You might already know this, but the engine is one of your car’s most important parts. If the engine dies, you’re obviously going nowhere in a hurry, and it’s usually more cost-effective to have the vehicle scrapped rather than having a new engine fitted. Since that’s the case, you might as well learn the common signs of engine failure so you can have the old car scrapped before a breakdown or MOT forces your hand.
Here are just a few of the most common signs.
Lots of Exhaust Smoke
If there’s plenty of smoke coming out the exhaust, there’s a good chance your engine has suffered serious internal damage. In most cases:
- Blue smoke indicates burning oil
- Black smoke indicates too much fuel is being burnt
- White smoke indicates a cooling system leak.
This is probably the least serious sign of engine trouble, but it’s still one worth taking seriously. After all, when was smoke ever good?
Knocking Sounds
Your car’s engine contains many moving parts. Those parts rest on bearings to ensure nothing bumps around while the engine is powering your vehicle. Over time, those bearings can go bad. When that happens, you might notice a knocking sound coming from under the hood when you drive.
Struggling Starter
One of the giveaway signs that a car might be on its way to the garage is that it’s struggling to start. This might be a problem with the car’s electrical system, or it might need a new solenoid. Now, keep in mind that in order to extend the longevity of the vehicle, it is important that you get authentic new parts, such as these Woodward Solenoids. Otherwise, you risk significantly shortening the remaining lifespan of your car.
Metal Shavings in Engine Oil
Next time you change your oil, take a look at the old stuff. Does it look like it has metal shavings in it? If so, your engine could be on its last legs. When metal shavings are present, it means that metal-on-metal contact is occurring somewhere in your engine, so it’ll be just a matter of time before it fails completely.
Insufficient Power
Since your engine produces power, it should come as no surprise that a lack of power is a sign that something is wrong. If your car seems to struggle, your engine isn’t doing its job. This should be particularly noticeable when you use it to drive up a steep incline, accelerate hard, or keep up high speeds on the motorway.
