As a car owner, you’re probably always on the lookout for warning signs of impending trouble. You may hear strange noises and wonder what they mean, but you will ignore them. Automobile problems, on the other hand, rarely get better without treatment – instead, they get worse with neglect.

If you notice any of these engine trouble symptoms, schedule an appointment with your trusted local auto shop as soon as possible. You don’t want to play with your engine! This is your vehicle’s lifeblood.

• Noises of Knocking

If you hear knocking noises from under the hood that vary in speed with the engine RPMs, this indicates a failing engine bearing. These bearings are crucial because they allow your engine parts to move freely. If it seizes, your car’s engine will suffer significant damage, potentially costing hundreds of dollars or more.

• Exhaust Increased

Do you notice thicker-than-usual smoke coming from your car’s tailpipe? Paying attention to the color of the smoke can usually tell you whether or not there is a serious problem. Blue smoke indicates that oil is being burned; white exhaust indicates that coolant is present in the combustion chamber, and black smoke indicates that too much fuel is being used.

• Engine Check Light

If you’re like the majority of people, you probably ignore the check engine light when it illuminates. However, you should not. This is usually for a good reason. When there is a minor problem, the check engine light will frequently illuminate. However, if the problem is not addressed quickly, it will quickly escalate into a major issue.

• Reduced Performance

If you’ve noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency, that it’s more difficult to get your car up to speed, or that it takes longer to warm up than usual, these are all issues that you should address as soon as possible. A simple tune-up can often solve all three of these issues.

• Rough Idle

Is your vehicle having trouble staying on when you come to a stop at a red light? Bring it to your mechanic’s attention. This could be related to a fuel delivery issue, but it could also indicate a variety of other problems, big and small.

Conclusion:

Finally, regardless of what is wrong with your vehicle’s engine, you should not hesitate to visit your local auto repair shop. Our expert technicians at HEART Auto Care will diagnose and repair the problem, getting you back on the road in no time.