6 Signs Your Engine is Dying (and How to Prevent it)

There are many times in life when you don't realise what you have until it's gone. You don't want to have this revelation when you're driving down the motorway, however. If your engine is failing, you don't want to suddenly find out when you look in the rear view mirror and see bits of it trailing behind you on the road.

The good news is, you don't have to. Like with any illness you might suffer from, there are symptoms that can help you detect when your engine is sick. These signs are warnings that you should visit your mechanic as quickly as possible.

Signs Your Engine is Dying

• Won't Start on a Cold day- Cold winter mornings are always troublesome for cars. Many older engines won't turn over when conditions are freezing, and this is most often due to battery problems. If your Mazda won't start at all, though, the issue can be much more daunting. It could mean that a cylinder head has cracked because of the pressure created by the change in temperature. Replacing the cylinder head immediately is important, as major cracks can lead to severe damage to the cylinders in the engine.

• Oil Patches- One of the most obvious signs that something isn't right with your engine is a patch of oil that the car leaves behind after it has been parked somewhere for a little while. Whether you only see a small spot or the car leaves behind a lake that could easily trap cats and small children in its grip, you need to pay attention. These patches indicate an oil leak in the engine, which needs to be repaired as quickly as possible. Without the proper amount of oil, your engine, and other car parts, can't function correctly. Visit your mechanic to have these leaks fixed, or you'll end up with an engine that seizes and has to be replaced.

• The Engine Knock- A knocking sound in the engine has become such a familiar symptom of engine problems that it's been dubbed “The engine knock.” If you happen to hear it, you could be facing problems with a few different Mx5 parts and components. It could be due to a low octane rating in the fuel you use, which can be fixed by using an octane booster. The problem can also be caused by carbon deposits on cylinder walls, which occur despite carbon cleaning detergent in your petrol. This can be fixed by adding a detergent additive to your fuel tank and by switching fuels. The knocking sound could also be caused by using the wrong spark plugs. Check your owner's manual to see what spark plugs they recommend. If you are using anything else, knocking can occur.

• Smoking- Smoking isn't just bad for your health, it's bad for your car too. If you see smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, get your car to a mechanic immediately. This generally means your engine is getting a bad mix of air and petrol. At best, you'll have to replaced the tappets. At worst, your piston rings may be flawed. If the latter is the case, you could have to replace the entire engine.

• Steam- Steam is often associated with the good things in our life, like the condensation on the mirror after a long hot shower or the kettle boiling for a delicious cup of afternoon tea. When it comes to your car, though, steam is not your friend. When steam comes from your engine, it can indicate issues with a number of car parts, but it most likely means that your radiator, pipes, or gasket are leaking. Finding and fixing these leaks immediately is your only hope of preventing engine failure.

• Fires- Each year, more than 100,000 cars catch fire. That's almost 300 every day. 65% of these fires are the result of deliberate attempts to cover up criminal activity. Many others are due to one simple issue: lack of basic maintenance. The truth is, if your car catches fire, it's often because it's trying to tell you something- take care of me. A fire beneath your bonnet can quickly get out of hand and damage a number of car parts, including fuel lines, pipes, and your radiator.

Preventing Engine Problems

While many engine problems may seem overwhelming, most can be prevented by remembering a few basic things:

• Always read your owner's manual. This manual will tell you what type of car parts to purchase for your car, what kind of oil your car needs, and the type of fuel you need to purchase. It will also help you better understand how to take care of your vehicle.

• Perform basic maintenance. Changing the oil, brakes, and checking the fluids on your Mazda isn't difficult, and it can lead to longer lasting Mx5 parts. If you aren't comfortable performing this type of maintenance on your vehicle, schedule an appointment with a local shop that can do it for you.

• Visit your mechanic regularly. Some problems you can't take care of by yourself. Waiting until they get so bad that your engine is almost dead isn't the best solution, though. Visit your mechanic as soon as you notice any signs that your engine, or any other car parts, might be having problems.

• Pay attention to dashboard warning lights. In newer vehicles, these lights can often tell you when something is wrong with your engine before any other symptoms are noticed. Visit a mechanic who can correctly diagnose what these warning lights indicate so you can get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.

Sometimes we don't realise what we have until it's gone, but that doesn't have to be the case with your Mazda's engine. Take the time to take care of it, so you don't have to experience signs that it is failing. With a little preventative maintenance, some knowledge gained from your owner's manual, and the help of a professional, you can be sure your car parts will last as long as possible.