Your engine is the most important part of your vehicle; that's why you must recognize which signs indicate your car needs an engine repair; to that end, read this post by Ed Welliver in Mission.

5 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs an Engine Repair

The Check Engine Light Comes On

As a driver, you may be familiar with most of the lights and gauges displayed on your vehicle's dashboard; after all, the purpose of this control panel is to inform you about your vehicle's performance. While driving, you may be used to checking on your speedometer, fuel gauge, or tachometer; however, there are also important warning signs that only come on when there's trouble; for instance, the check engine light. Simply put, the check engine light pops on whenever there are problems under the hood and your car needs an engine repair, from minor things like a loose gas cap to significant issues such as an engine misfire; that's why you should pay attention to how this light behaves. For example, if it comes on and stays constantly illuminated after a brief slow flashing, it means the issue is minor. However, be wary of a rapid flashing, as it indicates engine failure. Nonetheless, keep in mind that once this warning light illuminates your dashboard, you ought to have your engine inspected, diagnosed, and repaired by your trusted mechanic.

If you want your engine to perform efficiently, make sure to protect it by giving it high-quality lubricants like AMSOIL's Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. For more information about the top-performing synthetic oil in Mission, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 or browse AMSOIL's online store.

Your Fuel Consumption Increases

If there's one thing all car owners agree on, it's to keep their vehicles well maintained, so they consume as little fuel as possible. If your engine is in mint shape, it should consume regular and reasonable amounts of fuel to perform optimally; however, take notice if you start to spend more on gas or if your tank empties faster than before. Increased fuel consumption often results from improperly inflated tires; that's why you should check them first. Nonetheless, if your tires are in good shape, you might find the root cause under the hood. Typically, the engine burns more gas when the spark plugs in the combustion chamber are damaged or due to having faulty fuel injectors, even when the air filter gets clogged with dirt. Regardless of the cause, make sure to call your mechanic if you notice your car's fuel consumption is increasing rapidly.

You Hear Strange Engine Sounds

As a car owner, you certainly recognize the distinctive sounds your engine makes when revving, braking, or idling; that's why you should keep your ears keen to pick up any unusual sounds coming from under the hood. Most times, a loud engine results from having low oil levels; however, some sounds arise from other reasons; for instance, sharp knocking sounds produced during acceleration could pinpoint an oxygen and fuel mixture being ignited prematurely in the engine cylinder. Similarly, hearing rumbling sounds when revving could result from having low oil pressure causing damage to the crankshaft. On the whole, you shouldn't ignore unfamiliar engine sounds; instead, have them examined by a reliable mechanic.

When caring for your engine's preventive maintenance, make sure to give it a synthetic oil change in Mission. To place an order on quality oils and lubricants for your vehicle, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 or browse AMSOIL's online store.

Your Engine Emits Burning Smells

If you've looked inside your engine, you might be familiar with the type of materials comprising it; for instance, automotive plastics such as foams and rubbers, electrical wiring, fluids, and metal. Now, think about all those materials being subjected to high temperatures of around 1,600°F; in that case, your engine would undoubtedly emit peculiar whiffs; that's why you should pay attention to strange burning smells coming from under the hood. As you might imagine, several whiffs could indicate something's wrong within the engine. The typical ones include the smell of sulfur when the catalytic converter is faulty, an acrid whiff of burning oil when this fluid leaks somewhere within the engine, and the smell of burnt rubber when a loose hose or a slipping belt is pressed against a hot part of the engine and melts. If you ever notice any of the scents mentioned above, take your car to the mechanic shop to have it inspected as soon as possible.

You See Heavy Exhaust Smoke Coming Out of Your Car's Tailpipe

Have you paid attention to the smoke coming out from your vehicle's tailpipe? Ideally, it should look like light water vapor; on the contrary, a faulty engine might emit gray, blue, or heavy black smoke. If that's the case for your car, take note of the smoke color and reach out to your mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired.

Aside from learning which signs indicate your car needs an engine repair, learn the benefits of giving your vehicle a synthetic oil change in Mission; to that end, reach out to the experts at Ed Welliver by calling them at (956) 458-9399. To explore the full line of AMSOIL products, click here.