When you own a vehicle, you will want to have it last as long as possible. You will also wan the vehicle to be efficient. Having an efficient vehicle can help save you on costly repair bills, as well as money at the pump. To make sure that the vehicle is as reliable and safe as possible, bring it in for regular maintenances. Regardless of age, mileage, make, or model, occasional engine problems are an inevitable part of vehicle ownership. While proper maintenance may help reduce the need for vehicle repairs it is not a guarantee that it will not break down. As a vehicle accumulates miles the chances of engine problems increase, however, not all engine problems are serious. Many times the cause is something as simple as a dirty air filter or loose gas cap.

check-engine-light-1

The Engine Does Not Start

A no-start condition is one of the most frequently encountered engine problems. If there is a clicking noise but the engine does not crank, it generally indicates a battery issue. An engine that cranks but will not start is indicative of a fuel or ignition problem. This could be caused by a low or discharged battery, corroded or loose battery cables, failure with the starter motor relay, ignition switch failure, or a clogged fuel filter.

The Service Engine Soon Light Comes On

The service engine soon light is designed to illuminate whenever a fault is detected in any of the sensors attached to the emission, engine, or powertrain controls. The purpose of the service engine soon light is to alert the driver to a potentially serious fault that requires repair. Blue exhaust smoke with the service engine soon light may indicate a fuel system fault caused by an engine oil leak. If the light comes on, it could be caused by a loose or missing gas cap, defective distributor packs, or spark plugs that have been damaged. Make sure to bring the vehicle in and we can inspect it for you.

An Issue with Overheating

A low coolant level most generally causes overheating. A quick check of the coolant overflow reservoir will indicate if coolant is leaking. Most vehicles are equipped with temperature gauges or warning lights that will alert the driver to an overheating issue. Frequent overheating can cause serious and expensive engine damage. Proper maintenance of the cooling system is vital in order to maintain the quality of the coolant and to make certain the cooling system is in good operating condition. Additionally, a cracked head or blown head gasket can also cause overheating, coolant loss and white exhaust smoke, which may indicate the need for engine repair. The vehicle could also be overheating from a faulty thermostat or coolant fluid that is dirty or low. If you notice that the vehicle is overheating often, bring the vehicle in so we can inspect the source of the issue. Services such as oil changes, oil and fuel filter replacement, and tune-ups are necessary in order to keep a car performing at peak condition. Regardless of a car’s age, proper maintenance will help prevent potential engine problems and break downs.