May 17, 2021
Know the Warning Signs of Engine Trouble
It’s a dreadful experience when your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere. The good thing is, your vehicle will show you warning signs telling you that it’s experiencing some issues before it gives up on you. Apart from your vehicle’s routine service and maintenance, it’s important to pay attention to these signs of engine trouble:
- Presence of smoke or steam
You know your car is in trouble when you see smoke coming from its engine. Whether it’s due to bad cylinders, poor crankcase, wrong oil grade, worn gaskets, or damaged rings, make sure that you head over to an auto repair shop as soon as possible.
- Noisy engine
Unusual sounds that come with vibrations or knocking may indicate engine misfire. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace your car’s fuel and ignition system components as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that the engine works best when fuel and air properly mix and burn in the combustion chamber.
- Loss of coolant
Overheating is usually caused by coolant loss. If your engine is prone to overheat, this can lead to major damages. Prevent this from happening by checking your coolant every once in a while. Be sure to flush it after every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first.
- Overheating
Although it rarely occurs, overheating can lead to serious engine damages. Among its causes are loose or broken plugs, a burn-out radiator, a broken engine thermostat, a leaked coolant system, and clogged hoses. There are two ways to reduce the possibilities of overheating: change the water pump before it breaks down and keep up-to-date on radiator flush services.
- Loose or missing gas cap
A missing or loose cap can decrease your gas mileage, costing you hundreds of bucks. This is why it’s crucial to inspect your gas cap regularly and check if it needs any tightening or replacement. It’s not only easy, but it will save you a fortune!
- Dirty oil
Failing to regularly change the engine oil is a common mistake that car owners make, and this contributes to engine problems. Oil buildup can leave debris in your car’s combustion chambers, intake valves, and spark plugs. This can cause your engine to slowly lose its efficiency. If you dismiss this problem, Your engine will eventually stop running.
- Poor lubrication
Another reason why you need to change your engine oil regularly is to avoid poor lubrication. When you fail to do this, your car will likely overheat and certain parts may stop running. Proper lubrication reduces friction and stops your engine from burning or leaking.
- Worn spark plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for moving your car forward. That said, weak spark plugs lead to weak sparks, which will eventually cause your engine to stop igniting.
Get Rid of Your Barely Running Vehicle for a Worthy Cause
Have you given up on your ancient clunker and you have no other choice but to dispose of it? Here’s the quickest, easiest, and most rewarding way to get it off your hands: Donate it to us at Veteran Car Donations! When you do that, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of the needy veterans in your community.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding that we provide them to deliver quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
You will also reap rewards from your charitable contribution. You’ll get to benefit from our free towing service. You’ll also enjoy our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork. On top of that, you’ll have the privilege of receiving the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
On top of the material rewards that will come your way, you’ll also experience the priceless joy and satisfaction of doing an act of charity that will help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged veterans in your community.
We take in nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in good condition. We can collect your donation wherever you are in the country since we operate in all 50 states.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program.
De-Stress Yourself by Donating That Clunker to Us Today!
If your car’s engine problems are giving you so much stress, the easiest solution is to get that vehicle off your hands by handing it over to us at Veteran Car Donations. Such a gift will surely benefit the struggling veterans in your community. Call us at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023