Your car consists of so many complex mechanisms to make it work and keep you safe and comfortable on the road. Most of the vital parts are contained within the engine and, when something’s amiss, it’s important to take those signs seriously! Here are some signs that your engine could be suffering a slight to major problem:
Smoke
Smoke from the front or back of your car is never a good sign. Blue smoke is usually indicative of oil escaping within the engine and burning with the fuel. White smoke usually occurs when antifreeze or water condensation mixes with your vehicle’s fuel. Like the oil leak, you can top it up regularly, but this won’t solve the problem. White smoke coming from the front of your car can often be an indicator of an overheating engine.
Smells
No matter how much take out you eat or how much you smoke in your car, you should never smell fuel, smoke, any kind of burning smell (like burning rubber), or carbon monoxide. If you do notice some strange smell, open your windows immediately and get your car tended to urgently. You never know where you may have sprung a leak and ignoring the problem can result in greater and more costly problems later on.
Noises
You know what your car normally sounds like when you start up and when you drive. Provided you don’t turn the stereo on from the minute you turn the key, you should be able to pick up on even the slightest changes. Your car has a kind of rhythm that you can depend on, and when this rhythm skips a beat, adds a beat or makes any kind of strange noise, you know that it will need attention. Diesel engines are often a bit noisier than gasoline engines, but this is still no reason to let excessive noise escape inspection. Grinding noises when you start your car could be signs of starter motor trouble while banging or clanging noises might be your car’s pistons.
Jerking
When you drive your car, it should be a smooth and comfortable experience. Unless you are a learner driver, and you don’t know how to change gears, your car should not jerk. If you drive an automatic, your vehicle should definitely not jerk. You might have clogged fuel lines, worn spark plugs, or another entirely different problem. These issues are best diagnosed and repaired by a certified professional.
Warning lights
Your dashboard is like information central. Not only can you monitor your speed and possibly your revs as well, but you can also keep an eye on how your car is doing. Warning lights notify you of problems when they occur so that you don’t drive your vehicle with a serious problem. A service light will tell you when it’s time to get your car checked in at your local service department while oil lights, heat gauges, and similar warning systems are in place to keep you informed and prepared.
Remember that it’s always best to have a professional tend to any engine maintenance and repairs. Trying to perform the repairs yourself is dangerous and can end up even more costly at the end of the day. Keep your car protected with a personalized extended warranty from A-Protect Warranty. Call 1-866-660-6444 or (416)-661-7444 for more information and advice.