How Do I Know if My Engine Needs an Overhaul?
When you buy a new or used car, you hope to get many miles out of it before you have any significant problems, like the engine going bad. But it can happen, and if you aren’t in the position to buy a new car, you may need to talk to your mechanic about getting an engine overhaul for your car.
What is an engine overhaul?
The engine in your car is the center of everything that makes your car move. While it may look like a big hunk of metal to most of us, it is an intricate machine that converts the engine’s heat from burning gas to energy that forces the wheels to turn. This may be a simplified explanation, but suffice it to say that the engine is essential, so when it begins to fail, getting it fixed and back on the road is also crucial, and this is where an engine overhaul may be the best solution.
An engine overhaul is deconstructing the existing engine and putting it back together with new internal components and parts. This includes the:
- Cylinders
- Valves
- Springs
- Gaskets
… and more
How do you know if your car needs an engine overhaul?
If you are experiencing any of the following issues, you should have your car’s engine inspected by a mechanic to determine if an engine overhaul is needed. Once they have inspected the engine, they can advise whether an engine overhaul is the best solution. Those issues include:
- Warning Lights: If warning lights are illuminated, don’t wait for something terrible to happen—schedule an appointment with the mechanic immediately. Those warning lights are connected to sensors that read how the engine and other components run. When the warning lights are on, many possible problems can occur, and an engine overhaul may be necessary to fix the problem.
- Rough Jerking: A car should run smoothly while driving. If your car is jerking, stalling, or surging roughly, this could indicate something is wrong with the engine. Something as simple as replacing the spark plugs or the fuel lines may be needed to fix the issue, though the problem may be something more serious that requires an engine overhaul.
- Loud Sounds: If you hear a popping or tapping sound as you drive, it is often a problem with the cylinders. An engine overhaul is often recommended to fix this.
- Odors: If you notice a foul odor as you drive, it could be the engine overheating or an oil leak. Your mechanic can determine the problem and recommend what should be done to fix it.
- Smoking: If your car’s engine smokes or excessive smoke comes from the tailpipe, have your mechanic perform an inspection. There may be a small oil leak, which can be easy to fix, or a more serious issue if oil is pouring out from any part of the engine. An engine overhaul can usually fix this problem.
How much does an engine overhaul cost?
Many factors can determine the cost of an engine overhaul. The first consideration is the size and type of engine being overhauled, which depends on your car’s make, model, and year.
Other considerations include which components must be replaced and how many. With some jobs, the mechanic can clean, make adjustments, and reuse some parts. Other times, parts like the gaskets need to be replaced. These are all factors that can affect the overall cost of the job.
Is a car engine overhaul a significant repair?
Yes, a car engine overhaul is a significant repair procedure. It can be intimidating for the non-mechanic, but a well-trained, experienced professional will know precisely how and what to do.
How can you prevent the need for an engine overhaul?
Every engine problem won’t always lead to an engine overhaul, but you can do some things to extend the lifespan of your car. Keeping the recommended maintenance schedule from your mechanic and the car manufacturer is essential! This means having oil changes, transmission screen changes, and flushes and using high-quality gasoline.
Is an engine overhaul worthwhile?
Though everyone has their own opinion, most people will tell you getting an engine overhaul is superior to getting a new car engine. Why? Because the parts used are older designed parts. Many parts designed today are different than the OEM parts and don’t work as well in many cases. This is in addition to the fact that an engine overhaul is more affordable than buying a new car engine.
Get Your Motor Running!
Feel confident if you’re heading out on the highway with a car equipped with an overhauled engine. An engine overhaul will be a dependable engine backed by the mechanic who did the work and the parts supplier. As long as you follow the maintenance program recommended by the engineer, you should receive many miles of happy motoring! For more information about getting an engine overhaul in Venice, FL or the surrounding area, we invite you to contact us. Call 941-493-6511 today.