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Signs You Might Have An Engine Problem

An engine is the most important part of an automobile. Without a proper working engine the car cannot operate or function properly. Here is a list of signs that you may have an engine problem and need to have your car checked by a professional mechanic.

Check Oil Or Low Oil Light Comes On

Whenever the check oil light comes on you should immediately pull over to the side of the road and check the engine oil. Oil is the lifeblood of the engine and running out of oil could completely destroy your engine. When you run out of oil, the pistons inside the engine will have no lubrication and will seize, which will destroy the parts. You should always add a quart of oil immediately when you see notice that the engine oil is below the add marker on the dipstick. You also may want to take it into a professional mechanic who can check for a potential oil leak that could be the source of the problem.

You Don't Remember The Last Time You Changed The Oil

Dirty oil can have a major impact on the performance of your car, including gas mileage and the performance of the engine itself. Over time dirt builds up in the oil from wear and tear and the dirt can be detrimental to the delicate parts inside the engine. It is recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 miles, but to keep the car operating at maximum efficiency you can change it more frequently. When you change the engine oil, it is important to make sure that you replace the engine filter as well, as dirt can build up inside the old oil filter and contaminate a fresh batch of oil.

You Hear Tapping Noises

Engines that are in bad shape mechanically will typically make tapping or popping noises to indicate that there is a problem. If you hear strange noises at any point you should immediately take your car into a professional mechanic to avoid possibly detonating one of the engine's cylinders.

You See Or Smell Smoke

If you smell smoke coming from the engine block at any point you need to pull over to the side of the road and stop driving. Blue smoke could be a sign that oil is burning somewhere inside the engine or you may have a broken seal. Do not attempt to fix the car yourself when you see smoke. Oil and fluids inside the engine are extremely hot and can cause severe burns if they touch human skin.

If any of the problems listed above happen to you then you should take your car into a shop like Leading Edge Automotive for a check-up before a serious engine problem prevents you from driving.


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