A vehicle’s engine is a sophisticated piece of equipment, which if properly maintained, should last for well over 100,000 miles.

Unfortunately, most engines will experience defects and problems which will limit their lifespan requiring many trips to the dealer for repair.

Fortunately, certain defects allow you to file a lemon law claim against the manufacturer, saving thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

In order to keep your engine running for many years, it is important to learn the warning signs of a failing engine.

Below are the top 4 warning signs of an engine problem:

  1. Engine Overheating – Coolant Leak

The most common cause of an engine overheating is due to a coolant leak.

An engine uses coolant to maintain a proper operating temperature.  However, when a coolant leak occurs, the engine will start to overheat.

Without the correct amount of coolant in your engine, it will either overheat or freeze in the winter.

The most obvious sign of a coolant leak is seeing fluid on the floor of your garage or under your parked car.  In general, coolant is green, orange, or pink in color and is sweet smelling.

Another method of determining if you have a coolant leak is looking at your engine temperature gauge.

Engine temperature fluctuation is normal, but an abrupt or significant engine temperature change is usually a sign of a engine problem that needs to be investigated before it causes any damage.

If you see either extreme engine temperature change or coolant fluid under your car, it’s important to check the coolant level in the expansion tank.

An engine problem due to low coolant could be caused by one of the following:

  • Hole in Radiator
  • Leaky Radiator Cap
  • Head gasket failure
  • Water pump failure
  • Expansion tank problem

  1. Engine Starting Problem

An engine that does not start may be due to a weak battery.  If you hear clicking when trying to start your car chances are you have a battery problem.

An easy way to determine your battery is low in charge or is dead, is to turn on the dome light and watch it while you try to start the engine. If the light goes out, it’s a sign of a battery problem.

Typically, simply replacing your battery or getting a jump should correct the problem. However, if you continue to experience a low battery or no start condition it may be another engine problem.

According to Car Fix Boss the following conditions may be causing your engine starting problem:

  • Faulty Starter
  • Fuel Issue
  • Bad Ignition Switch
  • Clogged Fuel Filter
  • Bad Fuel Pump
  • Failed Timing Belt

  1. Check Engine Light Coming On

A check engine light coming on after you start your car is an early sign of an engine problem.

There are many causes for a check engine light to appear,  ranging from minor engine problems to more serious engine defects.

Not all check engine lights require immediate service at your dealership. Often, the check engine spears because the gas cap was not tightened properly.

If tightening the gas cap does not turn off the check engine light, then you may have a more serious engine problem.

According to Edmunds,  check engine lights come in orange, yellow or amber, depending on the manufacturer.

Flashing engine light is a sign of serious engine problems, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.

If you see a flashing engine light you should immediately pull over and turn off the engine.  .

Car MD has provided a list of the 5 most common check engine light problems

  • Dirty Spark plugs
  • Bad catalytic converter
  • Failed ignition coil
  • Mass air flow sensor problem
  • Faulty Oxygen Sensor

  1. Rough Idling

Rough Idling is another sign of an engine problem.

A properly idling engine should be able to maintain a steady, but low rate of revolutions around  1,000 RPM.

The tachometer needle should not be moving much, but should remain steady.

Your vehicle’s basic systems, such as the power steering system, electrical system, and cooling system, can run smoothly when the engine is idling smoothly.

If your engine idles smoothly, it means that its fuel and air are mixing properly. However, a tachometer moving up and down will indicated a engine problem.

According to Auto Select the most common cause of a rough idling may be related to:

  • Dirty Fuel Injectors
  • Faulty PCR or EGR valve
  • Clogged Air Filters
  • Bad Spark Plugs
  • A variety of Exhaust System issues including a faulty Oxygen Sensor.

Engine Problems? Let the Lemon Law Experts Help You.

If you are experiencing constant engine problems, such as, check engine lights, overheating, rough idling-stalling or starting problems, you may be eligible to receive substantial compensation under the Lemon Law and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Reach out to the Lemon Law Experts.  With over 33 years of PA lemon law, NJ lemon law, NY lemon law and HI Lemon Law experience, thousands of engine problem cases litigated, we can help.