In almost any vehicle, the engine acts as the heart of the automobile by keeping the entire vehicle running smoothly and continuously. In order to keep your car operating at its peak potential, it’s critical that your engine stay in top shape; performing routine preventative maintenance on your car’s engine is essential to preventing it from experiencing premature failures or unexpected breakdowns.

Weekly inspection of the following items can assist you in maintaining your engine’s maintenance:

  • Check engine oil and coolant levels.

Not only is keeping your engine in top form important for the health of your vehicle, it’s also imperative for keeping you and your passengers safe. Below are some of the most common reasons for car engine failure and how you can repair them.

Engine repair 101

 

Causes for Car Engine Failure

Car engines often fail because owners ignore the following warning signs in their vehicles:

  • Engine flooding: Driving through standing water or through severe rainstorms with significant flooding can cause the water to enter the intake manifold, causing hydrostatic lock – bending the pistons and leading to potential engine damage.
  • Oil leaks: Oil leaking heavily from your car is usually a warning sign of a larger problem, so be sure to address any significant oil leaks early on.
  • Check engine light: Many people delay checking their vehicle for potential problems when the check engine light goes on, even though it’s usually a strong indicator that engine damage is already underway.
  • Cooling system: It’s important to periodically flush the coolant in your car’s cooling system to prevent the system from malfunctioning. If your cooling system has a blockage or is low on coolant, it could lead to an overheated engine.
  • Oil changes: If the engine is the heart, then the oil is the blood that keeps it pumping; therefore, it’s incredibly important to make sure you don’t fall behind on performing routine oil changes. Oil changes help to ensure that your car has a sufficient oil supply, and that the oil in the system is clean­ and free of dirty toxins that can potentially harm your engine.

Engine Repair Basics

Should your engine need repairs, there are several basic items to understand that can reduce your out of pocket expense:

  • Pay attention to the check engine light: Next time that light comes on, be sure to actually check under the hood – quickly. It could be an indicator that you need to replace your catalytic converter, spark plugs, or oxygen sensor.
  • Fuel and exhaust: Examine all elements of your fuel and exhaust systems to make sure your engine is getting the fuel it needs and that your exhaust system is expelling exhaust gas from the engine as needed.
  • Ignition: Check all parts of your ignition system to make sure that your car can generate the spark needed to get your engine up and running.

Understanding Potential Risks & Solutions

Understanding what puts your engine at risk of engine failure is essential to establishing the correct engine maintenance routine. Performing engine maintenance will not only help you ensure that your engine can provide reliable and safe transportation, but can significantly extend the life of your vehicle, as well.

And should a malfunction occur, knowing what basic engine repairs are required will help you preserve your car and your wallet!

To learn more about how Central Diesel can help your maintain and repair your engine, contact us today.

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