8 Signs and Symptoms of Engine Damage

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, giving your car the necessary power it needs to operate correctly. When the engine is damaged, it will significantly affect your car’s performance. Fortunately, you can save yourself time and money by quickly diagnosing engine problems before they cause more harm to your vehicle. 

1. The Check Engine light turns on.

Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of alerting you about problems it detects via its On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. If your Check Engine Light (CEL) turns on, you should not dismiss it, as ignoring the problem could cause more damage to your engine (and other parts) over time. There are many different things that can trigger a check engine warning light. Some common reasons for a check engine light appearing include:

  • The Oxygen Sensor needs replacing.
  • The Mass-Airflow Sensor is in need of replacement.
  • The catalytic converter is damaged and in need of replacement.
  • The spark plugs are damaged or worn (causing engine misfires).
  • The fuel cap isn’t on tight enough (a very common, easy to fix issue).
  • many other electronic sensor and actuator related issues

2. Your car is making strange noises.

A knocking noise coming from your bonnet is a classic sign of a dying engine. This noise could be caused by wear of damage to your engine’s mechanical parts such as pistons, bearings or other moving parts. If you hear this type of noise, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Ignoring this problem could result in your car breaking down on the side of the road and a much greater repair bill (than catching the problem early).

Other noises you should look out for include popping, spitting and backfiring from your exhaust.

 

3. The engine is running roughly or inconsistently.

Listen to the sound your engine produces while you are driving. Is it consistent? A struggling engine will often stutter, shake or lose power as the revs increase. A few common solutions for this may be to replace the spark plugs, test / replace your ignition coils, check your fuel pressure, clean your Air Flow Meter or give your engine a tune-up.

 

4. Your car produces oil patches.

If you notice puddles of oil under your vehicle, this is probably a result of a leak in your engine. As the oil depletes, more friction and will occur in your engine, generating excess heat. Oil leaks are common from engine oil seals, and sump plugs / sump plug washers. This can cause damage to engine components over time. We recommend that you get engine leaks sealed as soon as possible.

 

5. You can smell odours from inside the car.

The smell of a car’s emissions should never be noticeable from inside the vehicle. If you have a strong exhaust smell, of engine fumes or any other strange odours, this could be a sign of engine damage. Don’t ignore strange engine smells and expect them to go away. Get your vehicle checked so that the problem can be diagnosed.

6. Your car is using more gas than normal.

 

Increased fuel consumption can often be related to a fault in the way your engine processes fuel. when paired with a visible check engine light and other engine-related symptoms, the problem can be much more serious.

If you notice your car is using more fuel, get it checked and fixed by a professional. This will save you money in the long run.

 

7. You experience a loss of engine power.

Engines will struggle to run at their usual level if there is an internal problem. Your vehicle may stall, shake at high speeds or struggle with hills. If your engine isn’t working as well as it used to, get it checked by a mechanic.

 

8. There is smoke coming from your exhaust.

 

There are several reasons why your exhaust could be producing smoke. The color of the smoke can give you an idea of what is causing the problem.

If the smoke is black, it means that your engine is has incomplete combustion which leads to burning too much fuel. This could be due to:

  • Damaged fuel injectors.
  • Malfunctioning sensors.
  • A damaged air filter.
  • A clogged fuel return line.
  • Mechanical damage in the engine

Grey smoke can mean several different things, making it difficult to diagnose. Possible reasons include:

  • A stuck PCV valve.
  • Problems with your transmission fluid.
  • Excessive oil consumption.

Dark blue smoke means that your engine is burning oil. This is due to oil leaking into your engine’s combustion chamber. This can be caused by:

  • Worn out piston rings.
  • Damaged valve seals.
  • Other worn or damaged engine components.
TIPS

How to Test a Car Battery

If you notice the headlights on your car are dim or your engine has a slow crank, then it might be time to test your car’s battery. Knowing when and how to test a battery is crucial for maintaining your vehicle. Testing your battery regularly helps catch potential issues before they leave you stranded. Please keep reading for signs that it’s time for a test, the purpose of a battery test, and the steps to do it yourself.

Purpose of a car battery test

One reason to test your car’s battery is to avoid a situation where you get stranded on the road. It’s important to recognize the signs that your car battery could be dying. 

When to test a car battery

It’s recommended to test your car battery at least twice a year to catch potential issues. Because extreme temperatures can take a toll on your battery, it’s a good idea to test before the summer and winter seasons.

Car battery voltage

Essentially, voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points. This is measured in volts. It can also be described as the pressure from a power source that pushes electric current through a circuit, allowing it to do work.

What voltage is a car battery?

Most car batteries have a voltage of 12. More specifically, the “resting voltage” is around 12.6 volts. When the car is up and running, the voltage increases. This can range from around 13.5 to 14.5 volts when the car is running.

