Common Car Engine Problems You Shouldn’t (Or Can’t) Ignore

One day you might be driving your car and notice some abnormal things happening to it. Perhaps you are hearing some strange noises from it but it is still running. Is it okay to ignore the odd noises and strange problems? No, it is not.

Your car is struggling and trying to let you know. The best thing to do at this time is to take your car to a repair shop. But to understand exactly what’s wrong with your car, you need to develop two skills in yourself: observation and listening.

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The former is to observe the changes happening in your car. The latter one is to listen to any odd noises made by your car. If you have no idea about the technical issues, especially of your car’s engine, do not worry. To help you out, we have written about five common car engine problems that you should never ignore.


  1. Engine not starting
    This is the most common issue which you may face in your car. It may be due to a flat battery, no fuel, a blocked fuel pump or other electrical problems. There are a few tricks which you can try to diagnose the problem a bit more. The only skill you may require to predict this problem is the observation skill.

    If your engine is making a clicking sound but is not turning over, then it’s likely to be a battery or electrical problem. But if it is turning over, yet you are unable to start the engine, then the problem would be related to the fuel or the starter.
  2. Engine overheating
    Driving your car when the engine is overheating can be one of the riskiest things you do. Causes of overheating could be a burnt-out radiator, blocked radiator hoses, or a cracked head gasket. Another major cause is the lack of coolant.

    The work of the coolant system in your car is to lower the temperature of the engine. But if you observe overheating problems regularly, then there must be something wrong with your coolant system. Try to solve this problem as soon as possible or it will lead to irreparable engine damage.

    A small tip: sometimes, the mechanic will tell you to replace your engine. They may also persuade you by saying motors are on sale. Before making this decision, get a second opinion. Sometimes your engine can be repaired rather than replaced.
  3. Smoke or steam coming out of your engine
    If you find smoke or steam coming out of your engine, then it is not a good sign for your car. This may be due to burning oil; damaged cylinders, rings or gaskets; poor oil quality, or crankcase issues. Whenever you face such issues, take your car to a repair shop without wasting a single moment.

    Some people do not even use the right sort of oil so as to save a few dollars, putting the car’s engine in danger. Therefore, many leading manufacturers recommend using synthetic oil to get the best out of your engine. They also suggest you look for a good-quality engine to avoid smoke-related issues if you’re looking at buying a new car.
  4. Car is stalling
    If your car is stalling, then this is a clear sign of an electrical problem. It could be due to the fuel line or fuel filter. This means the engine of your car is not getting sufficient fuel.

    If your car suddenly stalls while on the road, then it will be a major safety risk for you and other drivers, especially in the busy traffic. As soon as you encounter this issue, take your car to a mechanic.
  5. Hearing strange noises
    Though your car isn’t alive, it does communicate with you in a sense. It makes all types of normal sounds. But, if you hear some strange sounds from your car, then your car is trying to tell you something. It could be knocking or grinding sounds.

    It may be indicating a weak starter, worn out timing belt, or other engine problems. You will come to learn about this problem if you keep your ears open while driving your car. Whenever you hear some abnormal sounds, go to a mechanic to solve the issue.


Better late than never

If you haven’t been very observant or vigilant when it comes to car-related issues, that’s okay. As you know it’s better late than never, so start observing your car from today. With the above tips, we are sure you will be able to pick up on any of your car’s warning signs. As soon as you notice any of these signs, get your car checked by a reliable mechanic.

Choose a reliable mechanic as there are some who may tell you to replace your engine when it’s not necessary. They may say they have diesel engines for sale, but it may be just as effective and more likely cheaper to repair your engine. If possible, get a second opinion on big car problems.