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 situations 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 components within a tolerable range of temperature. Coolant passes through hoses, the radiator, and other parts, and a crack or a loose connection can cause coolant to leak. This in turn leads to the coolant system not operating properly, allowing the engine to reach a temperature it cannot safely operate in, so it shuts down to avoid further damage.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs, a key part of the ignition process, are responsible for creating the spark that ignites fuel upon start-up. If spark plugs are old or corroded, they cannot start the car properly so the engine never turns over. They should be replaced periodically and can also lead to other issues if the engine continues to run with sub-par plugs.
Oil Issues
Oil keeps everything in your engine running smoothly and needs regular attention. Oil pumps and oil filters may become clogged, stopping engine parts from moving properly. Low oil levels can also lead to components seizing up. Your oil may be low due to a leak, which can also cause oil deposits to form on other parts, 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.
Have more questions about what are the causes of engine failure? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
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 situations 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 components within a tolerable range of temperature. Coolant passes through hoses, the radiator, and other parts, and a crack or a loose connection can cause coolant to leak. This in turn leads to the coolant system not operating properly, allowing the engine to reach a temperature it cannot safely operate in, so it shuts down to avoid further damage.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs, a key part of the ignition process, are responsible for creating the spark that ignites fuel upon start-up. If spark plugs are old or corroded, they cannot start the car properly so the engine never turns over. They should be replaced periodically and can also lead to other issues if the engine continues to run with sub-par plugs.
Oil Issues
Oil keeps everything in your engine running smoothly and needs regular attention. Oil pumps and oil filters may become clogged, stopping engine parts from moving properly. Low oil levels can also lead to components seizing up. Your oil may be low due to a leak, which can also cause oil deposits to form on other parts, 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.
Have more questions about what are the causes of engine failure? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
