Spotting Trouble: How to Identify Common Engine Problems

Noticing engine issues? Learn how to identify common car engine problems like strange noises, reduced fuel economy, or overheating. Stay road-ready!

Your car is more than just a mode of transportation. Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a family road trip, or exploring the great outdoors, your car is your partner in adventure. But lately, you’ve noticed that your partner isn’t quite as eager to hit the road as it used to be. So, what do you do? 

First, you have to get to the bottom of things — identifying common engine problems early on can make all the difference when it comes to helping keep your vehicle road-ready and running smoothly. Read on to learn about common car engine issues, their warning signs, and what they could mean for your vehicle. 

How Do You Know If Your Engine is Bad? 

As you might imagine, one of the most common indicators of engine trouble is the check engine light (CEL). Though this dashboard malfunction indicator doesn’t always spell disaster, it is your car’s way of telling you something isn’t right. From a loose gas cap to issues within one of your vehicle’s crucial systems, the CEL signals that it’s time for a diagnostic check. 

Beyond the check engine light, here are some other common signs your engine may be struggling:

• Strange Noises: Anything more than a quiet hum or soothing rumble can signal problems with your engine — especially if the sounds you’re hearing are grinding, pinging, or knocking sounds, which could indicate spark knock — an engine-damaging phenomenon where your fuel ignites well before or after your spark plugs fire. 
• Poor Performance: A noticeable lack of power, slow acceleration, or difficulty maintaining speed could indicate issues with your car’s systems — from the electrical to the fuel system. 
• Exhaust Smoke: Smoke from your exhaust system could mean trouble with your engine. Black smoke can mean that your engine is not burning all of its fuel due to bad timing or faulty sensors; white smoke can be from a blown head gasket, allowing coolant to enter your combustion chambers; and blue smoke can indicate that your engine is burning oil from worn piston rings. 
• Reduced Fuel Economy: If you’re filling up more often, it could be because of a failing oxygen sensor, dirty intake valves, or problems with your fuel system causing inefficient fuel combustion, driving up costs at the pump. 
• Overheating: Regular overheating is a giant red flag that something is wrong with your cooling system, like a failing radiator or water pump. An overheated engine can result in warped head gaskets and severe, expensive-to-repair engine problems. 

5 Common Car Engine Problems and Their Causes

By proactively identifying the signs of a bad engine, you may be able to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. While not all engine issues mean your engine is beyond repair, catching problems sooner rather than later can save you time and money. Here are the most common indicators that your engine might be in trouble: 

1. Oil Starvation

Engines rely on clean, sufficient oil to lubricate their moving parts. Without proper lubrication, parts like piston rings and bearings can wear down, ultimately causing severe damage to the engine. Changing your oil at your manufacturer’s recommendation intervals can help you avoid these issues before they cause significant damage to your engine. 

2. Ignition Issues

Worn, dirty, or faulty spark plugs can lead to difficult starts, misfires, and poor performance. Cleaning, gapping, and general maintenance can help maintain healthy combustion and ensure smooth ignition. 

3. Cooling System Failures

Issues with your cooling system can cause your engine to overheat, negatively tightening engine tolerances and potentially leading to warped head gaskets, cracked cylinders, and, ultimately, engine failure. Regularly maintaining your coolant levels and checking for leaks can prevent overheating. 

4. Fuel Delivery Problems

Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pumps, loose gas caps, and other fuel system issues can disrupt your engine’s fuel flow, leading to poor performance and reduced fuel economy. Fortunately, you can typically prevent these issues with routine, manufacturer-recommended maintenance. 

5. Faulty Sensors or Components

The various sensors in your vehicle, like oxygen (O2) and mass airflow (MAF) sensors, report crucial data to your engine control unit (ECU), helping to maintain optimal air-fuel ratios and smooth driving. The failure of one or more of these sensors can negatively impact performance and gas mileage and, ultimately, cause harm to your engine. 

Should You Drive with Engine Issues? 

Ignoring your vehicle’s engine problems can lead to catastrophic failures that are inconvenient and costly. Over time, persistent engine repairs can mean you’re throwing good money after bad. Oil changes, spark plug replacements, and other routine maintenance help ensure reliable performance in the long run. Still, nothing lasts forever — so it might be time to explore an upgrade if engine issues persist despite regular care. 

When to Consider a New Vehicle

If your car’s engine issues are frequent or repair costs are nearing its market value, upgrading to a newer, more efficient vehicle could ultimately save you headaches and money. Modern cars are designed with advanced technology, offering better fuel economy and performance — plus, a new vehicle comes with peace of mind, enabling you to be road-ready for any impromptu adventure that may come your way. 

Suffering From Engine Problems? Ed Hicks Nissan Can Help. 

Is your car not running like it used to? Common engine issues can lead to bigger problems down the road. Bring your vehicle to Ed Hicks Nissan, where our service experts can assess any concerns and help you decide if it’s time to repair or upgrade. Book your appointment today to keep your engine running smoothly—or explore our lineup of newer models if you’re ready for an upgrade!