If you drive a lot, it is helpful to know what the most common engine issues are that you may encounter on the road.  Being prepared is one of your best defenses when faced with engine problems.  In this month’s blog post, we review seven common engine problems that could cause you to be stranded or could even grow into bigger and costlier issues.

Engine Stalling

If your vehicle stalls at an intersection, or while idling, this can be a sign of an engine problem.  Stalling is not only a mechanical issue, but it can cause a safety hazard if you are on the road.  Stalling may be related to your vehicle’s fuel line, fuel filter, or spark plugs.

Overheating

If your vehicle is frequently overheating, this signals a problem with your engine’s cooling system.  An overheated engine that is not addressed can cause significant damage to engine components.  Some possible causes for overheating may include low coolant levels, possibly due to a radiator leak.  Also, the hoses may be clogged, you have thermostat issues, or you have a blown head gasket.

Engine Smoke

If you see smoke coming from your engine, this may be a sign of a fluid leak.  For example, if oil is leaking in the engine and dripping on hot engine components, it may produce smoke and a burning smell.  Try to identify when the smoke is appearing, and where within the engine it is coming from to narrow down the problem.

Engine Doesn’t Start

If your vehicle will not start when you turn the ignition, there could be a problem with your battery or your ignition system, such as the starter motor.  With a battery issue, you will usually hear a cranking sound, but the engine doesn’t turn over.  A jump start may be all you need, but make sure to have your battery charge checked.  If it’s an ignition problem, most likely you will not hear anything when you turn the ignition.  In this case, you may need to have your vehicle towed for service.

Unusual Sounds

There are many sounds that your vehicle may make during operation, and most drivers are familiar with the common ones.  When you hear new sounds, such as banging, clicking, or knocking, then it is time to have the engine inspected.  There’s a wide range of issues that can cause unusual sounds, from loose belts to fuel and air mixture problems.

Engine Misfires

When your engine misfires, this means that one of your cylinders is not operating correctly. When your vehicle is slow or shaky during acceleration, or intermittently loses power, this is a misfire.  There may be a problem with one of your spark plugs, or a clog in your fuel injector.

Excessive Oil Consumption

If you are adding oil frequently to stay at the recommended level, this may be a sign of an oil leak in the engine.  Leaks are usually due to worn seals or gaskets.  Slow leaks are harder to detect but if you are losing larger amounts of oil, you should see signs of oil underneath the vehicle.  The oil may also be burning off in the combustion chamber which is a result of a crankcase issue.

There are many other issues that you may experience with your vehicle’s engine.  It is important to become familiar with potential issues in your engine if you spend a lot of time on the road.

Any signs of problems should always be addressed promptly by a service professional. Waiting for problems to go away may only exacerbate the damage and repair costs to you.  Keep your vehicle regularly serviced to avoid most engine problems.  If you would like a full inspection of your vehicle, contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive to schedule an appointment.