Three Signs You’ve Got Engine Trouble Brewing Underneath the Hood
Your vehicle’s engine will tell you if it’s in trouble. The signs might be subtle or such that you cannot ignore them. The important thing is to get your automobile’s engine inspected right away. Waiting could cause additional damage that will make any engine repair Total Auto Care does more expensive than it needs to be. Don’t take chances. Stop by our North Branch, MN, auto shop as soon as possible if you notice any of the following three things.
1. Check Engine Warning
Your car, truck, or SUV’s check engine light will come on if any of your vehicle’s sensors report a problem to the Engine Control Module (ECM). If there is an issue with a system that does not have a light of its own, the ECM will turn on the check engine light to warn you of trouble. Common causes of a check engine light warning include failing exhaust parts, such as the catalytic converter, which is dangerous. The check engine light will also come on if there are problems with the fuel system, transmission, or spark plugs. Take this warning seriously.
2. Engine Performance Issues
Power loss or surges, sputtering, backfiring, rough idling, and stalling are all signs of problems underneath the hood. Power losses and surges can be attributed to the fuel system in most cases. Usually, your vehicle will lose power if it’s being fuel starved because there’s a clog in the fuel system. Your vehicle might surge if it’s getting too much gas, which can happen if the fuel pump is stuck open. Backfiring usually signals an engine timing issue, and your engine could stall because of an exhaust, timing, or spark plug problem.
3. Knocking Noises
Knocking noises run the gamut from the wrong gasoline in the tank to catastrophic engine failure. If you drive a high-performance vehicle and put 87-octane gasoline in the tank, your engine is going to knock and perform poorly. Your automobile’s air/fuel mixture could also be off and that can make the engine knock. If the issue is in the rods or rod bearings, your car could be on the road to serious engine damage. If a rod breaks or the bearings wear down, they can slam the pistons against the crankshaft. This causes serious damage if left unrepaired.Located in North Branch, MN, Total Auto Care can inspect your engine and run a diagnostic check to get to the bottom of any engine trouble. Call us today to set up an appointment.