Common Car Engine Problems and What To Do

Do you know what to do when your engine starts making odd noises or your dashboard lights start flashing? If not, you’ve come to the right place.

It can be scary when our cars stop working as they should and encounter issues. From overheating and oil leaks to misfiring and knocking, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with a car’s engine. But rest assured that, for every engine problem, there’s a straightforward solution that will have your car safely back on the road in no time at all.

Read on for engine advice and fixes straight from the Tyre Pros experts.

Your engine has overheated

When your car’s engine runs, its temperature can reach upwards of 200 degrees (no wonder we have to use coolant to keep it at a good temperature). Sometimes, your engine can overheat, often causing smoke to leak from the bonnet or a burning smell to occur. The most efficient way to determine the cause of your engine overheating is to talk to a mechanic.

Why has my engine overheated?

There are several reasons why your engine may have overheated. More often than not, it’s because you’ve run out of coolant. So, it’s essential that you routinely check and top up your coolant levels when needed to avoid engine overheating.

Alternatively, there may also be a cooling system failure; in this case, you’ll need to book an appointment at your local garage for repairs.

What to do when your car overheats

If your car starts to overheat, you should stop driving and let your car cool down. If you’re not at home or somewhere safe, drive in short bursts and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If you do experience your engine overheating, it’s paramount that you seek advice from a professional as soon as possible. The long-term effects of an overheated engine can be costly, so it’s better to resolve an issue quickly before it damages your car permanently. 

Failing oil pump

When your oil pump fails, it nearly always restricts your engine from much-needed lubrication. This can be extremely serious for the lifespan of any engine. Ensure that the oil you use in your engine is of a genuine viscosity, as it needs to be thin enough to pass quickly through the pump. 

If your oil pump has failed, you must immediately take it to a mechanic. It is advisable to get towed, as driving with a failed oil pump can result in irreparable engine damage within minutes. 

Signs your oil pump has failed

Some tell-tale signs of a failed oil pump include:

• Low oil pressure 
• Increased engine temperature/overheating
• Oil warning light
• Engine noise 
• Burning smell 
• Noise from engine/valve.

Aged spark plugs

A particularly common engine problem in older cars, spark plugs are designed to ignite any compressed fuel found in your car's engine. As a spark plug gets older, its ignition is weaker and can cause misfiring or rough idling from weak ignition. 

What should I do about my aged spark plugs?

Aged spark plugs can cause inefficient fuel economy and long-term damage to the car’s engine. While cleaning or repairing your aged spark plugs is tempting, it’s best practice just to get them replaced. If you attempt to clean or repair the spark plugs yourself, you could create more problems. 

Dead battery

A dead battery is a very common car engine problem that most drivers will face during their car’s lifespan. It’s usually caused by leaving the lights on, not starting the car for extended periods, or a faulty alternator. At Tyre Pros, we can offer you a free car battery health check so you can have peace of mind that your battery is running exactly as it should be.

How to fix a dead battery

There are three main options for fixing your car’s dead battery: 

Jump starting

Jump-starting can be done with another vehicle or, alternatively, with a portable battery pack. Connect the red cable to both positive terminals, the black cable to the good battery’s negative and a metal part of the dead car, start the good car/portable battery, then the dead one, and disconnect in reverse order. 

Using a battery charger

For this, you should connect the charger’s red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to the negative, set the charger to the correct voltage, turn it on, let it charge, then turn it off and disconnect in reverse order.

Replace/change the battery

To replace your battery, you should turn off the car, disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive, remove the old battery, place the new one in, reconnect the positive cable first, then the negative, and ensure it’s secured.

Engine detonation

Have you ever heard a knocking or rattling sound from your engine? This is normally a sign that you should check in with a mechanic soon as it may be a sign of engine detonation. This is the premature explosion of the fuel-air mixture instead of burning smoothly, exerting a higher force onto the piston and cylinder, creating a knocking or rattling noise. 

How can I prevent and fix engine detonation?

• Make sure you keep your coolant level topped up 
• Ensure you have the correct type of spark plugs and gaps
• Inspect your cooling system for a slipping fan clutch, missing fan shroud, or bad water pump.

If you’re still experiencing engine detonation, seek expert advice from your mechanic.

Starter motor

The starter motor is a vital electric motor in a vehicle’s engine that initiates the engine’s rotation when its ignition is engaged — as such, the starter motor must be kept in good working condition at all times. Occasionally, starter motors can become faulty (often due to a flat battery or a fault in its own motor). If your starter motor begins to malfunction, the engine may not be able to start up. 

What to do when your starter motor doesn't work

When your starter motor doesn’t work, check the battery for charge and ensure the connections are clean and secure. If the battery is fine, tap the starter motor lightly with a wrench — it might be stuck. If the issue persists, test the ignition switch, relays, and fuses, or contact your local Tyre Pros centre for swift, expert support.

Best practices to avoid car engine problems

Treating your car with the best care to stay ahead of the car maintenance game is important. Good maintenance habits and practices will keep your car in the best state. 

Consider adding the below points to your regular car care routine (or at least several times a year alongside a full service) to keep engine issues at bay.

• Check fluid levels. Keep proper engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. 
• Monitor battery health. Keep terminals clean and replace the battery when needed.
• Avoid overheating. Regularly check the car’s radiator, coolant levels, and thermostat. 
• Listen out for unusual noises. Take notice of strange noises that differ from your usual drive.
• Drive smoothly. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking to reduce engine strain.
• Keep an eye out for warning lights. Warning lights indicate a problem, which it is important to address to prevent it from festering. 
• Use the right fuel and oil. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendation for the correct fuel and engine oil type. 
• Inspect belts and hoses. Make sure to replace worn-out belts and cracked hoses before they fail.
• Warm up in cold weather. Let the engine idle for a minute before driving in freezing conditions..

Get ahead of your car engine problems with Tyre Pros

Now that you know what to look for when it comes to engine problems, you can feel much more confident looking after your car. 

If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to contact your local Tyre Pros today to speak to one of our experts. Also, be sure to keep up with our blog for the latest advice and information.