If your vehicle’s check engine light is illuminated, it’s time to see a mechanic. However, you can catch engine trouble early if you know which signs to look for. Use this guide to get a better understanding of what’s happening to your car so that you can schedule an auto appointment before the issue worsens.

How to Know If Your Engine Needs to Be Checked by a Mechanic

1. Unusual Sounds

Knocking sounds typically indicate that the engine is burning its air-fuel mixture too early. The mixture needs to burn at a specific time to run efficiently, and if it’s out of sync, you’ll likely hear this noise when accelerating or changing gears. If ignored, this issue can cause the engine to seize.

2. Poor Performance

A loss of power while driving indicates that there’s an issue with the engine’s combustion operation. Combustion is how a car makes power, and it’s performed by a series of four strokes. If a part that supports these strokes is faulty, you’ll notice a loss of power while driving.

Additionally, problems with the compression stroke will result in poor fuel efficiency. Your car will use more fuel as it struggles to compensate for the issue. As a result, you may find yourself filling up more often than usual.

3. Oil Trouble

Oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, and your car needs a steady supply of this fluid to run properly. If you notice slick, rainbow stains on the ground where you typically park, your vehicle is likely leaking oil. If you don’t refill the fluid, the engine will overheat due to increased friction. Friction is caused when poorly lubricated parts rub against each other. As a result, you may also notice the scent of burnt fuel.

If you’ve noticed any of these red flags, contact the team at Contractors’ Equipment & Service in Honolulu, HI. These skilled mechanics will inspect your engine, diagnose the issue, and make any necessary repairs. View their services online, or call (808) 676-7566 to request a free estimate.