Your car does more for you than you probably realize. Think of the most important events in your life, and there's a good chance that you drove to them in a car. Whether you love driving or dread getting behind the wheel, there's no denying that automobiles are an integral part of modern life. They take us to work, get us home, and bring us to all the places that we love. Because they're so important, we believe in treating our cars right. We want to share the tips and knowledge that you need to make your car last, and maybe even to enjoy it just a little bit more. Keep reading if you're ready to learn what makes your car tick.
Since the engine is one of the most critical parts of the car, you should always be on the lookout for engine problems. Start by identifying the causes of engine problems so that you can deal with them before major issues arise. Below are some of the things that can trigger engine malfunction.
Overheating
Combustion engines burn fuel to produce energy, and heat production is an integral part of the process. Unfortunately, the heat can damage various parts of the car, so it must be dissipated away. The cooling system, which includes the oil and coolant, must work together to get rid of the heat produced. A problem in the cooling system, say an oil or coolant leak, can lead to overheating. Engine damage and loss of power can follow if you continue to run the engine in its overheated state.
Poor Lubrication
The internal combustion engine has several parts such as the cylinders, pistons, camshaft, belts, connecting rod, crankshaft, among other parts. Most of these are moving parts that must be properly lubricated to reduce friction. If the lubrication reduces too much, say due to oil leakage, the moving parts will experience accelerated wear and tear. Too much wear and tear can even result in broken engine parts. The engine may also lose power due to the sluggish movements.
Water Contamination
Water in the engine is also a receipt for disaster. For one, the water can affect the electrical parts of the engine, such as the spark plugs. Secondly, the water can contaminate the engine oil, leading to poor lubrication and cooling, as well as their associated problems. Lastly, and this is one of the most dangerous effects of a flooded engine, the water can get into the combustion chamber. That would be dangerous since water is incompressible (unlike the air and fuel mixture that the engine usually handles). The incompressibility of the water can lead to piston damage.
Wear and Tear
All car parts, the engine included, experience wear and tear as the car runs. Friction, overheating, and driving conditions all determine the rate of wear and tear. Eventually, individual parts of the engine wear out and need to be serviced or replaced. Otherwise, a part failure can trigger a chain of events that can lead to catastrophic engine damage. For example, the breakage of the serpentine belt will lead to loss of engine power.
Hopefully, your car won't develop engine problems any time soon. If it does, consult an auto repair shop for a diagnosis and solution before the problem worsens.
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