Be Smart With Cars

Many car owners take it for granted when they turn the key and their car engine starts, but something can always go wrong. When your engine performance starts to diminish, it will usually exhibit certain signs that should warn you that repairs are imminent.

It is important to keep in mind that your engine is a complicated system that requires preventive maintenance to avoid extensive damage. Here is a look at unique signs that your engine can exhibit to warn you that it is not properly tuned up.

Loss of power and rough running

Any gas-powered engine relies on a four-stroke combustion system to generate the power necessary to move the vehicle. Even the slightest disruption in this cycle will result in symptoms such as reduced power, engine stalling and loud noises. In most cases, loss of power will occur gradually after covering many miles due to wear and tear, which can be fixed by taking the engine in for maintenance at your auto shop, such as Central Ave Auto Body.

Immediate power loss is, however, indicative of a more drastic issue, such as a damaged crankshaft, worn out cylinder head or carburetor, and immediate repairs should be done to prevent the engine from falling apart.

Rough running or idling in your engine is also a cry for a tune up. This is usually caused by clogs in the valves or cylinder pistons, and an oil change coupled with a fuel system clean-up should resolve the issue. Old spark plugs, leaking hydraulic valve lifters and worn crankshafts also cause the engine to run rough and produce loud noises.

White or blue Smoke

White smoke can appear when your engine starts running hot, and is usually caused by water and coolant entering the combustion chamber. This results from a blown head gasket or worn out cylinder head. A quick way to confirm that there is water and coolant in your oil is to use your dipstick to check your oil for a creamy, brown sludge, or dropping coolant levels in your radiator when the car is not running.

Blue smoke is usually a sign that engine oil is escaping from sealed surfaces due to breakage or wear and tear. If oil starts leaking past damaged valve guide seals, the cylinder head usually has to be changed for the problem to go away.

A similar problem can also be caused by worn out piston rings, which allow oil to mix with fuel in the combustion chamber, producing blue smoke when the mixture ignites.

By taking a proactive stance as soon as you discover any of these signs, you can save you engine from bigger problems.