Car Accident Lawyer
Your engine is the heart of your car, so it’s important to stay on top of its maintenance and keep an eye out for any signs that something is wrong. As a car accident lawyer from our friends at Norris Injury Law can explain, they’ve seen their fair share of car accidents caused by engine failure. To help you prevent engine failure from causing an accident, here are five ways to tell if your engine is failing.
1) Leaks
If you notice fluid leaking from the engine, this is a major red flag and you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Some common leaks include oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Additionally, look for any other signs of dampness around the engine. If you notice wetness, it could be a sign of an internal leak in the engine. Paying attention to the signs of a leak can help you identify potential problems before they get worse.
2) Unusual Noises
Listen closely to your car and if you hear any unusual sounds like grinding, clicking, or tapping, it could be a sign that something is wrong. These noises could be caused by damaged bearings, loose or worn parts, or misaligned belts or pulleys. It is important to take your car in to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and prevent further damage to the engine.
3) Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is on, it means that there is something wrong with your engine and you should seek professional help immediately. It may be a simple fix or something more serious. This warning light indicates that the engine’s computer has detected a problem with one of the components in the engine, and it’s time to take action. The best course of action is to take your car to an auto repair shop to get the issue checked out. They can diagnose the problem, tell you what needs to be done, and determine if any further damage has been caused. Don’t ignore this warning sign, as it could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs down the road.
4) Decreased Fuel Efficiency
If you’re noticing that your vehicle is using more fuel than it used to, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your engine. It’s possible that the air filter is clogged, or that your engine isn’t getting the right spark, leading to an increase in fuel usage. If you’ve ruled out the usual causes of decreased fuel efficiency such as driving more, or hauling heavy loads, then you should have your engine checked out.
5) Overheating
A good way to check for this is to take a look at your temperature gauge when you are driving. If the needle is consistently pointing to a higher temperature than usual, then it may be time to take your car in for a checkup. It could be something as simple as a faulty thermostat or something more serious such as an internal coolant leak. Either way, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Additionally, pay attention to any steam or smoke coming from the engine compartment. If you see any of these, it’s likely that your engine is overheating.
These tips will help keep you safe from engine failure, but if you find yourself in an accident still, contact a car accident lawyer near you immediately for help.