2 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L
J U N E 5, 2022
AUTOMOTIVE
Warning Signs of Potential Engine Trouble
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Poor Fuel Efficiency
odern engines are a mixture of mechanical moveable parts and complex computerized systems. Many different parts work in unison to keep a vehicle moving. Engines can be challenging for experienced mechanics, not to mention downright confusing for people who are unfamiliar with what’s under the hood of their vehicle. But any vehicle owner can learn to recognize certain signs that an engine may be on its last legs.
Engine trouble may cause the car or truck to consume gas faster than normal, according to the car information site Carsoid. The engine or one of its components may be faulty. Problems could arise in the spark plugs, oxygen sensor or fuel injector.
Metal Flakes
If you change your own oil, check to see if the oil has metal flakes, or ask the technician if he or she sees flakes when you bring it in for service. Flakes indicate the engine is creating too much friction and slowly chipping away at the components.
Engine Shaking
An engine that is shaking while running may just have bad spark plugs or loose or damaged hoses, offers Sturtevant Used Auto Parts in Wisconsin. However, if those fixes don’t work, it could be an indication of a deeper problem that requires a mechanic, such as fuel intake system issues, compromised motor mounts or timing belt problems.
Excessive Smoke
An engine in trouble typically has to work harder. That results in heating up more quickly, which can lead to overheating. Smoke may be white, blue or black (each color indicates a separate problem). Any sign of excessive smoke is a reason to consult a mechanic.
Warning Lights
The dashboard tends to light up when the car is started, and one by one those lights diminish as the car’s computer checks that all systems are working correctly. If the “check engine” light remains on, it is notifying the driver of a problem. The issue could be a faulty sensor or something more ominous. Mechanics can hook the vehicle up to a scanning tool that runs diagnostics to ÒspeakÓ to the car’s computer helping to diagnose the issue, advises How Stuff Works.
Strange Noises
Popping or tapping noises may suggest that gasoline is igniting prematurely in the combustion chambers of the cylinders. Grinding noises may tell you that the starter motor needs to be changed or replaced. Transmission issues also can produce
Trouble Starting
grinding sounds. Generally speaking, if the car is making sounds it does not normally make, schedule a service appointment.
A
The Role of Engine Air Filters
engine air filll cars come equipped with air filters, which are essential to optimum engine ter should be operation. The engine air filter is the changed. It largely first line of defense against outside air that is depends on miles being brought in to the car engine to be burned driven and the along with fuel to produce combustion. The environment in filter will capture particulate matter that would which the vehinormally enter a vehicle’s engine and leave sedi- cle is used. Those ment. The automotive resource It Still Runs says who reside in rural or dusty areas will need to redirty air can reduce engine efficiency and cause place air filters more frequently. Drivers also can damage over time. install air filters more suited to dusty areas. Dirty air canNOTICE compromise the air/fuel mixAn engine filter is not the only filter in a vehiPUBLIC ture that is involved in combustion. Any debris cle. is a cabin air filter. The cabin air ER:PDCA: Food Safety Auditor in Valencia, CA:There Use also chemistry, mithat enters portalsengineering in fuel injection systems can to filter affect engine performance, but it crobiology, & other sciences studydoes the not principles undercompromise that system. In addition, debris can does help to provide clean air lying the processing and deterioration of foods processing. Reqs: MS inside of the vehicauseinfuel to burn less efficiently, resulting cle.70% The cabin air filter&helps Biochemistry, or sim. fld. 7 yrs ofinexp. reqd. of domestic int. to keep dirt, pollen, poortravel fuel economy. bacteria, exhaust gases, and reqd. Apply to: PDCA, 25350 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Suite 300,dust from entering the HVAC system. (MC) There is no simple answer as to how often an
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Failure to turn over is a clear indicator of engine troubles. It could be the battery, but if the battery is new, look for other causes. Engine trouble does not generally come out of nowhere. Certain signs can warn drivers their vehicles need servicing. (MC)
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