Your truck comprises various components that work jointly to take you from place to place and the most intricate and vital of them all is the engine. Your truck cannot function properly with a faulty engine, and it is upon you to maintain it and take it for engine repair whenever necessary. The following are warning signs that your engine is malfunctioning.
Check Engine Light
When your check engine light is on, it is a sure indication that something is amiss with the engine and requires check-up. Diagnostics on the engine can ascertain the root of the warning and have it fixed. The longer you ignore this light, the harder and costly the problem will be to fix.
Stalling
If your truck experiences a rough idle or stalling, chances are you have spark plugs and wires issues or exhaust system issues or malfunctioning ignition coils.
Increased Exhaust Smoke
An increase in exhaust emission is a clear sign of an engine problem. Basing on the color of your exhaust smoke, you can somehow tell the underlying issue. Black exhaust means that too much gas is being burnt; blue exhaust tells of burning oil in the engine, and white exhaust tells of a leaking coolant within the combustion chamber.
Leaks
Any underside leaks should warrant a truck repair at an auto repair shop as soon as possible. Your truck utilizes several fluids to operate vital components under the hood. While leaking brake fluid will affect your braking system, Leaking oil and coolant can be detrimental to your engine's health.
Knocking Sound
Whenever you hear a continuous knocking sound from under your hood, then there is a likelihood you are running low on engine oil. Lack of lubrication is the cause of the sound, and a simple step of adding oil may solve the issue. However, this sign could sometimes necessitate engine repair or a complete overhaul of your engine.
Loss of Power
While it is common for a vehicle to lose power, especially after very high mileage, you should be concerned when this happens more suddenly. An in-depth diagnosis of your engine at your auto repair shop will rectify the problem.
Worsening Gas Mileage
If your truck starts gobbling up gas, then there is an issue with the engine’s compression stroke. However, several issues can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency, and a quick tune-up may restore your trucks MPG.
Vibrating
Vibrations under the hood can result from metal-to-metal contact in your engine. This is an indication that the engine is low on oil. If unchecked, your engine parts will wear out from the friction and damage the engine.
Precautionary steps to maintain your engine
To keep your engine fit and functional, make a habit of performing the following checks on your truck:
- Regularly change your engine oil
- Always keep an eye on the cooling system
- Check the air filter
- Avoid driving on reserve fuel
- Replace your fuel filter
- Always replace spark plugs and wires
- Avoid over-accelerating if you are to stop soon
The engine is the most expensive and intricate component of your truck and requires good care at all costs. It is crucial not to ignore any of these red flags, as that will only inflame the problem. With routine maintenance and the occasional truck repair, your vehicle can effectively function for thousands of miles.
