Engine Repair: Top Signs It Is Time for a Tune Up
As a motorist, the prospect of having to contend with engine repair can be quite scary. Not only does this mean your vehicle may be out of commission for a while, but it could also imply expensive repair costs that you had not budgeted for. However, since some motorists tend to neglect the care and maintenance of their vehicle, engine repair becomes quite a common occurrence. Luckily, knowing the warning signs of engine problems can enable you to save yourself from complete engine repair, as the auto mechanic will remedy the underlying problem before it becomes exacerbated. Below are some of the top signs that it is time to take your vehicle in for a tune up.
Knocking noises emanating from your vehicle
One of the first signs that you may notice of impending engine trouble is knocking sounds coming from the bonnet of your vehicle. This will typically happen when you are driving your vehicle. One of the main culprits of this is worn-out bearings, which begin to clank against the engine when it is in use.
It is prudent to have these bearings replaced post haste, as they are what most of the motor's moving parts lay on. Left unchecked, you may end up requiring a partial rebuild of the motor itself. Avoid driving your vehicle with low levels of oil, as this contributes to the wearing down of these bearings.
Increase in smoke from your exhaust pipe
Granted, the main function of the exhaust pipe is to eliminate smoke from the vehicle. However, excessive amounts of smoke could imply an underlying issue with your vehicle's engine. It should be noted that the colour of the smoke could give you an idea of what is going wrong with your vehicle. For example, if the smoke is thick and black, it could indicate that the vehicle is burning excessive gasoline when it is in use. This could lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, leading to an increase in your fuel costs.
On the other hand, if the smoke has a blue tinge, it could imply that your engine has developed an oil leak, and this would need to be addressed immediately.
Lastly, white smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe would mean that your coolant is leaking. Leaving this unchecked puts your engine at risk of overheating. Overall, any signs of excessive smoke emanating from your engine should have you seeking automotive repairs post haste.
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