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.

How do you know if your engine is going bad?

As a responsible car owner, understanding the telltale signs of an impending engine problem is crucial to prevent expensive repairs. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe damage requiring extensive engine service. So, how do you know if your engine is going bad? Here are some common signs to look out for:

1. Engine Won't Start: One of the most evident signs is when your engine refuses to start. If your vehicle struggles or fails to turn over, it could be due to a failing starter, fuel system issues, or a weakened battery.
2. Unusual Noises: If you notice knocking, tapping, hissing, or grinding sounds coming from the engine could indicate internal problems. Knocking noises, for instance, might signal issues with the engine bearings.
3. Decreased Performance: A noticeable lack of power, sluggish acceleration, or difficulty starting the engine might indicate underlying issues.
4. Engine Overheating: If your engine overheats, it could be due to problems with the cooling system, low coolant levels, or other engine problems.
5. Check Engine Light: If the check engine light on your dashboard is illuminated, it could indicate various problems, some of which may involve the engine. It's important to have the codes read by a mechanic to determine the specific problem.
6. Strange Smells: Unusual smells like burnt oil, a sweet smell, or a burning odor could signal engine issues.

If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent minor problems from escalating and causing more significant damage to your engine.

Wondering how do you know if your engine is going bad? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about engine repair service and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Are The Most Common Engine Starting Problems?

Generally, many car drivers don’t have to think too much about how their car works.  Each morning as they head out the door, all they have to push the start button, and they’re off for the day.  Though, if you’ve owned a car for very long, it won’t come as a surprise that every car wants some type of basic maintenance for the systems that keep it operating reliably, regardless of whether it’s new or old.  

One important system to think about is the starting system. If any of the parts of this system have failed, you will experience starting issues. 

What are the most common engine starting problems?  Here are five issues that could cause starting issues:

• Bad Ignition Switch – This issue is usually indicated by trouble turning the key, flickering dash lights when you turn the key, or if the car doesn’t do anything at all when you turn the key. 
• Failed Starter – A failed starter will often make a loud single click when the key is turned in the ignition. The starter may be trying to move, but can’t really engage with the flywheel to spin the motor.
• Faulty Alternator – The alternator is responsible for creating a spark in the engine as well as charging the car's battery while the car is running. If the alternator fails, the battery takes over powering the accessories and will ultimately be drained of all its charge. 
• Fuel System issues – Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or dirty fuel injectors, can cause rough idling, loss of power, or a car that won’t start at all.
• Dead Car Battery – The battery is responsible for providing the initial electricity compulsory to start the car. It will die if accessories are left on without the engine running, if it has become weak and can’t hold a charge, or if the alternator has failed.

If you need to know more about what are the most common engine starting problems, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a needed engine repair service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Why Does the Service Engine Light Come On?

Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable transportation as long as you need it to.  If you think you are starting to experience engine issues, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal.  Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test.  Your auto mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood.  Any potential issue can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.  

If you’re wondering why does the service engine light come on, there are various reasons.  It could be an easy fix or something more serious is happening in the engine.

1. Gas Cap is loose, Damaged – If the gas cap is loose, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. The fix may be as simple as replacing the gas cap.
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust system, and how much fuel is burned.  If it is faulty, it cannot provide the right data to the computer, thereby reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.  
3. Failing Catalytic Convertor – The Catalytic Converter controls emissions in your car’s exhaust system. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it fails, your gas mileage will reduction and your car won’t accelerate when you step on the gas.
4. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – The mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air enters the engine.  If it fails, toxic emissions will increase, the car will start to stall, and gas mileage will decrease. 
5. Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine.  If they are starting to fail, they will misfire.  They simply want to be replaced.

What is the key to a well-running engine?  Take care of all service items as recommended, helping to prevent major engine repair issues.  

If you want to know more about why does the service engine light come on, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our engine repair services and to make an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What are the Signs of Engine Failure?

If you’re experiencing issues with the performance of your vehicle, ask your auto mechanic what to do to help restore its power and trustworthiness.  Some good advice is to take care of all engine service items when suggested by your mechanic.   This will help keep your vehicle running strong and prevent unexpected and expensive engine repairs.  

So just what are the signs of engine failure?  Of course, the “Check Engine” light is your first hint.  When this little warning light comes on, many drivers become fearful of what might be happening under the hood.  If at all possible, head to your auto shop for a diagnostic service.   Your auto mechanic can then pinpoint what and where something is going wrong.  

In addition to the “check engine” light, here a few other common signs of engine failure: 

1. Loss of Power -- Combustion engines convert gasoline into the power needed to make your vehicle go. There could be a glitch in the combustion process. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy -- There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine -- Knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting and popping during the ignition process can occur when there is an abnormality in the combustion flow.
4. Stalling -- The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Odors -- A noxious odor from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. High-performance Engines Don’t Turn Off -- This commonly happens when the octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Run Rough -- This is usually caused by clogs in the system, old spark plugs, an improper octane level, or a low battery.

Are you looking for a quality engine service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about recommended engine service and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.