The 5 Most Common Car Engine Problems

If your car is acting strangely, then several engine components could be causing problems.

Read on and find out some of the most common car engine problems, and the warning signs to look out for.

 

 

Common Car Engine Problems

If your vehicle is experiencing engine problems, you can book an inspection to find the cause of your problem.

Your car's engine could be dealing with any of the following issues. 

 

A Loss of Power

If your vehicle is losing power, this can be caused by a range of problems.

Some of the most likely causes are:

• A blocked DPF
• Slipping gears
• Catalytic converter problems
• Draining air con
• Wear and tear
• Backfiring exhaust
• Engine control unit (ECU) errors
• Blocked air filters
• Sensor malfunctions

To fix a loss of power, any of these components may need to be replaced or inspected by a professional mechanic.

 

Overheating

Your car may be overheating because of engine overload or stress.

Excessive loads on the engine – such as driving in extreme heat – can put additional strain on the cooling system and lead to overheating if it can’t dissipate the heat effectively.

 

Oil Leaks

The engine relies on oil for lubrication, which reduces friction between moving parts and prevents wear and tear.

If there is a problem with the engine, this can sometimes lead to oil leaks.

Oil leaks can also occur if there is a loose oil pan, corroded engine components, or excessive oil pressure.

If engine oil is depleted due to a leak, this can cause engine damage.

For this reason, it is essential that you have your engine inspected by a qualified mechanic if you notice a leak under your car or a decrease in oil levels.

 

Engine Misfires

Your engine may misfire when accelerating at low speeds if moisture has built up in the distributor cap.

Other reasons why your engine could be misfiring include faulty spark plugs, ignition system issues and fuel system problems.

If your engine is misfiring, then you should think about booking a diagnostic test.

 

Rough Idling

If you feel the engine judder when you idle at traffic lights, this could be due to an issue with any of the following:

• Spark plugs
• Fuel injectors
• Fuel filter
• Catalytic converter
• Transmission fluid

If the spark plugs are faulty, you can change these yourself if you have the necessary knowledge.

You can use a catalytic converter cleaner to unclog any minor blockages, too.

Alternatively, if your car judders at low revs, then the engine mounts could be to blame.

The engine mounts hold the engine in place to the chassis.

A loose, worn or broken mounting will cause your car to vibrate at low revs.

 

Common Symptoms of Engine Problems

Your vehicle may be experiencing engine problems if you have noticed any of the following warning signs:

• An illuminated check engine light
• Strange noises
• Decreased performance
• Excessive exhaust smoke

To identify what’s wrong with your engine, you should look out for any changes in your car’s behaviour.

You should check fluid levels regularly, as low fluid levels can indicate that a leak or different problem is present.

 

How Do I Know If My Engine Needs Replacing?

It could be time to replace your car engine if you notice any of the following:

• Frequent overheating
• Excessive exhaust fumes
• Knocking noises
• Metal shavings in the oil
• A loss of power

Any of these warning signs can signal that it is time for an engine replacement. 

 

Serious Car Engine Problems

Of all the problems your car engine can encounter, some of the most serious are overheating, engine wear, timing chain failure and a blown head gasket.

If you are proactive when you notice an issue and invest in regular maintenance, you can mitigate the severity of your car’s engine problem.

If your vehicle is experiencing engine problems, remember to book an inspection to find the cause of the problem.

 

 

FAQs