# 5 Common Indicators of Engine Trouble

If you’re a driver who wants to explore their car more and learn all about different sources of issues, you’re in the right place. You may have recently experienced some weird changes in your vehicle and are wondering whether they were caused by engine trouble.

You’re in luck, as we’ve prepared a few common indicators that usually mean something’s wrong with your engine. We advise you to inspect your car according to these indicators and determine whether your engine should be repaired.

# Reasons Why Engine Trouble May Occur

Noticing engine issues in your car can be overwhelming and stressful. You’ll have to learn some of the most common reasons these issues occur so you can be careful and keep your car running for as long as possible. We’ll present some main reasons below to help you navigate the experience.

Driver behavior – Constantly driving at high RPM, not changing the filters, and towing heavy loads all [results in engine damage](https://www.4btengines.com/driver-behaviors-that-can-damage-an-engine/), so try to avoid these mistakes.

Engine oil – You should check the engine oil levels frequently and ensure you never run low on this fluid. It can cause severe engine damage in the future.

Electrical system – Modern vehicles rely heavily on electrical systems. If one of the elements fails, your engine may also be affected.

Overheating – Your engine may not have enough cooling fluid to keep a constant temperature, leading to overheating and engine issues.

These are some of the most common reasons behind car engine failure and issues, with maintenance being the leading cause.

# 1. The Check Engine Light is Turned On

The first indicator most drivers will notice is the check engine light on the dashboard. This light is usually yellow and will resemble your engine. The software system in your car can recognize trouble and instantly notify you whether you should check your engine for potential issues.

However, this light may not be the most stable and trustworthy indicator of engine issues. It can also be related to your battery and other car parts, so you should also check the following indicators. If you notice some of the symptoms below alongside a check engine light, we advise you to seek professional help.

# 2. Weird Noises in the Front

If some of the engine’s parts are causing issues, such as the vacuum, belt, fuel injectors, or more, you may hear weird noises where your vehicle’s engine is placed. You should know what your car sounds like without issues to compare the noise and diagnose car engine issues.

Thus, we advise you to lower the volume of your radio and listen carefully to your car while driving. If you notice even the slightest change in the sound of your engine, you should react and call your mechanic.

# 3. Changes in the Power and Acceleration
The most apparent indicator of engine issues is a change in the car’s power and acceleration. The vehicle won’t be able to operate normally, leading to problems with the power. Some of the symptoms include not being able to power the car on. Another common symptom is losing power while holding the gas pedal.

Your car may seem “choking” or having trouble getting enough air. You’ll surely notice a difference in the speed and power if your engine is causing issues.

# 4. Vibrations and Shaking
Since your car’s engine won’t be able to get maximum power and support your vehicle, some vibrations and shakes may occur. Your car can also sound like it has hiccups, indicating something is wrong with the engine.

Again, we advise you to lower the volume and see whether you can feel some vibrations you haven’t felt before. You should also check whether the vibrations differ according to your speed and whether you can hear additional noises alongside the vibrations.

# 5. External Symptoms and Indicators

If you notice some of the indicators we’ve covered or want to inspect the engine further, we advise you to step out of the car and look around. You may notice some weird stains in your parking space, which can be indicators of oil leaks.

Moreover, you can turn on the car and check the exhaust smoke. If it’s black or blue, you should seek assistance immediately.

Another thing you should check is the smell once you turn on the car. If something smells like smoke or fuel, it’s definitely a sign of engine trouble. You may also be able to see smoke coming out of your engine. If so, we advise you to turn off the car and call your mechanic for help.

# Conclusion

Seeing something wrong with your car can be overwhelming, so you should learn to recognize the issue and react accordingly. Today, we’ve presented some of the most common reasons and indicators behind car engine issues.

For instance, if you notice your car making weird noises, vibrations, or other unusual behaviors, it may be a sign of engine damage. You should also check external factors, such as smoke, exhaust gases, smell, oil leaking, etc.

Ultimately, you should see your mechanic if the check engine light is turned on or if you experience acceleration and power issues.