Having a reliable vehicle ensures you can get to work, pick up the kids, and handle tasks throughout the day. If something inside the engine breaks, the car will be less efficient and may even stop working without prompt engine repairs. Below are several indications that you should take the vehicle in for service so that you can avoid a complete breakdown.

When Should You Schedule Engine Repairs?

1. Rough Shifting

When your vehicle shifts gears, you shouldn't feel a delay or jolt, as the transition is usually smooth. If you feel these sensations or the car won't shift into a certain gear, such as reverse, something is wrong with the transmission. You may also hear grinding, smell a burning odor, or experience rough idling. Transmission issues could be caused by a faulty engine sensor or a bad connection. It could also be due to wear from hard acceleration or braking. Continuing to drive with these issues can cause the engine to seize, requiring a full replacement.

2. Overheating

The radiator keeps the engine cool, as overheating can permanently damage the vehicle. When this happens, you may notice warning lights on the dashboard or smoke coming from the engine. This is often due to a coolant leak, low oil, clogged hose, or a faulty radiator.

Driving when the engine is too hot can cause irreparable damage when metal parts weld together. If the car is too hot, check the oil. The reservoir should be full and the liquid should have a thin consistency. Next, look for green or orange coolant leaking under the car. If no problems are visible, you likely have a hose, radiator, or water pump issue.

3. Milky Oil

Check your oil at least once a month and before long trips. If you notice that the liquid has a foggy or milky color, the coolant is mixing with the oil. This prevents the lubricant from coating the components and allowing them to move smoothly. A blown head gasket or cracked engine block is the most common cause of this. These issues occur when the engine is not burning fuel properly.

4. Irregular Exhaust

Under normal circumstances, smoke shouldn't come from the car's exhaust unless it's burning condensation and creating a thin, white vapor. If the smoke is pure white, coolant is leaking into the engine. Black smoke means too much fuel is being burned due to a clogged filter, faulty fuel injection, or clogged manifold, while blue smoke means oil is leaking and burning. Driving like this could cause the engine to overheat or seize.

If you need a mechanic to address these issues, contact AutoTech Transmissions in Phoenix, AZ. This auto repair shop offers full diagnostics and engine repairs for head gaskets, cooling systems, fluids, manifolds, and transmissions. Their ASE-certified team has over 25 years of experience and can repair, rebuild, or replace your engine. Visit them online for more information about their services. Call (480) 256-8866 to schedule an appointment.