Engine Performance

Drivers can’t always see what’s happening in their car engine while they’re on the road, but there are ways to know whether your engine’s operating at peak performance or not. Here are eight warning signs that your car engine probably needs maintenance.

Your Check Engine Light’s Flashing

Let’s start simple: if your check engine light is flashing, you most likely need to — well, check your engine. The check engine light is programmed to turn on when it finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t correct, so if it goes on, it’s best to stop by one of HEART’s three convenient locations in Wilmette, Evanston, or Northbrook for a complete engine diagnostic.

Your Car Loses Power

Another sign something’s wrong with your engine is if your car suddenly stops accelerating or otherwise loses engine power. This reaction is almost always a result of an issue with your engine’s internal combustion system, which is what powers your engine and allows your car to move. If your car loses power, it is typically a big deal, and it’s time to take your car into an ASE certified mechanic at HEART Certified Auto Care.

You’re Using More Gas

Most of us have a general idea of how often we have to fill our fuel tanks. If you suddenly find yourself needing to fill up more often, it may be a sign of a larger problem. It could be something as simple as a faulty fuel injector or something more complicated, like a malfunctioning compressor. Either way, stop by HEART and we’ll have you squared away in no time. In fact, 98% of our car repair service is same day.

Your Car Engine’s Making Weird Noises

Knocking. Hissing. Clanking. Popping. These are all very worrisome noises to hear coming from your car. If you hear any of them, you most likely need car repair, so be sure to find a local car repair shop you can trust. At HEART, we offer a 33 point inspection that will pinpoint whatever ails your automobile.

Your Car Engine Is Stalling

Automatic transmissions are designed to run seamlessly. That means if your car stalls, there’s probably a problem with the engine. Maybe it’s a spark plug or possibly it’s a misfiring piston. There’s no way to know without taking your automobile into a nearby repair shop. No matter where you are, though, be sure to bring your car in ASAP, because stalls can easily cascade into catastrophes.

Your Car Engine’s Emitting Strange Odors

If you smell exhaust in your car, that’s a problem. If you smell burning or acrid odors in your car, that’s a problem, too. And ditto with anything that smells sweet, which could be leaking antifreeze. Notice a pattern? If you smell something odd in your car, it’s time to take your car in for a repair.

Your Engine Keeps Running After You Shut It Off

Now here’s a weird car problem: your automobile keeps running even after you turn it off. It’s known as “dieseling” or “engine run on” and is most often attributed to using gas with higher octane than is necessary. It could be something else, though, such as an over active carburetor. In any case, if your car keeps running after your turn it off, head to your HEART ASE certified mechanic.

Rough Running Engine

Is your car engine making gurgling or other rough noises? If so, it may be clogged. Or it could be an aging spark plug. Or even a low battery. Whatever it is, HEART will have you fixed up in no time, and with no stress. Simply stop by our Northbrook, Evanston, or Wilmette location! If you experience any car engine or other car troubles, stop by or call HEART today. We’re conveniently located in Chicagoland’s northern suburbs, in Northbrook, Evanston, and Wilmette.