technology, including numerous sensors that aid their operation and performance. However, a faulty sensor can lead to serious engine problems. Each sensor in your car’s engine serves a distinct purpose.
One of the most crucial sensors is the oxygen sensor, which measures the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust gases. The car’s computer uses this data to adjust the air-fuel mixture. If this sensor malfunctions, your car may receive incorrect information, resulting in lower fuel efficiency or diminished engine power.
The Fix:
You should have your engine checked at a local repair shop, or if you have the tools and equipment at home, you can do it yourself. If a faulty sensor is found, be sure to have it replaced.
Final Thoughts
These common engine problems can be addressed by you or hiring professionals. The best approach is to have your car regularly maintained and inspected by experts to prevent these issues from recurring.
Clean Complete Auto Care & Transmissions offers engine tune-ups, repairs, and wheel alignment services in Berea.