Signs Your Engine
Needs Repairs

One of the trickiest parts of owning a vehicle is recognizing when it needs repairs. Because the engine is such a vital component in a vehicle’s functioning, your vehicle will likely demonstrate several clear symptoms when its engine needs to be replaced.

Often, the first sign of an engine malfunction is an illuminated check engine light. The check engine light may turn on for a number of reasons, so if your vehicle’s light illuminates, don’t panic. The situation may not be as dire as you think. Instead, bring your vehicle to us, and we’ll help you determine the source of the problem.

Of course, electrical systems can malfunction, and engine problems may not necessarily cause the check engine light to turn on. As such, it’s important to be aware of other potential signs of engine malfunctions. For example, one key symptom to watch for is excessive exhaust smoke, as that’s one of the surest signs that something has gone wrong with your vehicle’s engine. This may be accompanied by engine overheating, so depending on the amount of exhaust smoke produced, you may need to pull over to prevent further engine damage. If you notice either of these symptoms, either separately or in conjunction, you should almost certainly take your vehicle in to have the problem diagnosed or repaired.

Less noticeable though still important, signs of engine malfunctions include decreased performance, poor fuel mileage, and unusual grinding or clunking sounds coming from the engine. Again, if you notice any of these symptoms, you should bring your vehicle in to have the issue diagnosed and resolved.