3 Common Engine Issues & How to Prevent Them

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Uncategorized

Basic Auto Repair Tips Everyone Should Know

The engine is the heart of any functioning car. It’s one aspect of looking after and running a vehicle that you simply can’t compromise. Diagnosing a fault with your engine is not always easy and it can be even harder to repair. If you believe that your engine is struggling or, worse still, failing, make sure you take a look at some of the most common issues relating to car engine failures below.

#1: ENGINE WON’T START

It’s perhaps one of the most nerve-racking and common engine problems, nearly every driver has experienced that sinking feeling of turning the key and the engine failing to start as normal. You can usually conclude it’s a battery problem if the engine is clicking but there’s no crank. When there’s a crank, but still does not start, you are looking at a fuel or ignition problem.

Some other typical reasons engines fail to start include:

  • LOW OR DISCHARGED BATTERY
  • CORRODED OR LOOSE BATTERY CABLES
  • STARTER MOTOR RELAY FAILURE
  • IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE
  • FAULTY FUEL PUMP
  • CLOGGED OR DIRTY FUEL FILTER
  • NEGLECTING OIL AND FILTER CHANGES
  • CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE

#2: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT

These are frequent reasons your “Service Engine Soon” light would have turned on: Your vehicle is equipped with a “Service Engine Soon” light to let you know if any fault has been detected by one of the sensors connected to the emission, engine, or powertrain controls.

Some reasons your service engine light comes on include:

  • LOOSE OR MISSING GAS CAP
  • WORN-OUT AND DAMAGED SPARK PLUGS OR WIRES
  • ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILURE
  • DEFECTIVE DISTRIBUTOR OR COIL PACKS
  • EMISSIONS CONTROL FAULT – SUCH AS THE OXYGEN SENSOR
  • POOR FUEL QUALITY

#3: ENGINE OVERHEATING

While overheating engines are most common during the hot summer months, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen in the winter. Most cars come with some kind of temperature gauge or warning lights to tell the driver if the engine is in danger of overheating. To prevent engine overheating, the best thing you can do is keep the engine’s coolant in good condition and have it regularly serviced.

Overheating is most frequently caused by the following problems:

  • DAMAGED OR BROKEN THERMOSTAT
  • DIRTY OR LOW COOLANT LEVEL
  • NON-FUNCTIONING COOLING FAN
  • FAILED RADIATOR HOSE
  • INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS
  • DEFECTIVE RADIATOR CAP

 

If you want to have a knowledgeable technician check out your engine for any of these common issues, contact us today. We at Nono’s 76 will inspect your car and answer your engine questions.