If you’ve noticed a few drops of oil on your driveway after you move your car, it might not seem that big a deal. But failing to fix an engine that’s leaking oil, even just a little, can result in a more significant and costly repair in the long term. Discover the signs and causes of a leak, the consequences if you continue to ignore it, and what to do if your car leaks oil.
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What causes my car to backfire, and what can I do about it?
A backfire from your car’s engine or exhaust can be alarming but is usually easily fixed. A backfire is an explosion of unburned fuel in the engine or exhaust system, which causes a loud “popping” noise.
A backfire from the engine occurs when unburned fuel in the combustion chamber ignites violently instead of burning steadily. This is often caused by issues with the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, or buildup of carbon deposits inside the engine.
Continue readingWhat are the signs of a faulty exhaust manifold?
The exhaust manifold is crucial in ensuring your vehicle performs well and is safe to drive. If your vehicle’s check engine light comes on or you hear unusual noises from the engine, it could be a sign that your exhaust manifold has a problem.
Continue readingHow to spot the signs of a faulty heater matrix
Your vehicle’s heater matrix, also known as a heater core, is a crucial heating and cooling system component. Situated behind the dashboard and connected to the engine’s cooling system through hoses, it transfers heat from the engine to air, which is directed back into your vehicle’s cabin.
Continue readingIs your vehicle’s oil sump failing? Here’s how to spot the signs
Any car enthusiast knows that oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Regular oil changes are necessary to ensure your vehicle’s optimal performance and durability. However, the pivotal role the oil sump plays often goes unnoticed.
The oil sump, also known as the oil pan, acts as a reservoir to store and protect your vehicle’s oil. It ensures oil is readily available to provide lubrication essential to moving parts within the engine, protecting them from excessive friction. It also plays a vital role in oil cooling.
Continue readingIs your cylinder head failing? Here’s how to know
The cylinder head is a crucial component in any internal combustion engine. It’s responsible for optimising your vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and power output.
Housing the intake and exhaust valves, along with other critical components which control the intake and exhaust processes, the cylinder head maximises airflow to create the ideal air-fuel mixture for combustion.
Continue readingTop 6 signs of a faulty or failing window regulator
Your car window regulator is a device that raises or lowers your car windows. Usually made up of a motor, gears and a rail or track, it sits inside the door panel of your vehicle.
When you activate the car window regulator, either manually or electrically, it prompts the motor to turn the gears, moving the glass up or down along the rail or track. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a handle to rotate manually, or a switch to do it electrically.
Continue reading6 symptoms of a faulty windscreen wiper motor
Your vehicle’s windscreen wiper motor powers your windscreen wipers. Without it, your wipers and blades won’t be able to move to wipe rain, snow or other debris from your windshield, significantly reducing your visibility. And this can be dangerous when you’re out on the road.
Continue readingShould you replace or clean your fuel injectors? Here’s how to know
Rough idling, engine misfires, performance issues, or check engine light flashing? You could have a clogged or failing fuel injector. A dirty fuel injector can affect your car’s performance, but it doesn’t always need to be replaced. Sometimes a good cleaning can solve any issues, at least temporarily.
We’ll take you through the warning signs of a dirty fuel injector, help you to work out whether you need to clean or replace yours, and give you an idea of how much it costs to replace a fuel injector.
Continue readingIs your flywheel failing? Here are 7 signs you’ve got a problem
Your motor’s flywheel ensures that power from your motor is transferred smoothly, particularly during engine starting, idling and gear changes.
Bolted to the crankshaft at the rear of the engine, the flywheel stores intermittent rotational energy to boost power as needed. It also absorbs excess power, neutralises vibrations from the crankshaft and balances any fluctuations in your engine speed. The flywheel is what keeps your engine running when you take your foot off the accelerator, for example.
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