Car Engine Failure Symptoms: What to Watch For Before It’s Too Late
Your car’s engine is its most critical and most expensive component. When it starts to fail, early symptoms can be subtle—but catching them in time can mean the difference between a repair and a full engine replacement. At Priebe’s Auto Clinic & Tire Center in Oklahoma City, we want drivers to know what to look out for and when to take action.
🔧 1. Knocking or Tapping Sounds (Bearing Failure)
If you hear a deep knocking sound coming from your engine—especially when accelerating—it could be a sign of bearing failure. The engine’s internal bearings support moving parts like the crankshaft and connecting rods. When oil pressure drops or oil breaks down, these bearings wear out quickly, and failure can lead to total engine destruction. In the photo below you can see all of the brass bearing material in the oil. This engine started with bearing failure and ended up seizing completely.
🛢 2. Thick, Dark Sludge Under the Oil Cap
Have you checked your oil cap and noticed thick, gooey buildup? That’s engine sludge, a sign that oil isn’t flowing properly through the engine. Sludge forms from infrequent oil changes, overheating, or using the wrong oil. Left unchecked, sludge can clog oil passages, reduce lubrication, and starve vital engine components—often leading to irreversible damage. Below is an oil pan full of engine sludge. If caught early enough, this can usually be addressed before the engine fails.
❄️ 3. Engine Won’t Turn Over or Seized Engine
If you turn the key and hear only a click—or nothing at all—you could be dealing with a seized engine. This happens when internal components overheat, weld together, or lock up from lack of lubrication, often due to severe overheating, low oil, or oil pump failure. Once an engine seizes, it usually requires full replacement.
⚠️ Other Common Engine Failure Warning Signs:
- Check engine light flashing or staying on
- Excessive exhaust smoke (white, blue, or black)
- Rough idling or stalling
- Overheating or coolant loss
- Loss of power or fuel efficiency
✅ Get Your Engine Checked by the Pros in OKC
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—early intervention can save your engine and your wallet. At Priebe’s Auto Clinic & Tire Center, we provide expert diagnostics and honest answers. Whether it’s a minor repair or major engine issue, our ASE-certified technicians will help you make the right call.
📍 Located in Oklahoma City
📞 Call us today at 405-523-2172
🌐 Schedule an appointment at pacokc.com
