What is the Average Life of a Car Engine?

Are you worried about your vehicle’s engine?  Is there excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe, or are you hearing knocking sounds coming from under the hood?  Is the oil burning up faster than usual? Normal mileage wear and tear, lack of service, lubrication issues, and excessive overheating could be the cause of some of these symptoms.  Though, these issues do not necessarily mean that it has to be the end of your vehicle.

When many vehicle owners hear the words “engine repair,” their first thought is to junk their current vehicle and buy a new one.  In reality, this may not be the smartest thing to do.  If your vehicle is in relatively good shape, consider rebuilding the engine rather than replacing it.  Paying for an engine repair versus purchasing a new vehicle could be a better financial decision.

Just what is the average life of a car engine? For some time, the average lifespan of a car's engine was 8 years or 150,000 miles. New designs, better technology, and improved service standards in recent years have increased this average life of a car’s engine is about 200,000 miles or about 10 years.

There are few things that impact the lifespan of an engine, such as:

• Where you live—if you live up a steep hill, or if you have to pass over rough terrain on a regular basis, your engine will undergo more stress and will likely not last as long as it would if you generally drive on flat, smooth roads.
• The type of car—Heavy-duty trucks normally won’t last as long as smaller cars do.
• Keep up with maintenance—If you perform all of your routine maintenance on time, have regular car service, and take care of compulsory engine repair sooner rather than later.

There is no rule when it comes to how long engines will last.  Just remember that the key to a healthy, long-lasting engine is routine service and expert engine repair and you will be able to drive your vehicle for years to come.

Are you wondering what is the average life of a car engine?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and the surrounding areas.

What are the Signs of Engine Problems?

Has your vehicle lost its power when going up an incline or trying to pass a slower vehicle?  If you’re experiencing engine issues, your auto shop is a good place to start in finding out what to do to help restore its performance.  The first piece of advice you will possibly hear is to make sure you are taking care of all suggested engine service items. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your car running strong and prevent a major engine repair.  

So what are the signs of engine problems?  The “Check Engine” light will possibly be the first sign of a problem in the engine.  Even though you may be a little fearful about what could be happening under the hood, don’t put off calling your auto shop and scheduling a diagnostic service.  This will help your mechanic pinpoint were any pending issues are occurring.

Here are a few other signs of engine problems you may start to notice:  

1. Loss of Power –There could be a glitch in the combustion process so that gasoline is not being converted into the power needed to make your vehicle go. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy – There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine – If there is something starting to fail in the combustion flow, you may start to hear strange sounds during the ignition process, such as knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting.
4. Engine Stalling – The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Noxious Odors – Bad odors from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. Engine Keeps Running After Motor Is Turned Off – The octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Runs Rough – This is generally caused by a blockage in the system, old spark plugs, and an incorrect octane level.

Are you looking for quality engine repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about what are the signs of engine problems and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

When the Check Engine Light Comes On?

Are you wondering what is happening to your car when the check engine light comes on?  Should you pull over and call a tow truck, or can you drive on to your destination? This little warning light is an indication that your vehicle is getting poorer fuel economy and polluting the environment more than normal.  Though, the big problem is to make sure that long-term damage is not taking place in your engine and that the safety of your vehicle is not compromised.

So what happens when the check engine light comes on?  When the electronic-control system finds an issue it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer stores a diagnostic trouble code in its memory and turns on a yellow warning indicator light. This stored code helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential issue, such as engine misfires, deteriorating spark plugs, evaporative problems, or fuel mixtures.

Here’s what you should do if your Check Engine light comes on:

• Inspect The Gauges -- Is your vehicle experiencing low oil pressure? If so, pull your vehicle over and shut off the engine instantly.
• Inspect Your Gas Cap -- Try tightening your gas cap. Sometimes a broken rubber seal on the gas cap can trigger the check engine light to come on.
• Reduce Speed -- Reduce your speed and avoid towing or transporting heavy cargo.
• Avoid Emissions Testing -- If your check engine light is on, it’s highly likely your vehicle will fail your state’s vehicle emissions test, even for a loose gas cap. Make sure all problems are resolved prior to your test.
• Seek Help -- Is the light constant?  A solid glow indicates your vehicle should be checked sooner rather than later. A blinking light indicates that your vehicle needs instant attention. 

Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure your vehicle gives you good service for many miles.  A potential issue can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.  

Don’t leave the light on!  Take care of a wanted engine repair as soon as possible.  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about what happens when the Check Engine light goes on and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.