Breakdowns can come around for a wide variety of reasons, with engine failures being at once a common and serious issue faced by many drivers all over the world. Seeing your engine failure hazard lights show up could be a sign of severe, costly issues that might even necessitate scrapping your car.
This blog will highlight the common causes and symptoms of engine failure, so you can take preemptive measures that will keep your car on the road.
The common reasons for engine failure
Understanding the most common causes of engine failure is a surefire way to keep malfunctions at bay.
- Lack of maintenance, such as regular oil changes, can result in engine failures.
- Low oil levels result in grinding components, which leads to extreme wear.
- Dirty or degraded oil will collect contaminants, becoming sludge that reduces its effectiveness as a lubricant.
- Engine overheating is one of the primary causes of on-the-road failures.
- Low coolant levels caused by leaks or neglected flushes can lead to overall failure, as can broken water pumps, clogged radiators, broken thermostats and malfunctioning cooling fans.
- Timing belt/chain failures result in unsynchronised rotations in the crankshaft and camshaft, meaning engine valves don’t open and close correctly. Broken or slipped belts/chains can cause piston collisions, causing catastrophic engine failures.
- Fuel issues like faulty pumps, poor quality fuel and clogged injectors can result in engine failure and damage.
- Water or contaminants in the engine, as a result of blown head gaskets or driving through water.
- Excessive and aggressive driving, such as going particularly fast, harshly accelerating, carrying heavy loads and more can result in failures.
It’s important not to ignore warning lights or unusual noises in your vehicle, and respond promptly to the Check Engine Light. Things like knocking, tapping, grinding or hissing sounds often indicate issues, and signal you should do some checks or maintenance. Similarly, you should also keep an eye out for engine misfires, smoke, rough idling, decreased power and poor fuel economy, as all of these symptoms could indicate an oncoming failure.
Preventing or avoiding engine failure
Engine failure isn’t like popping a tyre or buffing out a small dent – it can be a severe issue that requires replacements or even sending cars to scrap. You must follow some core rules, such as
- Following the manufacturer's guidance on service scheduling
- Regularly change your oil, filters, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid
- Check coolant levels
- Replace your timing/belt and chain at around 60-100,000 miles
- Replace spark plugs and air filters
Above all else, make sure to stay calm and safe if an engine failure starts to take you off the road. Activate your hazard lights, steer to safety and do not restart the car.
Does car insurance cover engine failure?
So does insurance cover engine failure? No, generally not. It’s important to prepare for the possibility of engine failure by securing sufficient breakdown cover. Even if the failure is too much to be solved at the side of the road, at least you’ll be able to keep your vehicle on the move, figure out onward travel and more. Check out Motoring Assistance today for all your breakdown cover needs.