All posts tagged engine repair

3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Radiator

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/21 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on 3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Radiator

Your car is a reliable tool. A device you use every day to get from point A to point B. It keeps you from having to rely on the public transportation system as it provides you with a sense of freedom. It can generally take you anywhere you want to go. Unfortunately, cars break down from time to time. Parts get older as they gain more wear and tear and they either need to be fixed or replaced. One of the main parts of the car that will break with time and age is the radiator. If you have a failing radiator, then you may notice one or all of the following issues.

Overheating Issues

One of the most dangerous signs that you need a new radiator is overheating. The normal place for a temperature gauge to be is about one quarter of the way past the cool mark and toward the hot mark. In extremely hot temperatures, your temperature gauge may go up to the half point. Anything more than half point indicates that you have a problem in your cooling system. You may have to buy a radiator from a reputable company like Natrad. Your problem could be in other areas of the cooling system too, but the radiator is one of the first places you will want to look. Never allow your temperature gauge to go up more than three-quarters of the way. Find a safe place to pull over and turn your vehicle off.

Evidence of Leaks

A leak can most definitely mean that it is time to replace your radiator. You can tell that you have a leak in your cooling system one of three ways. You will smell fluids burning when your engine gets hot. You will start running hot and then discover that you have no coolant when you inspect your vehicle. Another way that you can detect a leak is by looking underneath your vehicle. You will see a puddle on the ground where something leaked from the radiator. You may even see something drip while you are looking.

Unsightly Rust

If you have a rusty radiator, then it is time to put it out of its misery and get a new one. One place that you will see rust if it is time to replace your unit is on the cap. You may see this rust when you take it off to pour some antifreeze in the vehicle, or you may see it on the radiator. Either way, it is something that you do not want to ignore because it can get into your cooling system and start many problems.

You can try to preserve your radiator by taking it in for regular maintenance and having someone flush it at reasonable intervals. A well-maintained one can last you for many years. Unfortunately, there will come a point where just regular maintenance will not save your radiator and it will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that radiators are quite expensive. However, most of the time you won’t have these problems unless you have an older used car.

How To Tell If Your Whole Engine Needs To Be Replaced

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/07 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on How To Tell If Your Whole Engine Needs To Be Replaced

Due to today’s economic landscape, buying a brand new car can put a major dent into a driver’s monthly budget. If your current vehicle is in relatively good condition, the best approach is to keep it running for as long as possible. In the event that your engine is on its last leg, you can have your motor rebuilt or replaced for a very reasonable price. Here are some of the signs that your whole engine needs to be replaced.

Constant Blue Smoke

The presence of exhaust smoke warrants an immediate red flag. Upon first cranking your vehicle in the morning, you may notice a puff of bluish-colored smoke coming out of the tailpipe. This usually indicates a set of worn valve seals, which can be repaired by an experienced mechanic. However, a vehicle that constantly spews blue smoke is an entirely different story. The cylinders inside the engine are probably worn beyond repair, so the engine will be burning a significant amount of motor oil.

Knocking Noises

If you consistently hear a knocking sound from the engine, you should stop driving your vehicle until you get engine inspected. If you are lucky, the knocking sound may stem from a loose spark plug that needs to be re-tightened. Low octane is also a common cause of knocking. If you consistently hear a knocking sound during acceleration, a bearing inside the engine may have failed. If your engine has a lot of miles on it, you will be better off just replacing the engine.

Low Engine Compression

Low engine compression can cause a number of problems including a loss of power and difficulty in starting the engine. If you notice that the performance of your vehicle has suddenly declined, ask a repair shop to check the compression in each engine cylinder.

Severely Overheated Engine

According to Gulftech Engines Inc., a company that specializes in rebuilt engines in Houston, overheating the engine is one of the most common causes of premature engine failure. If the engine is not cooled down in a timely manner, the cylinder head can suffer permanent damage. A warped cylinder head is a complex auto repair that requires a very experienced mechanic.

The engine is definitely the most important component on your vehicle. The good news is that replacing it can give your old ride a new lease on life. The extra money can be used to to pay your rent or mortgage.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance  writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this article from Gulftech Engines Inc., a company that specializes in rebuilt engines in Houston.