4 Signs of Engine You Should Never Ignore
If you want to keep your vehicle on the road in Fort Collins and your money in your wallet, it is important to know the early warning signs of engine trouble. Engine problems can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix, but if you catch these issues early, you may be able to save a great deal of that money. Here are some red flags for engine trouble no driver can afford to ignore.
A Miss or Uneven Idle
You can tell a lot about how your engine is running and how healthy it is by paying attention to its idle. If the engine is running smooth, or if there is a noticeable miss, you should contact your mechanic right away.
Any change in the way the engine idles should be a warning sign, and it is important to investigate the cause as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to resolve the problem.
Fouled Spark Plugs
It is important to check the spark plugs for warning signs of engine trouble, as their condition can reveal a great deal about the health of its internal workings. If the spark plugs are fouled with oil, or if they smell burnt, you should contact your mechanic right away.
If you do not want to check your own spark plugs or do not know how to, just ask the technician who changes your oil or your mechanic. This simple check can give you an early warning, one you can act on to save yourself future problems.
Blue Smoke from the Tailpipe
The smoke emerging from the tailpipe can tell you a great deal as well. If you see blue smoke emerging from the tailpipe, you should take that as an early warning sign.
The presence of blue smoke is something no vehicle owner can afford to ignore. And even though blue smoke can mean some engine damage has already occurred, there may still be time to set things right without a costly overhaul.
An Increase in Oil Consumption
If you want to keep your vehicle running like new, changing the engine oil regularly is always a smart thing to do, but it is not enough to just change the oil and filter. Checking the oil levels between changes can tell you a great deal about the engine and its condition, so grab the dipstick and a rag.
A low level of oil consumption may not be a big deal, but if the oil consumption is excessive, you should always investigate the cause. You should also be concerned if the amount of oil being used has gone up over time, another red flag that should never be ignored.
The more you know about your engine and its inner workings, the easier it will be to keep your ride running smoothly. If you recognize any of these warning signs, it is important to talk to your mechanic, and doing so could save you both time and money.
Weston Auto Service is an auto repair specialist located in Fort Collins, Colorado. We are ASE-certified mechanics specializing in foreign and domestic auto repair. For any car maintenance issue, we always recommend using a certified mechanic. For a free diagnostic and full analysis of your car problem please contact us or call us at 970-377-3333.