5 Warning Signs Your Car Engine Is In Trouble

​Whether it’s you or your car, breaking down in the middle of the road is no one’s definition of a fun time, although it is possible for one to lead to the other. Hence, it is essential for you to successfully identify these five early warning signs of engine problems before any breakdowns can occur.

1. Excessive Smoke
   Excessive smoke from your car’s exhaust can be due to several reasons. Luckily, its colour provides insight on what the specific impairment is. Puffy white smoke means a leak in the cooling system, whereas black smoke results from excessive fuel burning in the engine. 
   
   On the other hand, dark blue smoke will be produced if the oil has leaked into the engine’s combustion chamber.
   
   
2. Strange Car Noises
   A knocking noise from your car’s bonnet is widely recognised as the sound of a dying engine. Other sounds (e.g. backfiring, hissing, spitting, popping) are indicative of abnormalities in the combustion flow.
   
   
3. Foul Smells in the Car
   The stench of car emissions should never be palpable from inside the vehicle. Strong exhaust smells, and any other odd odours are signs that point to engine problems, such as coolant leaks, loosening of belts beneath the hood, and burning of rubber parts.
   
   
4. Overheating
   An engine that repeatedly overheats indicates that there is something wrong with your car’s cooling system, which can range from coolant leaks to a broken water pump in need of replacement.
   
   
5. Rough or Inconsistent Engine Performance
   It goes without saying, that if your car's engine is not performing as well as it used to, then it is best to take the car to a mechanic for assessment. An engine is incapable of running at its usual level if there are internal damages or issues. 
   
   In line with this, it can also stutter, shake, lose power, or stall as you drive. Note that stalling and hesitation issues are not necessarily engine-related and can arise from transmission issues and vehicle computer irregularities as well.

 
More often than not, major car engine repairs are consequences of neglected routine maintenance. However, sometimes, proper car maintenance is not enough to guarantee the safe performance of your vehicle. Auto insurance will cover all the bases that you and your car need. At Keith Sanders Insurance Group, we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (254) 235-8185. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.