5 Common Warning Signs That a Vehicle’s Engine May Be Damaged

If there is one component of a vehicle that is absolutely essential to its functioning, it is certainly the engine. After all, the engine is fully responsible for giving the vehicle what it needs to power itself forward, or in any other direction for that matter. As such, any sort of damage to the engine or its related components will almost certainly have an immediate negative effect on the way the vehicle performs in some way or another. 

Engine problems are something that no driver wants to deal with. That said, engine issues happen, and when they do, early detection can make all the difference between the vehicle requiring minor repairs such as an oil change in Longmont or a major overhaul. After all, because the engine is such a central component, a once-isolated problem can quickly spread to other mechanical parts, therefore requiring the need for more extensive repairs.

With that in mind, it is important that drivers know how to spot the first signs of engine trouble quickly so that they can seek out a professional specializing in car service in Longmont who can address the issue right away before it becomes worse.

1. The Check Engine Light Pops Up

Vehicles are equipped with certain self-monitoring systems called On-Board Diagnostics systems. These systems will use a variety of commonly recognized symbols that will appear as lights on either the dashboard or console to warn a driver that something isn’t performing as it should or may require attention or maintenance. 

Some of these warnings are relatively benign. For instance, when a light pops up to warn drivers that their washer fluid is low, the issue can quickly be addressed with a quick stopover at a local gas station. However, the check engine light is definitely the type of warning sign that drivers should take seriously. 

There are a lot of different reasons that a check engine light might come up. Some are minor or easy fixes, but some may be more serious. Be especially wary of a check engine light that is red or blinking. If this is the case, the vehicle should be taken into a professional shop that specializes in auto repair in Longmont for a check-up and diagnostic as soon as possible.

2. The Vehicle Is Making Unusual Noises

There are a lot of different noises that a vehicle may make that can signal a wide range of issues. However, some sounds in particular are characteristic of engine trouble. For example, drivers should always be wary of any knocking sounds that are coming from under the hood or the general area of the engine. If the vehicle is making large backfiring noises, this is another warning sign that there may be engine trouble, as are uneven motor noises that might resemble popping or spitting sounds. 

If a driver notices any noises that might be related to their engine, it is imperative that they get the vehicle into a professional mechanic who specializes in generalized services like alignment in Longmont as soon as possible before the problem gets any worse. That said, strange noises coming from a vehicle should never be ignored, so it is always a good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible even if a driver doesn’t suspect that those out of the ordinary noises are specifically engine-related. 

3. The Engine Isn’t Delivering Consistent Doses of Power

There are a lot of potential reasons an engine may be losing power, but regardless of the issue, it is important to get it nipped in the bud quickly before things get worse. 

In addition to noticing the vehicle might not be accelerating as quickly as possible or struggling to climb hills, drivers may notice irregular shaking sensations or stuttering sounds. Sometimes a vehicle will even stall out completely or even noticeably shake when accelerating or climbing. Any of these telltale signs are warnings that the engine might be in danger. 

4. Strange Odors

When vehicles run, they naturally emit fuel emissions that are filtered through the exhaust system and out of the back of the vehicle so that they are not breathed or smelled by any people inside the car. That said, most people can easily recognize the faint odor that is emitted by a vehicle’s exhaust, and should immediately be wary if they smell this kind of odor inside of the vehicle itself or notice a particularly strong smell outside of the vehicle when it is running. 

While the issue might be as simple as the vehicle is overdue for an oil change in Longmont, CO, strange smells are nothing to mess around with, and the vehicle should be brought in for a professional diagnosis as soon as possible.  

5. Increased Fuel Consumption

Obviously, if a vehicle is using more fuel than it should be, this is going to result in increased fuel costs that most people would hardly be excited to shell out for. 

However, increased fuel consumption is also almost invariably the product of some underlying mechanical issue, and the problem could potentially lie in the way that fuel is being processed as it makes its way through the engine. This type of problem will more often than not be accompanied by the presence of dark or black smoke coming from the exhaust. 

Engine related fuel issues can definitely be suspected if a driver notices that the vehicle seems to be burning more fuel and that the check engine light has come on. Regardless, drivers will want to get a drop in fuel consumption diagnosed by a professional car service in Longmont as soon as possible to save money both in the short and long term. 

The Takeaway

Engine issues need not be serious, especially if they are addressed right away. That said, it is important that at the first sign of possible trouble, the vehicle is taken in for professional auto repair in Longmont before the problem gets more out of hand. 

Knowing and understanding the above warning signs can help drivers spot the possibility of an engine-related problem before it comes more serious, therefore helping them save big in the long run.