5 Main Causes of Engine Failure

5 min read
08 November 2022

It’s widely known that the engine is essentially the car’s powerhouse, which is why proper and regular maintenance is required to keep the engine running smoothly. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road with a smokey engine wondering where it all went wrong; you also don’t want to replace the engine if you can avoid it, because it will cost you a lot more than a bi-monthly trip to the mechanic.

Figuring out what’s wrong with the engine and what to do in these cases is vital. Additionally, understanding what harms the engine and how to avoid it can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

If you sense any changes varying from loud rumbling, starting problems, slower acceleration, and oil leakage, then getting a mechanic to check is recommended to prevent the engine from failing.

While some issues are minor and easily fixed, if neglected for too long, they can become a severe problem and cause your engine to malfunction completely. Thankfully, there are a lot of indicators that help you determine whether the engine needs repair or not.

However, if your engine is constantly failing even with proper care, then selling your used car in the UAE and purchasing a brand new one is the best option you have.

1. Coolant/Antifreeze Leak

You might notice some stains on the road and think nothing of it. But you might want to check if your car hasn’t caused the leak. Several causes could lead to a coolant leakage, such as objects penetrating the radiator, loose hose clamps, and a worn-out radiator hose.

Another way of checking for a leakage is by noticing how fast the coolant drains during your travels; if the coolant appears to be draining abnormally quickly after a short period of refilling it, then you might have a leak on your hands. Dirt accumulation also affects the coolant system, which must be clean at all times.

Coolant keeps your car running at high and low temperatures, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it to prevent any engine issues from appearing.

2. Engine Oil Leak

Similar to coolant and antifreeze leak, but slightly more dangerous. Engine oil lubricates the engine and prevents friction and overheating. But when an oil leak occurs, it leaves the engine vulnerable to overheating due to increased friction and eventually causes the engine to seize up and break down.

You should periodically change your oil to prevent the engine from overheating. Brown or yellow stains on the ground could indicate an oil leak, so keep your eye on the road next time you take your car for a drive.

3. Water Exposure

We’re not talking about a splash or drizzle of rain; we’re talking about driving during heavy floods and stormy weather. Your car is not a boat, so don’t go driving it through the water thinking you’re a captain of sorts; you’ll only end up with a dead car and more water in your eyes than the storm itself.

4. Neglecting the Engine Oil Lights

Here’s a story you know all too well. The light appears while you’re driving, and upon noticing it, you brush it off and postpone it. And before you know it, the rumbling begins, leaving you deserted in the middle of nowhere again.

The light isn’t there to look pretty; it’s there to warn you about the engine oil. So ignoring it won’t only harm your wallet but also the engine. Make sure to replace your oil occasionally before you end up needing to replace the engine instead.

5. Wrong Fuel Type

Sadly, one of the most common mistakes leading to engine failure is using the wrong fuel type. As simple as it sounds, many people mess up and fuel their cars with the wrong fuel type. Adding diesel to your petrol car or vice versa can be catastrophic to your car; in most cases, it leads to engine failure.

While it’s true that many companies offer recovery services to fix your car. Since they aren’t always effective, you should always be aware which type of fuel is the right one for your vehicle.

If the engine is officially kicking the bucket and is simply unfit for use anymore, you can always cash your car in the UAE for the most convenient prices.

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Johan Thoms 19
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