Your car engine is like your body’s heart – if it stops working, you’re in trouble. That’s why it’s vital to follow the signs of a dying car engine, so you can get it serviced before it’s too late.

Here at Queens Auto Mall, we’ve compiled a list of the most common symptoms of a dying car engine!

Sign 1: Starting Delays

Running late for errands? If your car takes more than its sweet time to start up, there may be something wrong with the engine. A number of different concerns could cause this symptom, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Don’t be tempted to let it slide; a car that’s struggling to start is only going to get worse over time.

Sign 2: Unfamiliar Noises

After driving in your car for some time, you get used to the sounds it makes. If you start hearing strange noises that you’ve never heard before, it could signify that something is wrong with the engine.

These unusual noises could be caused by anything from a loose belt to an issue with the pistons, so it’s essential to get them checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem is not an option if you want your car to last for a long time.

Sign 3: Strange Odors

Along with strange sounds, a car starting to die will also begin emitting strange smells. The most common odors are burning oil and gasoline, and they can be a warning sign that the engine is in trouble.

If you smell either of these odors, it’s essential to pull over as soon as possible and call for help. Continuing to drive could result in some very unsavory situations, so take the smart road and ring up your mechanic instead.

Sign 4: Fluid Leaks

Another common sign of a dying engine is fluid leaks. These can include coolant, oil, and ATF (automatic transmission fluid).

If you notice any such fluids leaking below your car, it’s time to have your engine checked out by a trained mechanic. It may be something simple that requires nothing more than an adjustment or repair, or it may be a hint that your engine is on its last legs. In any case, it’s best to get it checked out sooner rather than later.

Sign 5: Passing Time

Your car engine can only last for so long. Eventually, even the most well-built machine will give out.

The best way to avoid an unexpected car engine death is to keep track of how long your car has been running. If it’s been more than 5 years since your last engine overhaul or replacement, then it might be time for a new one.

Conclusion

Unsure about whether or not your car engine needs replacement? Or thinking about replacing your car altogether? Queens Auto Mall is the place for you!

With an inventory of over 200 used vehicles, we’re proud to serve Queens, NY.

Find your new ride today!

If you want your car’s AC to work as flawlessly as the day you first got your car, you might have to become more punctual with your maintenance schedules and become a regular at Queens Auto Mall to keep your car working like a charm. Queens is pretty cold this time of the year, so you might be scoffing at the thought of an AC checkup, but your heater & AC are intricately linked!

A problem with the compressor will surely translate to poor AC function come spring. If your car exhibits any of the signs below, your compressor needs serious help, and you need a cool summer!

The Car’s Cockpit Is Warm Instead of Cool

It’s good practice to run your AC for 10 minutes once a week, so you know the HVAC is entirely functional. However, if your AC is venting warm air, that could mean the compressor is compromised and unable to cool the air efficiently. It could also mean clogged cabin filters, but they don’t hinder cooling by such a margin.

Weird Rattling Noises Coming from The Engine Bay

Compressors contain a lot of bearings that work in unison to manage the compression of the refrigerant to a liquid for heat dissipation. The process is repeated in countless cycles, which can wear out the compressor and damage the bearings, resulting in a lot of noise when the compressor is engaged. If you hear a loud rattling a while after you turned on the AC, aside from the car’s revving engine, then it’s definitely your compressor suffering.

The Engine Is Flashing an Overheating Warning

Because of neglectful engine bay maintenance, electrical issues develop that can cut the power to the cooling unit, meaning the compressor has to work overtime to deal with the cooling imbalance. The overheating compressor affects the components nearby and can trigger a temperature warning that could damage the nearby electrical wiring. However, a temperature warning coupled with a loud compressor is spot-on trouble for your car’s HVAC.

You Don’t Sense the Compressor’s Clutch Kicking In

Take your car out for a nice spin, dress warm, and turn the AC on; you will feel the compressor clutch kick in, and then the cooling begins. With lacking maintenance, the clutch gets stuck on engage or remains inactive, resulting in overheating or no cooling. The clutch can be fixed along the drive belt, but it will be changed if the clutch is too worn out. It would do you good if you had the refrigerant pressure checked too!

If your compressor is causing trouble today, it could be your entire HVAC failing tomorrow, which makes for a much more costly repair. If you want to avoid such mechanical problems and keep your car in excellent condition, then Queens Auto Mall is the place to be. Serving Queens, NY, we deal in excellent-condition used cars and fully understand how important it is that every part work well.

Get in touch with us for more info on fixing your HVAC unit before summer starts!