So you’re experiencing some car issues and wondering how bad it is and what you need to do. Or perhaps you just want to be prepared so you know when you’ll need an engine rebuild.
Believe it or not, getting your engine rebuilt is a fairly common procedure.
Sometimes it’s a necessary part of auto maintenance when your car isn’t working as it should.
The problem with these complex mechanical constructions is that serious problems may be hard to spot. And even when you know something’s not right, it can be hard to identify.
Continue reading to learn seven signs that your engine needs to be rebuilt.
1. Strange Smoke
Because tailpipes are at the very back of the typical car, warning signs in that end are often overlooked. You usually find out when someone tells you something seems off.
If there’s more smoke than there should be, you need to look into the problem. If it’s thick, dark, or a strange color, you may need an engine rebuild.
Keep an eye on your tailpipe. If you see anything weird, don’t shrug it off.
2. Knocking Sounds
If you’ve ever heard a bad sound coming from your motor, this needs an inspection.
Especially if there’s a knocking noise that grows when you rev up your car. It’s not just an annoying sound. It’s not normal, and it’s not an irrelevant issue.
There could be a few different things doing the knocking. Regardless of which it is, it’s doing damage to your engine. It may be small at first, but serious damage is inevitable if you don’t address the issue.
3. Burning Too Much Oil
If your car seems to go through more oil than it should, you may want to get your engine rebuilt.
If you use a quart of oil every 1000 miles of driving, that’s not normal. The oil is burning too fast. Keep an eye on the time between oil changes and see if there’s a problem.
4. Compression Loss
Compression loss is a common cause of misfiring engines. This can only be fixed with an engine rebuild.
Misfiring is more than annoying. You’ll be late to work and events, and your engine will get worn out.
Pay close attention when you start the car to spot this problem. If you think you may have a problem, Park Mazda can help.
5. Shiny Stuff in Your Oil
Do you lose speed over time?
Examine the oil that’s trapped on your cylinder head. Do you see any metallic flakes floating in the oil?
This means your car has sustained some problematic damage. Those flakes are material that’s been stripped from your bearings or connecting rod.
This damage is irreversible. Rebuilding the engine is your only solution.
6. Too Thirsty
Wasting money on pricey gas isn’t fun. Problematic engines can use much more gas than necessary just to run. And still be slow.
There may not be other obvious symptoms at all. But for some reason, you notice your car drinks more fuel than it should.
Check your gas gauge often for signs of potential problems.
7. Oil Sludge
If your oil pin has sludge on it when you replace the car’s oil, you can be sure that your engine isn’t doing well.
Sludge in your oil or coolant is a clear sign that the need for an engine rebuild isn’t far away. This oil and coolant are wasted and useless. And the sludge can cause more problems in your engine.
Do You Need an Engine Rebuild
If you encounter any of these signs, it’s in your best interest to rebuild your engine as soon as possible.
Solving the problem early is important in order to keep your car running properly for a long time.
If you need more information on car maintenance, keep reading our blog.