Engine Repair In Richmond VA
Having a car with an engine problem can be quite worrisome and inconveniencing. However, car engine problems are a phenomenon you will have to face sooner or later. Therefore, it is vital to have a good knowledge of what causes these problems, how to identify the signs, and the costs of having it rebuilt. This will get you prepared ahead of time for this kind of an unpleasant situation. Here’s everything you need to know about engine repair in Richmond, VA.
What does an engine do?
Although a car engine can look like a big, confusing jumble of metal, tubes, and wire, it is the heart of the car because it makes the car work. Car engine is the primary source of power that gets your vehicle running by burning fuel to produce mechanical power. The heat produced in the process is used to create pressure. A car engine comprises a variety of parts working together to create energy and to make your car move. Some of the main parts of a car engine are the cylinders, pistons, valves, spark plug, and screws that connect them. Due to the heavy workloads, engines are usually designed to have a robust structure to handle their function.
What are the most common causes of engine problems?
Engine problems are one of the biggest heartaches vehicle owners face, and only a few people know the reasons why their engines develop a fault. Here are the major causes of engine problems:
- Overheating
Overheating is one of the earliest signs that your car engine is getting strained and needs to be checked as soon as possible. You can tell your engine is heating if the temperature gauge suddenly spikes into the red zone while you’re driving. Repeated overheating can cause severe engine damages.
- Irregular Oil Changes
It’s absolutely important that your engine receives enough oil between its moving parts. Otherwise, it may gradually start losing its efficiency and, at one point, then stop working. In order to avoid this issue, be sure to always check your oil levels on a regular basis.
- Oil Leaks
If you ever spot a puddle of dark brown or yellow liquid under your car, it is likely oil, and this can cause your engine to stall. Some of the causes of oil leaks are bad oil filters, dilapidated rubber engine mounts, deteriorated steering components, and or suspension bushings in the engine. The best solution is to change your motor oil at regular intervals, as suggested by the manufacturer.
- Broken Timing Belts
A number of modern engines are interference engines, meaning the pistons and valves occupy some of the same space within the cylinders, though not at the same time. Thus, there’s a good chance that the pistons may strike the valves and destroy them in the event that the timing belt snaps. If your vehicle has a timing belt rather than a timing chain, you should have it replaced when the owner’s manual tells you to.
Other causes of engine problems include:
- Excessive Idling
- Standard Wear And Tear
- Ignoring The Engine Oil Light
- Old Spark Plugs Etc...
How To Identify A Faulty Engine
Because engine troubles can be inconveniencing and expensive to fix, it makes sense to know the signs of a faulty engine. Here are the major signs of a faulty engine that you should know:
- Strange noises:
If you noticed unusual sounds or vibrations from under the hood of your vehicle, it is most likely the sign of a faulty engine. It could be that the bearings are worn out or that the fan belt is taking some real punishment, or that the front shaved pads are getting shaved away every time you hit the road.
- Loss of power:
This is typically characterized by a decreased ability to accelerate or your car not revving as it should. Engines struggle to run at their usual level if there’s an underlying problem.
- Worsening fuel efficiency:
Another way to tell that your engine is developing some fault is when you notice that your car is using more gas than it normally does.
- Increased exhaust:
A healthy engine produces clear smoke, but if you notice your vehicle puffing out thick blue, black, or white smoke, it’s a sign that your car has a problem you will want to fix as soon as possible.
- Check engine light:
Engine light illuminating is a sign that all is not well. If unchecked, this little issue can become big trouble.
- Oil under your car:
As a rule of thumb, if you notice puddles of oil under your vehicle, this is likely the result of a leak in your engine, and you must take proper action.
- Rough idle:
Cars that have a hard time staying on when stopped at a red light or elsewhere are exhibiting a major symptom of a faulty engine.
How Much Does Engine Repair Cost?
When a car engine develops a problem, car owners are usually faced with two options: replace the engine or have it rebuilt. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a car engine is often higher than the vehicle’s worth. Thus, it’s smart to consider having a faulty engine fixed.
When it comes to fixing a car engine in Richmond, the cost is not fixed as it depends on the car make and model. However, rebuilding a car engine may cost anywhere from $2500 to $4500. Let’s break down the cost.
If your engine requires new piston rings and the cylinder walls honed and glazed, it shouldn’t cost more than $200-$350. On the other hand, replacing the timing chain can cost as much as $1000. Add to it the cost of a new water pump, oil pump, lifters, and journal bearings, which altogether cost around $1000 to $1200. There’s also the labor costs to factor in, and you’re looking at between $500 to $2000.
All in all, you can expect to pay between $2500 and $4500 to have your engine fixed.
How To Reduce The Cost Of Engine Repairs
Engine repairs can be quite expensive, even though they come nowhere close to engine replacement. If you are looking for a way to get cheap engine repair in Henrico County without compromising on quality service delivery, visit Speedy’s Transmission Shop located in Richmond, Virginia.
You will find a team of car experts with a wealth of experience to reassure you that your car is in good hands. Plus, there are a variety of financing options to choose from to get your car fixed.