Car engine repairs and servicing

Your vehicle's engine includes a network of components, all of which rely on one another to function. When everything goes smoothly, you've got an efficient engine that keeps your car going. But, when one thing goes wrong, suddenly, your engine won’t run as it should, and your car can't stay on the road. 

Because there are so many reasons your engine might start misbehaving, it helps to understand the different parts that might fail and how to get the proper repair to keep your car running smoothly. Luckily, this page goes into all that detail, and explains the most common repairs you might need when fixing a troublesome engine.

Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, so if you need an engine repair, you want to get it done quickly and effectively. The best place to start is by understanding the most common types of engine repairs you might require. 

Alternatively, if you're not sure what's causing the issue, then you can book in with a professional who will diagnose any diesel engine fault and give you a suitable repair.

You need a cambelt change or a timing chain replacement

The functioning of your car's engine is timed to perfection. The opening and closing of different valves and cylinders must happen in a specific sequence to make sure your fuel burns and gets converted into the energy your car needs. It’s common to need a cambelt change or a timing chain replacement every 4 years. However, if your car judders, you hear a high pitched noise, or the engine stops working altogether, it might be a sign your cambelt or timing chain is damaged.

You need an alternator repair

Your car's electrical system is essential for keeping your lights on, windshield wipers working, dashboard alive, and the radio playing. Your car battery stores and supplies all these components with the energy they need. If your car's electrical system stops working, you might need an alternator repair, as the alternator is what feeds the battery with energy taken from the engine.

Your head gasket is damaged or faulty

A head gasket is an integral part of your engine, keeping it sealed and stopping different liquids like oil and coolant from mixing. When damaged, you might notice your engine starts to overheat, or you see white smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. It's crucial to get a head gasket repair as soon as possible, to prevent further damage to your engine. 

Your turbo needs to be replaced

The turbo helps your engine function more efficiently, it involves a spinning turbine, which gives it the air it needs to run. When damaged, cracked, or worn, you might notice a loss in engine power, hear a drilling noise, or see blue/white smoke come from the exhaust. You might need a turbo replacement to get your engine back up to full health in these circumstances.

You need new glow or spark plugs

Glow plugs help ignite your engine, while spark plugs keep it going. Without either, you'll struggle to get your car to run. If you're having trouble starting your vehicle, you might need to get new glow plugs at your local garage. If you're struggling to keep your engine going, you might need to change your spark plugs, which you can do from home. However, it's recommended you get the issue diagnosed and repaired by a professional.

You need a water pump repair

A car water pump is necessary to keep your engine running and the coolant moving through the system. If you notice any liquid leaking from the system, you should get it checked by a professional as you might need a water pump repair. Fortunately, it's a quick and easy thing to fix.

Your ECU isn't working correctly

Your engine control unit, or ECU, is what keeps your engine functioning efficiently. It's a computer system that does a complex job, so it can be challenging to diagnose the exact issue. A tell-tale sign of a faulty ECU is a warning light on the dashboard. You'll need to visit a local garage for ECU testing and repair.

Your engine management light turns on

Occasionally, the only sign of an engine fault is the warning light that appears on your dashboard. It could light up for several reasons, and hopefully, the solution is a simple one. However, you should always get your vehicle checked out at a local garage if your engine management light stays lit.

Your entire engine needs replacing

If your vehicle is an older model or has suffered large amounts of damage, you might need an engine replacement. A garage will only replace your engine if they cannot repair the problem or there are too many different faults with the system.

Because of the multiple components in your car's engine and the system's complexity, many things could be causing your problem.

There are a handful of key signs that suggest there's an issue with your engine:

• An engine warning light appearing is the most obvious sign there's a problem with your engine. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the proper repair.

• Experiencing a loss of power is a sign your turbo needs replacing. However, it can also be caused by faulty components outside of your engine. You can find specialist garages if you experience a loss of car power.

• Hearing a ticking or knocking noise in your engine is most likely caused by bad spark plugs but could also be due to low oil levels or misadjusted valves.

• An engine that is smoking is the result of overheating, which can be caused by a damaged head gasket or another type of leak.

• A car that won't start can be caused by many things, including damaged glow plugs, a bad alternator, or a flat battery.