Seven Engine Performance Warning Signs
Cars and their many complex parts are built to last us up to a certain point. Unfortunately, our vehicles and the systems that are inside of them start to diminish in power and performance. Thankfully, when there is an issue within our vehicles, we typically see the warning signs. Today we will be discussing some of these warning signs or symptoms that you may notice, and help you not only identify them, but also the steps you should take if or when they occur.
Seven Engine Performance Warning Signs:
- Check Engine Light Activates
One of the biggest, and probably the most common sign that your engine isn’t performing properly is the check engine light. The light usually comes on when there is an issue with a loss of power to and from your engine. However, there are many reasons this light could come on, and each reason has a different type of severity and outcome for your vehicle. If your vehicles check engine light comes on, we highly urge you to stop into our shop so we can run diagnostics to determine the issue and how to solve it.
With that being said, a flashing check engine light is completely different from a solid light. If you are experiencing a flashing check engine light, it is vital that you stop driving, get to safety, and call a tow. When the check engine light is flashing, it indicates an extremely serious issue is going on with your vehicles engine, which can be very dangerous.
- Gas Mileage Drop-off
If you begin to have the issue that your typical gas tank no longer takes you the distance it used to, it could be a very big warning sign that there is a problem with the compression stroke of your engine. Thankfully, if you are experiencing this, usually using some form of fuel cleaner, or even having a fuel system service done, it should solve the problem. However, if neither of these solutions properly work stopping into the shop so we can run diagnostics might provide you with a better solution to correct the problem.
- Noises Galore
Vehicles do make many noises, however, noises like knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting and popping are sounds that can definitely indicate that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle. These noises typically occur when there is some issue with the combustion flow. If you begin hearing or experiencing these noises from your vehicle, we highly recommend that you stop into the shop and have it serviced as soon as possible.
- Engine Stalling
Contrary to some beliefs, stalling, especially for an automatic transmission, is not very common, and typically means that there is some problem with one of your engine’s parts. The reason for this could vary from many different things but it is typically from the intake stroke not properly getting the correct spark or air/fuel mixture. If you begin experiencing stalling it is very important that you bring it into the shop and have it looked at as soon as possible. Stalling like this can lead to very serious issues, and fixing it could be as simple as performing a tune-up.
- Odors
Vehicles also often give off some strong odors, however, if you experience a noxious odor from the exhaust it typically means that exhaust stroke of your internal engine is beginning to fail. Very similarly to the sounds that signal failure, this smell is also a very big sign that your vehicle should get some much-needed attention from one of our highly experienced auto service technicians.
- Engine Continues to Run after Ignition is Turned Off
This occurrence is most common among higher performance vehicles, typically when the octane in the gas is not correct, it is more commonly known as run-on or dieseling. Some other reasons this may occur could be but are not limited to, a failing solenoid, or an over-active carburetor. If you begin experiencing this, stop into our shop so we can provide you with the answers you need to get your vehicle back in tip-top shape.
- Rough Running Engine
The main cause of your engine running roughly is that the system is clogged, or it has old spark plugs. However, other issues could potentially be octane in the gas that is incorrect or a low battery. The fix could be as simple as a tune-up, so we highly recommend that you bring it in to the shop.
Agape Auto Service prides ourselves on having the most qualified technicians to work on your vehicle while also using the top quality equipment and products. Agape Auto Services uses BG Products to protect you, your family, and your vehicle. If you’re experiencing any issues with your engine’s performance or would just like a routine inspection of your vehicle to prevent any issues, give us a call today or click here to make an appointment.
