Flashing By - A Blog For Car Devotees

The engine of your car is the core of the vehicle because it's what converts fuel into motion, allowing you to travel wherever you want to go at any time. While it is robustly built to meet the demands of normal car operation, the engine is not invincible. It requires regular inspection to help identify and fix existing problems, as well as regular maintenance to help avoid potential problems. Routine inspection and maintenance of the engine are vital to ensure you minimise the risk of engine failure or breakdown, which may be costly to repair.

In between visits made to the auto service shops for regular inspection and maintenance service, engine problems may arise. As a car owner, it's important to be familiar with the early signs of a malfunctioning engine so that you can seek the services of a qualified mechanic before the situation exacerbates. 

Here are some common engine trouble signs you should watch out for.

1. Temperature warning light

When your engine is running properly, it should stay cool. This is because engines have cooling systems that are designed to keep them from running too hot. If the engine temperature warning light on your dash turn on, it means your engine is overheating. Never ignore this warning light, as overheating is one of the reasons why many engines suffer irreparable damage.

Always make sure the temperature warning light is working properly – you wouldn't want to wait until there is steam coming out of the hood of your vehicle to know that your engine is running too hot.

2. Low coolant level warning light 

Engine coolant is the all-important fluid that draws heat away from your engine to ensure your car maintains normal operating temperatures. Without it, your engine will run too hot. If you see the engine coolant warning light come on, check your coolant levels immediately. This is the most obvious sign that your car engine will soon overheat. 

3. Low oil level warning light 

Coolant is not the only fluid that flows through your engine – oil also runs in the engine. Engine oil helps to keep moving parts well lubricated so as to prevent frictional heat. If you see the low oil level warning light appear, you should know it's time to add more oil into your engine oil reservoir. Before topping up the oil, check to see if leak spots are responsible for the low oil level. If the oil is leaking, make sure the leaks are sealed before topping up the oil.

If you notice any of these signs, take your car to an experienced auto mechanical repairs shop immediately for engine inspection and repair.