Don’t let common engine problems get you down. In this article, we explain just what can go wrong with your engine and how to stop problems in their tracks.

Why Engine Maintenance Matters

Engines are one of the main causes of breakdowns in cars across the UK, falling just behind battery and tyre issues. Unfortunately, small issues can go unnoticed for months, spiralling into major issues that affect the entire car, resulting in much higher repair costs than if they were found early. That’s why the key to looking after your vehicle – not just your engine – is preventative maintenance.

The most common engine problems we see at our garage are broken down as follows:

1. The Engine Overheating

• Common causes: There could be a fault with your cooling system, such as damage to your radiator, or it could be caused by something as simple as low coolant levels. You should note that low coolant or low engine oil could be a result of other faults within your vehicle.
• Warning signs: Your temperature warning light (shaped like a thermometer) will turn on, and you may also notice steam coming from your bonnet whilst driving. If this happens, pull over when safe to do so and call for assistance.
• Prevention tips: Check the level of coolant in your car regularly to make sure that the reservoir does not deplete fully. This should also be a good indicator of a leak as this is a sealed system.

2. Why does the oil leak?

• Common causes: Older, poorly maintained cars are more likely to get oil leaks, although just because your car is new doesn’t mean it’s immune. Oil leaks can be caused by worn gaskets, damaged seals, or other engine faults which can force oil out.
• Warning signs: Before getting behind the wheel, you might notice a patch of oil under your car which tells you that oil is leaking. You may also notice a burning smell when driving, or warning lights on your dashboard could indicate an issue.
• Prevention tips: Regular servicing will include inspecting your seals and gaskets, as well as checking the age and level of oil reserves. You should also be periodically checking oil levels yourself and changing it every 12 months or at manufacturers recommended intervals according to your vehicles service schedule.

3. What Causes Misfiring or Rough Idling Of My Vehicle

• Common causes: An engine misfire (when a cylinder doesn’t combust properly) can happen as a result of faulty spark plugs, damage to ignition coils, issues with wiring and sensors or more. Rough idling (when your vehicle becomes unstable it is stationary, or when it cannot maintain a consistent speed) can be caused by many faults such as fuel system issues, valve timing or air leaks.
• Warning signs: It’s easy to spot misfiring while behind the wheel, as you may notice excessive vibration either while driving or stationary. You can also recognise it by unusual sounds coming from your engine or by your engine warning light coming on, indicating you need to pull over safely and investigate the issue further.
• Prevention tips: Regular, preventative care is always the best course of action; such as regular servicing and checking your engine oil levels and replacing when necessary.

4. Timing Belt or Chain Failure Problems

• Common causes: Your vehicles timing belt or chain keeps synchronisation of moving parts inside the combustion engine. The most common reason for a timing belt failure is that it’s worn and needs replacing, but problems can also occur because of general poor engine maintenance, like not replacing oil or filters.
• Warning signs: Your car may simply stop running, but there are some early warning signs that you can look out for to hopefully prevent this, such as seeing your “check engine” light turn on or hearing a rattling noise coming from your engine.
• Prevention tips: By looking after your engine, replacing oil regularly, checking for general wear and tear, and taking your car into a garage annually, you could potentially avoid timing belt issues altogether. Your timing belt shouldn’t need replacing for several years, and your mechanic will be able to advise you on when this need to happen.
• Poor Fuel Economy and Loss of Power

5. Poor Fuel Economy and Loss of Power

• Common causes: This can be caused by any number of engine-related problems, but it’s most likely a result of your own driving style. Specifically, if you drive aggressively by accelerating rapidly or braking late, leave your car idle for long periods, or if you regularly take short drives where the vehicle cannot reach optimum running temperature.
• Warning signs: If your car doesn’t feel like it runs as well as it used to, it takes more effort to get it to speed up or brake, or if you find yourself visiting the petrol station more than usual, your car is telling you that it’s struggling.
• Prevention tips: The solution to poor fuel economy and a loss of power is as straightforward as the cause; consider your driving style more carefully. Don’t ride your brakes or drive aggressively, change your filters and oil regularly, and take your car in for regular servicing.

Common Engine Problems – Prevention Is Cheaper Than Repair

The common theme of all the engine issues we’ve covered is that preventative maintenance is the key. The cost of breaking down on the road can be double the cost of a regular vehicle service, so putting off a service won’t save you any money in the long run. The safest and most cost effective thing you can do is to book in for a regular service; our professional mechanics will look after your car and make sure that it’s in perfect working order, to keep you on the road and keep your engine ticking.