The beating heart of any vehicle, the car engine is a vital component that has a very important role to play.
The mixture of air and fuel in the engine’s cylinder is ignited to cause a reaction several thousand times a minute. The power generated forces the piston into motion and sends this force to the gearbox then to your wheels to propel your car. Whilst the number of cylinders and their size differs from vehicle to vehicle to produce a varying level of power, the engine is no doubt a powerful component.
With this, when engine problems do strike, your car will require immediate repair. But what if car engine repair just won’t cut it? How can you tell if your engine is beyond repair?
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the signs that say it’s time to replace your car engine.
1. Your car engine light is on
The first sign of car engine issues is the illumination of your check engine light. It’s also one of the most dreaded sights for vehicle owners.
The car engine light may be an indication of a small issue such as a loose fuel cap, or a major problem that requires car engine repair or replacement. Issues that may trigger your car engine light to appear include problems with your engine, transmission, emissions equipment, electronic powertrain control, air/fuel delivery, or ignition system. Your engine oil being low can cause serious problems, but shouldn’t trigger your check engine light.
So, you may be thinking, can I drive my car with the engine management light on? Whilst avoiding investigating the issues that have caused your engine light to appear isn’t recommended, you can still drive with your check engine light on if you don’t notice any other signs, such as loss of power, strange noises, stopping or surging.
We suggest getting your car checked over by a professional as soon as your check engine light appears to prevent further damage.
2. Overheating is a continuous problem
Cars with engines that need repair or replacement are particularly prone to overheating. If your vehicle is constantly overheating, this may point to a long list of issues, including a defective engine block. Cracks in the engine block cannot be repaired, instead the entire engine would need to be replaced as a result.
3. There’s a loss in power
When diagnosing any car issue, you have to use all your senses. A slump in performance is the most obvious sign that your car engine requires repair or replacement.
A notable loss in power is a key indicator that your car engine isn’t operating as it should do. Without car engine repair or replacement, your engine won’t be able to generate the power required to function correctly.
If car engine repair isn’t an option, you may need to replace the car engine to restore your vehicle to its former glory.
4. Your engine oil has a few extra ingredients
Whatever engine is in your car, it needs oil to do what it does best. All modern engines need oil to ensure optimum performance and a long service life. If you have a warranty on your car, failing to use the correct engine oil for your vehicle type could also invalidate your policy.
The exact oil change interval will vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Whilst previously it was recommended that engine oil should be replaced at least every 3,000 miles, advancements in modern lubricants have increased the interval between changes to 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Some engines can even go without an engine oil service for up to 15,000 miles if using fully synthetic engine oil.
Your driving habits – whether you take long or short trips; encounter hot, cold or dusty weather conditions; or regularly drive stop-start or with heavy loads – will also influence the frequency of your engine oil changes.
When changing your engine oil, keep an eye out for the signs of car engine issues. The presence of metal shavings in your engine oil can be a sign that car engine replacement is needed. Metal shavings are in fact parts of your engine that have disintegrated into the oil and unfortunately this is an issue that can’t be fixed.
Remember replacing your engine oil may keep your engine and associated moving parts running smoothly, but it is not a cleaner. Giving your engine a good once over with a car engine cleaner is recommended. Our car engine cleaning service – known officially as specialist Engine Decontamination Treatment (EDF) – will unlock a long list of advantages for your engine and wider driving experience.
5. There’s a knocking noise coming from your engine
‘Rod knock’ is a term many people don’t want to hear when talking about a car engine. This constant, low-pitched knocking noise is caused by the pistons banging inside the cylinders and is the result of worn rod bearings. The sound may become more frequent when you drive at a higher speed, but will continue even after your engine warms up.
Without immediate car engine repair, this continuous contact can cause some serious damage to your cylinder block, which would eventually lead to complete car engine replacement.
6. You’ve noticed lots of fumes coming from your exhaust
Checking the state of your exhaust fumes will also provide the information you need when diagnosing car engine troubles. Black fumes could point to the burning of too much fuel, whilst blue or grey fumes could indicate a major oil leak. White fumes may be caused by a coolant leak.
The continuous emission of high volumes of exhaust fumes should be investigated further and could lead to car engine repair or replacement.
Want us to take a closer look?
Here at Collison Motoring Services, we offer support and advice for vehicle owners affected by engine issues. Whether it’s car engine repair or replacement you need, or you require a little help with maintenance and car engine cleaning, get in touch with us today.
