Staying Safe: Recognizing Symptoms of Engine Issues

Staying safe while driving isn’t just about preventative maintenance; it’s also important to be able to recognize the signs of trouble and take action before there’s a larger problem. Awareness of your engine essential for every driver. While not every noise your engine makes is cause for alarm, these symptoms of engine issues are common signs that it’s time to visit a repair shop:

Unfamiliar or unusual odors. A strange smell coming from under your hood should send you straight to a repair shop.  Different smells can indicate different types of issues; a sweet smell can signify that your engine is overheating, a burnt-toast smell can indicate an electrical issue, and a rotten-egg or sulfuric smell can suggest a problem with the exhaust system.

Reduced fuel efficiency.  If you notice your gas mileage decreasing, there could be an issue with your engine. This could indicate a faulty part, such as worn spark plugs, bad oxygen sensors, or fuel injectors in need of replacement.  Have a repair shop replace the part as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

A unfamiliar noise.  While an strange noise coming from your engine may be alarming, it’s also useful in helping to identify the problem. A loud squealing could mean a worn-out belt, a popping noise may mean a bad spark plugs or wires, a screeching sound might indicate a loose fan belt, while a loud rattling could signify a number of faulty parts. Whatever strange noise you’re hearing, it’s important to have your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your engine, rely on the care at Dave’s Body Shop.  Our team has been serving the community since 1942, and we take pride in using only the best parts and products to repair our customers’ vehicles. If you’d like to schedule an appointment at our shop today, call us at (801) 566-3906.