The car expert called the signs of an imminent breakdown of the car engine

Unusual sounds, discoloration of the exhaust, loss of power, and increased oil consumption may indicate impending engine problems. Motorists should pay attention to such signals in advance to avoid costly repairs. Evgeny Lipovitsky, an auto expert at Gazprombank Autoleasing, told Izvestia on August 11 which signs cannot be ignored.

According to the expert, it is not worth fully monitoring all possible symptoms of an engine malfunction, because this can turn the normal operation of the car into constant monitoring of every detail. However, some changes in the operation of the machine are easy to notice, and they need to be checked.

One of the first signs of possible problems may be the appearance of metal chips in the engine oil. The expert advises to regularly inspect the engine compartment, the bottom of the car and pay attention to the condition of the oil filter. If the oil remains clean after the replacement, there is no cause for concern. However, metal particles in the exhaust or filter may indicate increased friction inside the engine.

"Shavings mean that there is friction without enough lubrication. The reason may be the crankshaft, liners, bully in the cylinders, problems with fuel injection or the high-pressure fuel pump. In such a situation, a thorough diagnosis is required," explained Lipovitsky.

Another common symptom is loss of power. According to the expert, drivers who have been driving the same car for a long time usually feel the changes in dynamics well. The reason for the decrease in thrust may be either a relatively simple malfunction, such as a dirty filter or a problem with the mass air flow sensor, or a more serious engine failure.

Changes in the operation of the gearbox may also indicate the need for diagnostics. Smooth shifting is an important indicator for all types of transmissions. Kicks, jerks, delays when changing gears, or hovering at the same speed require checking. The expert noted that the working fluid in the gearbox needs to be changed regularly, despite the widespread opinion about "maintenance-free" transmissions.

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For robotic transmissions and variators, an interval of about 40 thousand km is considered optimal, and for automatic transmissions with a torque converter — up to 60 thousand km. A similar approach applies to other transmission elements — differentials and clutches, where timely lubrication is also required.

According to the expert, unstable idling can also indicate engine problems. If the motor is running unevenly, vibrations appear, or the engine begins to noticeably "shake", this may indicate wear of internal components. A possible reason is the difference in compression between the cylinders, which can no longer be compensated for by electronic control systems.

"Special attention should be paid to extraneous sounds. A thud may indicate problems with the crankshaft, ringing metal knocks at idle may indicate wear on the connecting rod bearings, and muffled tapping may be associated with wear on the piston group," Lipovitsky added.

Another important indicator is the color of the exhaust gases. Blue smoke indicates oil entering the combustion chamber, black smoke indicates problems with the fuel mixture, and white smoke may be a sign of coolant entering the engine.

According to the expert, the condition of the engine is also indicated by oil consumption. With a functioning engine, there should be no noticeable loss of lubricating fluid over a thousand kilometers. Increased oil consumption, as well as oil deposits on the spark plugs, may indicate engine wear.

To extend the life of the engine, Lipovitsky advised shortening maintenance intervals. In urban operation, it is better to change the oil every 5-6 thousand km, and with preferential driving on the highway — about every 8-9 thousand km. In addition, pipes, radiators and other elements of the cooling system must be checked for leaks and traces of fogging during each maintenance.

Nikita Rodionov, technical director of the international franchise network of car service Fit Service, warned on July 29 that refilling gasoline after the first click of the filling gun is not recommended due to overload of the vapor capture system, the risk of expensive breakage and creating conditions for leaks and fire.