Do you not know what the technician says about the engine on your vehicle?
Time to find out….
So let talk about the engine, where the power comes from, here’s some items you might come across;
The Garage says:
“Your Cambelt (or timing belt) needs changing”
What do they mean?
The Cam belt (or timing belt) – basically a large, strong rubber-toothed belt that connects major moving parts of your engine, that needs to be replaced. Cam belts (timing belts) degrade over time as well as use. If you don’t replace your cam belt (timing belt) at the recommended intervals, it can cause significant damage to your engine!
What should you be aware of?
All manufacturers recommend that you change the cam belt (timing belt) after either a certain mileage or a certain number of years. You can check your owner’s manual or ask us at Auto-Mech Cheddar ltd to see when yours is due. This is an essential job that must be done. Also if you are advised that the belt need changing before this time, ask the technician to explain why.
The Garage says:
“Your engine is misfiring”
What do they mean?
Your engine isn’t running as it should be. It may jerk when accelerating and can often cut out when pulling away.
What should you be aware of?
Engines can misfire for a number of reasons so the garage will need to investigate the causes. It could be something as simple as worn spark plugs, HT leads or faulty a sensor (a device that measure your engine) maybe to blame.
The Garage says:
“Your fan/auxiliary belt is screeching/screaming/whining”
What do they mean?
Either the belt that drives the alternator (charges your battery), power steering pump or the fan (which cools the radiator) is slipping, thus causing friction and making a high-pitched noise when you start the vehicle, press the accelerator or when the weather conditions are damp.
What should you be aware of?
Most of the time it’s simply best to fit a new fan/auxiliary belt. It could possibly be a pulley, but we can check that once the belt is removed. However, sometimes they may simply need adjusting, so it’s worth asking as it could save you money.
The Garage says:
“Your head gaskets’s gone”
What do they mean?
The seal between the main engine casing (known as the cylinder block) and the cylinder head (a cast iron or aluminum cover at the top of an engine) has cracked as a result of wear and tear, leading to internal engine leaks.
What should you be aware of?
If your car is modern, the cause of the problem is unlikely to be just the head gasket itself. Your technician might tell you that there is another item that caused the head gasket to go. If they don’t just make sure that the technician is sure there isn’t anything else that may be responsible for the problem.
The Garage says:
“We need to do a pressure test”
What do they mean?
Pressurised liquid needs to be pumped through the cylinder head to check for cracks or leaks. This is because small cracks caused by overheating are not always easy to see.
What should you be aware of?
This method is often used to identify any problems before refitting the cylinder head. Here at Auto-Mech Cheddar Ltd we have ours sent to our local AutoCare specialist for cylinder head pressure testing who have all the proper professional testing equipment.
The Garage says:
“Your cylinder head needs skimming”
What do they mean?
The cylinder head (a cast iron or aluminum cover at the top of an engine) has overheated and may be distorted and is no longer sealing correctly. It is sometimes possible to grind the surface down by machine so that it fits into place correctly.
What should you be aware of?
This can be the cheaper alternative to replacing the cylinder head. This is a specialist job which we here at Auto-Mech Cheddar Ltd, have ours sent to our local AutoCare specialist for cylinder head skimming who have all the proper professional testing equipment.
The Garage says:
“You have ‘sludge’ in your engine”
What do they mean?
There is a thick, creamy white substance under the oil filler cap that may indicate a problem with head gasket or could simply be that the vehicle is only being used for a few short journeys. The sludge is cause by water or condensation mixing with the engine oil.
What should you be aware of?
It’s possibly your head gasket will need replacing. Or simply a fresh oil and filter change. Make sure you check with your technician if they are sure there isn’t anything else that may be responsible for the problem.