How to test a car battery with a multimeter

When testing a car battery with a multimeter, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your multimeter is set to measure DC voltage and adjusted to 20 DC volts.
  2. Attach the red probe to the positive terminal (marked with a “+”) and attach the black probe to the negative terminal (marked with a “-”).
  3. Check the reading on the multimeter. If the battery is fully charged, it should read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts.
  4. If your battery is showing a reading of below 12 volts. It’s a good idea to bring the car to a professional for a comprehensive test.

How to test a car battery with a hydrometer

If you’re testing a car battery with a hydrometer, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on your headlights for about 2 minutes and then turn them off to remove any surface charge from the battery.
  2. Insert the hydrometer’s nozzle into one of the battery cells and squeeze the bulb to draw a sample of the electrolyte into the hydrometer’s scale.
  3. Evaluate the results. If the reading is between 1.265 and 1.299, it’s a healthy battery.

How to test a car battery at home without tools

Testing your battery at home is a great way to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Use the following at-home methods to help determine whether your battery is corroding, dead, or in good condition. While these methods are effective for initial diagnostics, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to take your car to a professional.

Load testing

Load testing your car battery at home is a practical way to assess its health without needing special equipment. Follow these steps:

  1. Turn on your car and the headlights for about 30 seconds.
  2. Observe your headlights. If they are bright, this means the battery is in good condition. If they are dim, the battery might be weak or partially discharged.

Car clicking noises

If you hear a series of rapid clicks when trying to start your car, this usually means the battery is dead. The noise comes from the starter trying to engage, but there isn’t enough battery current to make it start. If you hear only one or two clicks when trying to start your car, this means that the battery is too depleted to click multiple times.

Online battery testing

You can use a virtual battery tester online to estimate the remaining life of your battery without needing special equipment. Simply find a virtual battery tester online, enter your car details and then you’ll receive an estimate for the battery age and conditions.

Battery corrosion

The easiest way to check for battery corrosion is to pop the hood of your car and inspect the outside of the battery. Check for any green or white flaky substances in the battery terminals — these are signs of corrosion. Other signs that the battery could be corroded are slow cranking noises, dim headlights or difficulty starting the car. 

Seek help from professionals to test a car battery

While testing your car battery at home can be informative, there are times when it’s necessary for some professional assistance. If you notice persistent issues despite your efforts, it’s best to take it to a professional. Maintaining a healthy battery helps ensure your car runs smoothly and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Make sure you’re fully covered on the road by getting the right auto insurance.

TIPS

4 Tire Care Tips for the Summer

When it comes to your car tires, it’s important to be extra cautious and mindful, especially during the blazing heat of summer. The intense hot weather can harm your tires and even raise the chances of them blowing out. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your car’s safety to prevent accidents and enjoy a pleasant summer journey. There are several steps you can take to ensure your tires stay in great condition and work well during the summer.  And this how you can take care of your tires:

1. Get Tire Rotation

One of the best ways to make the most of your tires and keep them from wearing out too quickly is by getting regular tire rotation. You should aim to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. A common rotation method involves moving the front tires to the back or the back tires to the front, while keeping them on the same side of the car.

2. Ensure the Correct Tire Pressure

The temperature outside can change the air pressure inside your tires, making them either fill up or get less air. But if you regularly check your tire pressure, you can keep the right amount of air inside them and prevent your tires from wearing out too quickly. When you check the pressure, it’s best to do it when the tires are cold and haven’t been driven on for a while. This way, you’ll get the most accurate measurement. If you check the pressure when the tires are hot from driving and constantly rubbing against the road, the heat and friction can make the reading wrong.

3. Replace Your Tires Promptly When Needed

Over time, all tires experience wear and tear. The more you use them and the changes in seasons can make them deteriorate faster, which is something you can’t avoid. However, it’s important to carefully inspect your tires to look for signs of damage such as tread separation, cracks, or bulges on the surface. Using worn-out tires can lead to problems like longer stopping distances, less grip on the road, and brakes that don’t respond well. So, if you notice issues with alignment or air pressure, it’s a good idea to replace your tires.

4. Examine the Tire Tread

When you first get a new tire, it usually has a tread depth of around 10/32” or 11/32”. However, as you drive regularly, the tread depth gradually becomes shallower. It’s important to keep an eye on the tread depth and make sure it doesn’t go below 2/32”, as this can pose safety risks. Before going on long drives, take a close look at the tread wear. Also, run your hand over the tires to check for any uneven wear. Ideally, the surface should feel smooth and even.

TIPS

How to Clean Your Car Engine

Knowing how to clean your engine is an important part of vehicle maintenance, and it can save you money. Tidying up under the hood helps extend the life of belts, hoses and other components. Plus, it’s easier to spot leaks, tears and other damage on a clean engine. Check out the steps below to properly clean your car engine, and be sure to consult your car’s operation manual before you get started.

