Car engine repair can be expensive, especially if you drive a foreign built vehicle. From body work to the engine, car repairs are a necessary part of being a vehicle owner.

One of the most important vehicle components is the engine. The engine is the equivalent to the human heart, pumping energy and life into all other areas of your vehicle’s body. If your engine goes, you won’t be driving your car anytime soon as the engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle.

As with anything, the older your vehicle gets, the more vulnerable your engine is to a breakdown. Although you may not be able to completely escape motor car repair, performing simple maintenance and routine care can keep you out of the engine repair shops.

Avoid major car engine repair or diesel engine repair by maintaining your system:

•Weekly maintenance: every week take a look at fluid levels such as your oil, coolant, brake, automatic transmission or clutch, windshield washer and power steering. Also check tire pressure and perform a visual inspection of the engine for leaks

•Every 6 months/15,000 miles: consider replacing the air and fuel filters, check brakes, check belts and hoses, adjust and check the clutch, examine transmission gear oil, lube front end and lube door, hood and trunk hinges

•Every 2 years/30,000 miles: refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations, but you should have a Dane County or South-Central Wisconsin mechanic perform a tune up, flush the cooling system, bleed the brake system and check the overall condition of your tires and exhaust system

•Every 4 years/ 60,000 miles: at 60,000 miles you should replace the timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, crankshaft seal and camshaft seal. Additionally, you should consider replacing the thermostat, radiator cap, O2 sensors, belts and possibly, the clutch when wear and tear is causing these vehicle parts to under-perform or non-perform

In addition to regular maintenance, vehicle owners should visit engine repair shops in the Madison and Mount Horeb area the minute a problem is suspected. The longer you wait, the more strain and pressure you put on your system, making what could be a minor repair something major and expensive.

5 Signs That You Should Repair the Car Engine

When it comes to engine auto repair, vehicle owners need to know the warning signs that indicate it’s time to visit the Madison/Mount Horeb car engine mechanic. Here are the top 5 signs to look for:

1.Dashboard warning lights. If the warning lights on your console turn on when you start the car but then don’t turn off, you may need to address a possible issue with the engine. Some important lights to pay close attention to include check oil, oil pressure low and check engine.

2.Sputtering engine while driving. Is your smooth ride now surging, jerking, hesitating when you accelerate, or stalling as your drive? An erratic ride may mean engine trouble.

3.Clicking or popping noises. Any irregular noise when you drive such as clicking, grinding, rattling or popping is a sign your engine may need attention.

4.Odd smells. Any odors being emitted from your vehicle may indicate that you not only have engine trouble but may have a dangerous situation on your hands. If you smell exhaust while sitting inside your vehicle, have it checked immediately—it could be emitting too much carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

5.Smoke coming from either the hood or tailpipe. Blue smoke from the tailpipe means that your vehicle is leaking oil whereas white smoke indicates that antifreeze may have combined with your fuel supply

Engine repairs can add up and hit you hard, so have a professional mechanic handle your repairs in order to save time and money. For discounts and the latest news on what to do if you experience any of the 5 warning signs or for preventative maintenance, stay in touch with a leading auto shop in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Sign up for a mailing list in order to receive special offers and coupons—including discounts on car engine repairs.