Opening the hood of a car might seem like a magical trick, especially if you picture legs dangling out of it without a clue on how to actually pop it open. Even if engines make your head spin, knowing how to check the basics, like fluid levels, helps keep your car purring like a happy kitten. Once you’ve cracked the mystery of lifting that hood, it’s time to explore all sorts of engine challenges and the fixes they require. Ever wondered how some folks never worry about their engines? It’s because they dove into these simple checks and discovered the secrets under the hood. So gear up and see what surprises await. Who knows what you’ll find and learn?
Signs and Symptoms of Engine Problems
Signs that may portend that your car needs to be taken in for a look see include spewing excessive smoke from the tail pipe, knocking or tapping sounds that your car stereo can no longer cover up, and such problems as low oil pressure, high oil consumption, low compression, and water mixing in with the oil. While a number of culprits can be the cause of these problems, in general, normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or lubrication problems might be cause for concern.
I believe the Engine Has Died: Now What?
Just because your car’s engine has “given up the ghost,“ does not mean that the rest of your vehicle is ready to throw in the towel. The natural inclination of most automobile owners upon hearing that their baby is on the “hurt table” with a case of the terminals is to cast about for a new ride to get them to work the next day. The truth is however, just because your engine has died does not necessarily translate into buying a new car being your best available option. Indeed, if the rest of the vehicle is in reasonably good repair, then it might make sense to repower your car or truck with a rebuilt engine rather than going through the expense of buying an entirely new vehicle. Every new or used vehicle purchase includes hidden costs that invariably hike the purchasing price of a new car whereas, a rebuilt engine might cost but a fraction of a new car or truck.
What Exactly is a Rebuilt Engine?
As the name implies a remanufactured engine is one that has been extensively remade to meet all prescribed standards and design specifications. Highly trained machinists, using state of the art equipment, completely re-wrought the engine including installing new parts and components that are designed to meet or exceed all factory expectations. Rebuilt engines are not only an affordable way to breathe life back into your otherwise perfectly functioning automobile, but they frequently come with an ironclad warranty that instills peace of mind in the car owner.
Benefit the Planet and your Pocket with a Rebuilt Engine
Choosing to repower your vehicle with a remanufactured engine will save you money over the long run from either ignoring the problem, or buying a new vehicle as a replacement. A rebuilt engine will get better gas mileage than the worn engine you have been driving around on, and replacing it will save you big money over buying a new vehicle.
In addition to doing your wallet a favor, you are also doing the planet a favor because rebuilt engines spew fewer pollutants into the air, and like all rebuilding/recycling efforts, the endeavor cost fewer resources than building a new engine from scratch or the costs associated with discarding an old motor.
Excellent Warranties Available
The typical remanufactured engine is normally delivered with a comprehensive 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty, while others feature a 36-month, unlimited miles package dependant on the service station. It is comforting to know as you pull out of the shop that you have your back covered with the protection that a warranty affords.
Reputable Shops and Affordable Prices
When casting about for a mechanic to discuss your full range of available options when your engine decides to die, make sure that you are dealing with a reputable shop to complete your repairs. Do your due diligence by checking with your town’s Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau to check on the shop’s bonafides before agreeing to any work being completed. The cost of choosing to rebuild your engine will vary dependant on the make and model, but generally speaking, the cost of a rebuilt motor can be as little a tenth of the price of a new vehicle.
