If your car has served you faithfully for many years while clocking high, six-figure mileage, you should pay close attention to signs that it’s not running as smoothly as before. While this could be indicative of any number of problems, a failing engine will generally exhibit symptoms before it’s too late. Here are eight signs that your engine may be on the way out and need replacing.
One: The check engine light stays on
While it’s true the check engine light can mean minor as well as major problems, taking action when the light first comes on can mean the difference between catching something early or facing the pain of replacing your engine. A check engine light that stays illuminated on your dashboard after starting your car should never be ignored. Your mechanic can get the diagnostic code for the problem, so you’ll know if it’s a loose gas cap or an faulty engine.
Two: Constant overheating
Constant overheating even after cooling system maintenance and repairs can possibly mean a cracked engine block or a problem with the catalytic converter. Unfortunately, a cracked engine block requires an engine replacement to repair the problem, so this is a “need to know.”
Difficulty starting
If hard starts have become the norm with your vehicle, it’s imperative to get it checked out by your mechanic. This could be an indicator of the engine going bad or lesser issues like a failing battery, broken timing belt, or problem with the starter, ignition system, or the fuel system.
Excessive Exhaust Fumes
When you have continuous exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe it typically means that you have oil, gas, or coolant leaking onto your engine. Ignoring this symptom for too long can lead to irreversible engine damage. The color of the exhaust will reveal which fluid is being burned in the engine. Black exhaust is burning fuel, blue exhaust is burning oil, and white exhaust is burning coolant. All bad.
Rough idling or acceleration
Running rough while idling or accelerating as well as loss of power or stalling when accelerating are all signs of potential engine trouble. When the engine can no longer produce power, it’s time to replace it with a new engine for your car, truck, or utility vehicle. A mechanic’s inspection can determine other possibilities, including a failing fuel pump, dirty fuel injectors, a clogged fuel filter, or worn spark plugs.
Constant Knocking Sound
If you hear a constant knocking sound coming from the engine, your rod bearings may be worn, and the pistons are damaging the cylinder block. Don’t keep driving if the engine is knocking constantly and you know it’s not due to the wrong kind of gas. Doing so will cause additional damage. Replacing the rod bearings requires a partial engine rebuild and if you break a rod, you will need to replace the engine.
Metal Shavings in the Oil
Metal shavings in engine oil can result from contaminated oil if you’ve not done regular oil and filter changes. This can be corrected with a flush and fill with fresh oil. Another option is that wear and tear on your engine has resulted in metal shavings as surfaces deteriorate and this can wreak havoc on the entire system. Have your mechanic check to see if you need an oil change or a new engine.
Reduced gas mileage
Reduced gas mileage can be a sign of underlying engine problems. This could be due to trouble with the fuel injection system, fouled or dirty spark plugs, or a failing oxygen sensor. A visit to your mechanic will get a proper diagnosis for fixing or full engine replacement. Knowing your mileage before you start having issues will alert you if it does become a problem. Here’s a quick way to calculate MPG (miles per gallon) for gas-fueled cars: Fill your tank and run the vehicle for 100 miles. Then, top off the tank with gas. Divide the number of miles you drove by the amount of gas you used (what it took to return your tank to full). So, if you drove 100 miles with a full tank and required five gallons to refill, you got 20 MPG.”
LKQ Online can ease the pain of needing a replacement engine
Engine replacement certainly doesn’t mean you have to get a new car, so if you find yourself in the position of needing a replacement engine, don’t panic. LKQ Online has a huge inventory of high-quality, low-mileage genuine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) used engines as well as remanufactured engines that can get you quickly and safely back on the road. Search by year, make, and model of your vehicle, including the VIN number for guaranteed fit and find the perfect engine for your needs.