1. Eliminate any residue

Your car’s hood, grille and vents are prime areas for dirt buildup. Blow them out with compressed air or clean the areas with a wire hand brush.

2. Get the temperature just right

Next, let your engine warm up to a moderate temperature – not too hot. This will help soften grease buildup in the engine compartment.

3. Know what to cover when cleaning your engine

Plastic sandwich bags come in handy when it’s time to clean up your car. The parts to keep covered when cleaning your engine are:

  • Electrical wiring
  • Sensors
  • Spark plug openings
  • Alternator
  • Distributor

Secure the baggies with tape. To protect your battery, cover it or simply remove it.

4. Don’t forget the drip pan

Place old towels on an absorbent mat under the engine’s oil drip pan to catch any hazardous waste.

5. Give the engine a good spritz

Thoroughly spray the engine compartment with an engine cleaner, avoiding the wiring you bagged and taped. Since petroleum cleaners can damage rubber and vinyl components, consider a citrus or water-based degreaser. For parts that seem extremely oily or greasy, let the cleaner soak in for 15-30 minutes and repeat if necessary.

6. Rinse and unwrap

Once the engine cleaner has done its job, lightly rinse engine and components with water. Remove the bags you used to protect the wiring. Once the towel or mat is dry, dispose of it properly. And if you removed the battery, don’t forget to replace it.

7. Remove excess moisture

Blow away excess water in the engine compartment with compressed air.

8. Dry out the interior

Lastly, turn on your engine and let it run until warm. The heat will help dry the hard-to-reach areas.

Maintenance

Tips of Starting a Cold Diesel Engine

As the temperatures drop, we must start thinking about how to take care of our diesel trucks in cold weather. Here are some tips on how you can make sure your diesel engine will start and run efficiently when the weather gets cold.

1. Allow Time to Warm Up the Engine

In order to start a diesel engine and keep it running in cold weather, you must make sure you allow plenty of time for your engine to warm up. If you do not let your engine warm up before driving, you will make it work harder than necessary, which will lead to problems later on. The length of time your diesel engine will need to warm up depends on how low the temperatures are outside. As a general rule of thumb, if it is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, you should allow your engine up to seven minutes to warm up. If the temperature is between zero and fifty degrees, the warm-up period should be three to five minutes. Over fifty degrees will only require one or two minutes to warm up. This warm up time is necessary to increase the temperature of the combustion chamber. A diesel truck will not fully reach operating temperature until after you have started driving.

2. Consider Diesel Engine Heating Options

When temperatures drop, your engine may need additional help to warm up in order to start and run at the necessary operating temperature. Most diesel trucks come with built-in block heaters to keep the engine warm overnight. Because this puts the engine at a higher temperature, it will be easier to start and will require less time to warm up before driving. Block heaters are simple to use, too. All you need to do is plug the heater cord into an appropriately sized extension cord, then plug the extension cord into a three-pronged electrical socket that can handle the voltage of the heater. Another heating option is a diesel fired coolant heater, which adds supplementary heating to the engine, fluids, and other key parts. These heaters do not use electricity, so they can be used just about anywhere. Glow plugs are heating devices that can be useful when trying to start cold diesel engines by helping to ignite cold fuel.

If your engine is still having trouble starting in cold temperatures even with the use of the above heating options, your battery may be the issue. Batteries tend to lose about 35% of their power at freezing temperatures and can lose up to 60% when temperatures reach zero degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your battery warm can be an easy remedy, and you can do this using either a hot plate-style warmer or a blanket warmer. The hot plate-style warmer sits underneath the battery and warms it from below. The blanket warmer wraps around the battery to keep it warm from all sides.

3. Deal with Frozen Fuel

In cold temperatures, diesel fuel can freeze or congeal together. In the event this happens, you must warm the fuel and change out the fuel filter before attempting to start the engine. You can use a winter fuel additive to reduce the risk of your fuel freezing when temperatures drop. If these steps are not taken, frozen fuel can block the flow to the injector pump and can result in engine damage.

4. Store Your Diesel Engine in a Warm Area

Whenever possible, it is best to keep your diesel engine in a warm area when it is not running. Try to store it in a place where it will also not be exposed to snow or ice in order to avoid possible damage. If you can keep your diesel engine out of the elements and at a warmer temperature, it will start much easier and will need less time to warm up.

5. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

When a fuel tank is not full, condensation can form on the inside of the tank when temperatures drop. As the air becomes even colder at night, this condensation will then freeze. Frozen condensation in a fuel tank can cause the same problems as frozen or gelled-up fuel in your tank. By keeping your fuel tank full, you minimize the amount of space in which condensation can form. Winter fuel additives can also help control this problem.

TRUCKS