Three Common Reasons for Engine Failure

Vehicle ownership comes with the understanding that maintenance is required. However, there is the hope that we won’t need bigger, more expensive repairs or replacements. While the big ones, like car engine failure, can’t necessarily be avoided altogether, there are signs you can look for to mitigate and possibly prevent these issues.

Three Common Causes for Engine Failure

Overheating

Vehicle overheating? There are many possible causes, like a bad thermostat, faulty electric connections in your cooling fan, or even a failed water pump. Bigger issues, like a coolant leak from the radiator or radiator hose, or a crack in the engine block, can also make a vehicle overheat. This can set the stage for a larger mechanical issue, like engine failure.

So, make sure to have routine coolant care done, per manufacturer’s recommendations. Any leaks during these services can alert technicians to check the whole cooling system and save you money and headaches in the future.

Oil Leaks

Oil in your vehicle provides the appropriate amount of lubrication to the moving metal pieces inside the engine. It also helps with cooling, as it transfers the friction heat away from the moving parts.

Leaks can be the result of a faulty oil pump, high mileage, or lack of routine oil and filter changes. A leak, or engine oil starvation, can cause all the internal engine parts to make contact and create serious damage to your engine.

You should always follow your manufacturer’s oil change guidelines. If you are unfamiliar with this process, please use a qualified technician who can diagnose any issues, if they find a leak.

Detonation

Do you heat a knocking noise? That could be the ill-timed combustion inside the engine, called detonation. This timing issue creates large amounts of heat and pressure in the combustion chamber, and combusts fuel at the wrong intervals. The increased amount of heat that develops is the source of that knocking.

Detonation happens most often when the exhaust gas recirculation system fails due to improper mix of air and fuel. It can also occur if you use the wrong fuel or spark plugs, or have faulty ignition timing.

Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you are using the right fuel and spark plugs, but also get your vehicle in for routine maintenance and check-ups.

Frog Pond Performance is Your One-Stop Shop

The knowledgeable technicians at Frog Pond Performance are here to help you! From routine maintenance to troubleshooting and repair, and if necessary, engine replacement, we can keep your vehicle in its best condition with our honest and fair customer service. Contact our office to get your vehicle into a routine maintenance schedule today!