How to correctly interpret the symptoms of engine damage
Engine failure is the spectre of every motorist – and the death of many an older used car. This makes it all the more important to recognize common symptoms of engine damage. This is the only way to prevent worse consequences. In this article, you will learn how to correctly interpret common damage patterns and what costs you can expect.
What is engine damage?
Engine damage is always when one of the sensitive components of the engine unit is defective. If you then drive even further, other components will quickly be damaged. In the worst case, a pronounced defect can result in an economic total loss. A replacement engine costs many thousands of euros.
Nevertheless, engine damage does not always have to mean the worst. Sometimes only a small repair is needed to fix it. Provided it is done early.
Common symptoms of engine damage – and what they mean
Many symptoms will help you recognize engine damage. The most important sign, which should never be ignored, is the check engine light that lights up. In addition, you should also pay attention to these symptoms of engine damage:
- Noises: Rattling noises indicate problems with the timing chain. A knocking or rattling noise suggests a piston seizure, bent valves or insufficient lubrication. If there is a banging noise, you should check the bearings.
- Exhaust: If blue smoke rises from the exhaust, this means oil in the engine compartment. If the engine overrevs at the same time, you should not continue driving – there is a risk of a total loss.
- Residues: Metallic residues or chips in the oil pan or drained oil are a warning signal. Depending on the color, this can be due to bearing damage or metal parts that have become loose.
- Smoke from the engine compartment: There may be engine damage. However, there may also be "only" problems with the cooling.
- Performance: Ignition misfires or a decreasing performance already clearly indicate that the engine is no longer running smoothly.
The fault memory is an important tool in diagnosis. Here you will often find messages announcing the involvement of components of the motor unit. For example, they affect the camshaft or crankshaft sensor. They can indicate a defective timing belt.
Engine damage – what to do?
The first measure is clear: If there are signs of engine damage, do not continue driving. To be on the safe side, have your car towed to the nearest workshop and checked by a specialist. There are several variants for further action:
- Has there been no consequential damage yet? Then it may be sufficient to repair the affected component.
- Has the engine itself been damaged? Then it must be clarified whether an engine repair is an option or whether a replacement engine or a new engine must be used.
- Alternatively, you can also try to sell the car with engine damage. If the vehicle itself has only a low residual value, it is often not worthwhile to repair the engine damage or invest in a new engine.
- If your car is serviced and not too long out of the warranty period, it may be worthwhile to submit a goodwill application to the manufacturer.
- You can try to report the engine damage to your fully comprehensive insurance company. However, if it did not occur as a result of an accident, the insurance company is unlikely to reimburse the costs.
Engine damage: What costs are incurred?
The costs caused by engine damage cannot be quantified as a general rule. If only a minor repair is necessary, a cost of 300 to 1,000 euros may be completely sufficient for the remedy. If the motor has to be replaced, it will be much more expensive for you. Count on 5,000 to 10,000 euros including working hours. That depends on whether a new or a replacement engine is installed. But also on the workshop (independent or authorized workshop), the time required, the manufacturer of the car and many other factors.
Have your workshop make you an individual offer and then decide whether you want to have the engine damage repaired or look for a new car. Do you want to do the repair yourself? Spare parts for the engine control system and cylinder heads can be conveniently ordered online from Motointegrator.