The engine is the heart of your vehicle. It is what gives your car or truck life. Most drivers are confident that they know their vehicle inside and out. With technology now in days you’re not as likely to have engine trouble, but it is still possible that it could happen. However, even if you’re at one with your car, it can be difficult to know when something changes. This is especially true when it comes to your car’s engine. Luckily, though, there are 5 signs that you can keep an eye out for which will let you know that your vehicle needs a new engine.
1. Gas is Gone in an Instant
One way to tell that your engine is breaking down is by how fast the gas in your tank empties out. If there is something wrong with your vehicle’s engine, there will be a quick decrease in the gas mileage. For instance, if you notice that you usually get 20 mpg on the road but are now limited to 15, it may be time to bring your vehicle to the auto shop. This does not mean that you need a new engine, but it does show a possibility. You may just have something as simple as a leak in your gas line or a problem with you fuel injectors.
2. Recent Knocking Noise
Another way to tell that your vehicle may be experiencing engine trouble is that all of a sudden a knocking noise develops. This noise will usually be brought upon when the car speeds up. The noise can be the result of something as simple as a bad tank of gas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s because this noise could actually be due to small detonations in the engine that could cause irreversible damage if not taken care of.
3. Car Turns Over But Doesn’t Start
If the engine is malfunctioning, it may be difficult to start up the car. Remember, if the car turns over, you can rule out the issue stemming from the battery. The same goes for the starter and alternator, as long as the vehicle starts. According to Mike’s Auto Towing, when the car starts hard, all fingers should point to the engine.
4. Vehicle is Backfiring or Stalling
Of course there are times where this doesn’t indicate engine failure, but when a car backfires or stalls there is a possibility that it is due to an engine problem. If it’s not the engine itself, it could be a problem that could damage the engine.
5. Odor From the Exhaust
Nowadays, most vehicles run without giving off any smell. However, if you notice that all of a sudden your exhaust smells bad or different from before, you should bring your car straight to the mechanic to get it checked.
It’s clear that if you experience any of the signs listed above in your vehicle, you need to get it looked at right away. After all, it’s better to be overcautious than not cautious enough. By getting your car inspected, you can avoid serious damage from occurring later on.