Common Engine Problems and How to Fix Them
Unless you drive a new car daily, you're bound to have occasional engine problems. Such problems are an inevitable part of car ownership, but you shouldn't ignore an issue and hope it goes away. Engine failure is never fun, as it can put your ride out of commission indefinitely. While regular car servicing helps minimize the risk of engine failure, it doesn't guarantee that your engine will never experience any problems. In fact, as your car gets more miles under its belt, the odds of engine problems increase significantly.
Most of the repair work involved in fixing engine problems is beyond the scope of the average car owner, so it's best left to the professionals. However, If you like to be proactive about auto service and maintenance, you'll want to know how to diagnose engine problems yourself. That way, at least, you can have a general idea of what's wrong with your car before taking it to a mechanic. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the top six most common engine problems and how to diagnose them.
The Engine Won't Start
If your engine won't start, the first thing you should do is check the battery. Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. The next step is to check the starter motor to see if the battery looks OK. If the starter motor is defective, you'll need to replace it.
Another common reason why an engine won't start is if there's a fuel delivery issue. If your engine isn't getting enough fuel, it'll misfire and eventually die. You can assess the fuel system by checking for leaks in the fuel line. If there are no leaks, then the problem may be with the fuel pump or filter.
Engine Overheating
While it's common for an engine to overheat in the summer months, it can happen at any time of year. The most common cause of engine overheating is a coolant leak. You can check for coolant leaks by looking for pooled-up coolant under your car. If there's no coolant leak, the problem may be with the water pump or thermostat.
Another possible cause of overheating is a blocked radiator. Radiators can become blocked by debris, such as leaves and dirt. To inspect the radiator, remove the radiator cap and look inside. If the radiator is blocked, you'll need to remove the debris and flush the system with distilled water or replace it entirely.
Engine Knocking
Keep your ears open for a knocking noise coming from the engine. This usually indicates a problem with the connecting rods or pistons. The metal-on-metal contact between these components causes the knocking noise. If left unchecked, this problem will eventually lead to engine failure.
Remove the oil dipstick and check the oil level if you notice a knocking noise. If the oil level is low, topping it up may temporarily stop the knocking noise. However, you'll still need to take your car to the mechanic to fix the underlying problem.
Rough Idle
An engine misfire usually causes a rough idle. The most common reason for an engine misfire is a bad spark plug. You can check the spark plugs by removing them from the engine and inspecting them. If the spark plugs are black or fouled, you'll need to replace them.
Another common cause of a rough idle is a vacuum leak. Several things can cause a vacuum leak, including a faulty gasket or hose. You'll need to use a vacuum gauge to diagnose a vacuum leak. Attach the vacuum gauge to the engine and check the reading. If the reading is low, there's a good chance of a vacuum leak.
Engine Stalling
If your engine stalls, it's usually because there's an issue with the ignition system. The most common problem is a bad spark plug. You can check this by looking at the spark plugs. If they're black and sooty, it's a good indication they need to be replaced.
Other possible causes of engine stalling include a faulty ignition coil, lack of fuel, or a dirty air filter. You can check the ignition coil by removing it from the engine and testing it with a multimeter. If the coil is defective, you'll need a new one.
You can check the fuel level on the fuel gauge to see whether a lack of fuel is the problem. You'll need to fill up the tank if the gauge reads empty. A dirty air filter can also cause engine stalling. The air filter is responsible for keeping debris and dirt out of the engine. If it becomes clogged, it'll restrict air flow and cause the engine to stall.
You can check the air filter by removing it from the engine and holding it up to a light. You'll need to replace it if you can't see through it.
Check Engine Light
A loose or faulty gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on. The gas cap seals the fuel system and prevents gasoline fumes from escaping. If the gas cap is loose or damaged, it'll trigger the check engine light. So if the check engine light comes on, you should first tighten or replace the gas cap.
A faulty oxygen sensor can also cause the check engine light to come on. The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen levels in the exhaust system. If it detects levels that are too high or too low, it triggers the check engine light. To test the oxygen sensor, you'll need to use a multimeter. Attach the multimeter to the oxygen sensor and check the reading. You'll need to install a new oxygen sensor if the reading is outside the normal range.
These are just a few of the most common engine problems. If you're experiencing any of these issues, don't ignore them. Diagnosing and fixing the problem sooner rather than later will save you time and money in the long run. And if you're unsure what the problem is, don't hesitate to take your car to a mechanic.
Sea View Auto Corp is an excellent choice for engine diagnostics and repairs. Our state-of-the-art service center is equipped with the latest tools and technology. And our team of highly skilled mechanics has years of experience working on all makes and models of cars. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
Engine by Mike Babcock is licensed with CC BY 2.0