When it comes to your car’s engine, it’s often the problems that aren’t readily apparent that end up costing you big time. The truth is that the average consumer barely knows how an engine works let alone the potential dangers lurking within. Here are just a few serious engine problems that can quickly sideline your car if they go unattended.
Blown Head Gaskets
As many Subaru owners are well aware, deteriorating head gaskets can end up costing you a fortune if you don’t take early action. Blown head gaskets reduce compression and allow oil or coolant to leak and potentially harm the engine. Replacing head gaskets at most auto shops will typically cost a cool $1,000 to fix.
Worn Transmissions
No matter how methodical you may be about changing transmission fluid, your car’s gearbox will eventually need rebuilding or replacement. If you let matters come to a head, a new transmission can cost upwards of $3,000 in some cases. Having a qualified expert assess the health of your old transmission can save you tons of money on repair bills.
Warped Torque Converters
While many car owners are familiar with the transmission and its function, few stop to consider the state of the torque converter. A torque converter in a vehicle with an automatic transmission links the engine to the transmission. Leaks that result in warped components can necessitate a full replacement at a cost of $1,500 or more.
Camshaft Failures
If your engine’s camshaft needs replacing, you’ll look back fondly at the time you had to have your transmission rebuilt. Having a new camshaft installed can easily cost $2,000 or more depending on the vehicle in question. Regularly changing your engine’s oil to prevent the buildup of residue on the valves is the best way to avoid a camshaft failure.
Clogged Injection Pumps
Back in the old days when carburetors ruled the road, car owners could often address fuel delivery issues themselves. Nowadays, fuel injectors have taken over with largely positive results. When fuel injectors get clogged, fixing the problem can cost over $2,000 for larger vehicles like vans and SUVs. Sidestep this potential fiasco by regularly swapping out fuel filters.
Nipping Engine Problems in the Bud
Today’s internal combustion engines are a marvel of modern engineering. Keeping an eye out for showstoppers such as the ones listed above can save you a lot of headache down the line. Be sure to have a qualified auto repair professional give your engine a regular in-depth inspection to catch them early.
Information provided by National Transmission, a Red Deer transmission repair company.
