There is nothing Sacramento drivers dread more than seeing the worrisome “check engine” light illuminate on their dashboard. While it may be true that engine troubles are a major inconvenience (for both your transportation and your wallet), by simply paying attention to the right signs early on, you can catch any engine issues from the start and have them repaired before things escalate into larger problems. To help you recognize potential engine trouble early on, we have put together a short list of signs to be on the lookout for with your vehicle.
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
One of the earliest signs of engine trouble an unusual amount of exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle. A simple way to tell what’s occurring within your vehicle is by looking at the color of the smoke. If the smoke appears blue then it’s a sign of oil burning, while white smoke indicates coolant is burning and black smoke is a sign of an increase in gasoline use.
Shaking, Rattling, and Rolling
Be aware of how your car feels, especially when parked at a light. If the car seems to be struggling, sputtering or lightly rattling, then it could be a sign of engine trouble. Still, this isn’t necessarily something to stress over, it could be a simple fix rather than a large repair on your hands. Bring your vehicle into an auto technician as soon as possible to be sure of the cause.
Your Vehicle Stalls or Flat Our Stops
If your car flat out dies while driving or has a hard time getting started up in the first place, take it as a major sign of engine trouble. Not only will waiting to get your vehicle checked out at this stage cause the problem to worsen, it’s also extremely dangerous to drive in such a condition.
Knock, Knock
Listening to your vehicle is a simple way to check for any problems that may be occurring. In terms of listening for engine difficulty, be aware of a knocking noise coming from your vehicle as a sign that this vital part has become worn down. It’s best to have the sound checked out by a technician right away to avoid needing to replace your entire engine.
The Light
Finally, that pesky check engine light. While it may be tempting to write off an illuminated check engine light as a short fuse or a faulty bulb, it isn’t worth the potential damage that can be caused by not having your vehicle inspected. We highly recommend playing it safe and getting your vehicle checked out the moment you notice the light has come on.
At Standard Auto, we understand anytime engine repair Sacramento, CA trouble occurs is a stressful time for vehicle owners. Which is why we make it our priority to offer quality customer service, transparency, and craftsmanship throughout the repair process. To schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected for engine trouble, give us a call at 916-924-8040 or visit us in person at 2240 Colfax St. Sacramento, Ca 95815.