Engine Repair You Can Rely on at Louden Motorcars

When your engine develops a problem, it’s really hard to miss. We spend so much time with our vehicles that we get to know every sound and vibration that they make, so when something is amiss, you usually know pretty quickly.

That doesn’t mean that most folks act on this information, however, and just to help confirm the suspicions of those out there that they might have a real engine problem on their hands, we’re going to talk about some common issues and symptoms to look for.

Think you’re having engine trouble? Let’s take a peek at some symptoms and you be the judge!

Common Issues and Symptoms Your Engine Might Experience

While the list of things that can go wrong in an engine is a pretty extensive one, there are some problems that crop up more often than others. Below are 3 examples that we see all the time at Louden Motorcar Services:

• Timing Belt issues – Your timing belt usually needs to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and that’s a pretty robust part, when you think about it. The belt itself helps to synchronize your crankshaft and camshaft for proper combustion, but when it starts to go out, symptoms like ticking noises, engine misfires, and oil leaks tend to crop up as a warning that it’s time to get to the shop as soon as you can!
• Water Pump problems – Your water pump is a vital component of your vehicle, cycling water and specialized coolant between the radiator and the engine. When trouble arises, you’ll usually see coolant leaks, experience temperature rises, but you may also hear squealing as heat and friction get a stronger foothold in an already-hot engine.
• Catalytic converter-related symptoms – Your catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions and also to maximize the mileage you’re getting on your fuel. When trouble starts, you may notice a decrease in mileage and often you’re going to notice the smell. Rattling and poor acceleration are other signs that may come up and if you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to get into the shop for a checkup right away!

Preventative Maintenance is Your Best Defense

While common issues like we’ve just described are only the tip of the iceberg, there is some very good news – You can avoid most issues altogether by simply making sure to get your vehicle’s factory-recommended regular preventative maintenance.

German vehicles are engineered to last, but you’ve got to take care of them, and that means ensuring that fluids are kept topped off and occasionally completely changed out, that filters get replaced, and that things like your brakes, sensors, timing belt, and other important components are getting checked on-time, every time.

If you have a lot on your plate already, Louden Motorcar Services is ready and willing to help. We can make sure that you get your vehicle’s factory-recommended preventative maintenance done on time and on a schedule that you can be comfortable with. Not only will this help you to maximize your miles, but you’re going to save a bundle on repairs that could have easily been avoided.

Preventative maintenance may seem like a hassle but if you think about it, it just makes good, solid sense.