What are the causes of engine failure?

It's something every car owner dreads. You go out to your vehicle, turn the key and the car won't start. Even worse, the engine fails while you're on the road. The best way to avoid being in either of these conditions is regular preventative maintenance and engine service, especially for older vehicles.

Overheating

A common cause of engine failure is overheating. Engines produce a lot of heat so coolant is required to keep parts within a tolerable range of temperature. Coolant passes through hoses, the radiator, and other components, and a crack or a loose connection can cause coolant to leak. This in turn leads to the coolant system not operating correctly, allowing the engine to reach a temperature it can’t safely operate in, so it shuts down to avoid further damage.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs, a key component of the ignition process, are responsible for creating the spark that ignites fuel upon start-up. If spark plugs are old or corroded, they can’t start the car correctly so the engine never turns over. They should be changed sometimes and can also lead to other problems if the engine continues to run with sub-par plugs.

Oil Problems

The oil keeps everything in your engine running smoothly and needs regular attention. Oil pumps and oil filters may become clogged, stopping engine components from moving correctly. Low oil levels can also lead to parts seizing up. Your oil may be low due to a leak, which can also cause oil deposits to form on other components, inhibiting their function and causing engine failure.

Knowing what are the causes of engine failure and keeping up with engine service goes a long way towards ensuring that your car starts up every time, and keeps on running reliably.

Wondering what are the causes of engine failure? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about engine repair service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.