Your engine is the heart of your car. If it is not performing correctly, it's not a good situation. Minor engine damage can ultimately lead to major vehicle failures and expensive repairs if not dealt with as soon as possible. Sometimes a simple fix today can prevent thousands of dollars in damage tomorrow.
As a driver, you can use your senses to feel when something is not right, whether it is an engine problem or something else wrong with your car. Here are 8 of the most common symptoms to look for:
1. Check Engine Light
Obviously, if your check engine light or another dashboard/computer display warning comes on, it's usually for a good reason. Your vehicle has many sensors throughout it and if a problem is detected, they will notify the car's computer. You'll want to have your vehicle looked at by an expert mechanic who can also run diagnostic tests to determine the source of the problem.
2. Stalling Engine/Won't Start
If your engine stalls out when you come to stops or it won't start, then clearly there is a problem. It may just be a dead battery, faulty starter or something else electronic. Or, it could be a significant engine issue.
3. Loss of Power
If you are driving and your vehicle feels sluggish or just tends to lose power sporadically, you will definitely want to have your engine (and probably your transmission, as well) looked at by an auto repair professional.
4. Loss of Fuel Efficiency
This one can be hard to notice because it happens over time. However, if you see a significant drop-off in your vehicle's usual gas mileage, it might be an engine problem or something with the fuel system, air intake or exhaust system.
5. Strange Noises
Perhaps you hear a rattle, hum, clank, screech, backfire or squeal. Or, you actually feel the vibrations. Unusual sounds coming from your vehicle could represent any number of issues with different systems such as the engine, brakes, differential(s), wheel bearings, suspension, transmission, exhaust, etc. Don't ignore strange noises. Get them looked at, diagnosed and repaired before major problems develop.
6. Unusual Smells
Just like strange noises, unusual smells should not be overlooked. If you smell burning fluids, smoke, exhaust fumes or anything else out of the ordinary with your vehicle, get it checked out sooner rather than later.
7. Rough Engine
You may notice that your engine just feels rough, whether it's when your car is idling at a stop or when you are driving down the road. If things don't feel or sound right then that usually means that something isn't right.
8. Engine Keeps Running After Car is Turned Off
If you turn off your ignition and the engine keeps running, then that's a definite sign of a problem. It may be something simple like using the wrong octane fuel or it may be a more significant engine concern.
These are just a few of the most common signs you can look for as a driver. If you live in the Colorado Springs area and notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to call the auto repair experts at LightHouse Automotive. We'll diagnose the problem and get it repaired. Whether it's a minor preventative fix or a major engine repair, we got you covered.
Call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or book your service appointment online.