Your engine is the main component of your vehicle, and if it is not operating properly, all of the other systems under the hood will be negatively affected. Over time, your engine can experience a great deal of wear and tear which can cause it to no longer function as it should. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that you can watch out for to determine when you need to take your vehicle into a mechanic to have the engine serviced before it causes serious damage to itself or the rest of the vehicle.
Loud Sounds
An engine that is in dire need of servicing is likely to make any number of loud and irregular sounds while in operation. This includes grinding, banging, or popping, and is much more than a superficial annoyance: all of these noises point to some sort of mechanical issue within the engine that means that it is no longer running properly. This can cause a great deal of wear and tear to the moving parts of your engine, which can be expensive and complicated to fix. In fact, if left alone long enough, the improper running of your engine that these noises suggest can require a complete engine replacement.
Strong Smells in the Cabin
Beyond the sounds that your engine makes, a worn or malfunctioning engine can also cause exhaust fumes to leak into the cabin of your vehicle. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including damage to the engine or the exhaust system, but poses a serious health hazard as exposure to exhaust gases can be extremely harmful. You shouldn't drive your vehicle if you can smell exhaust while in the driver seat, and should get it serviced immediately to find out where the problem lies exactly.
Dark Smoke
Another clear indication that something is wrong with your engine, somewhat similar to the above point, is if you notice that there is strong smoke coming out of your vehicle's exhaust system. Normal exhaust gases should not be easily visible, unless it's a particularly cold day. Heavy black smoke points to some damage within the engine that is leading to excessive fuel burning, which ruins your fuel efficiency. Blue smoke means that there is an oil leak in your engine, whereas thick white smoke points to burning coolant. No matter the color, each of these issues can cause excessive amounts of wear to your engine, and can require expensive repairs if not addressed immediately.
For more information, contact companies like H & S Tire & Auto Center.