How to Spot Early Signs of Engine Trouble

When it comes to car problems, engine trouble is the one you don’t want creeping up on you. It’s the heart of your motor, ignore it, and you’re one long tow and a big bill away from wishing you'd paid more attention.

The good news? Your car usually does give you a heads up when things are going south. The trick is knowing what to look out for.

In this post, we’ll run through the most common early signs of engine trouble, how to spot them, and what to do before a small niggle becomes a major breakdown.

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1. Dashboard Warning Lights, Don’t Ignore the Obvious

That little orange engine shaped light? It’s not just there to look pretty. The check engine light (or malfunction indicator lamp) is your first and clearest sign that something’s off.

Common causes include:

• Faulty sensors (O2 or mass airflow)

• Misfiring spark plugs

• Catalytic converter issues

• Loose or damaged fuel caps

If the light’s on but not flashing, book it in for a diagnostic scan. If it’s flashing, it could mean misfires or something more serious, stop driving and get help.

2. Rough Idling or Vibrations

Your car should idle smoothly when at a stop. If it starts vibrating, coughing, or the revs bounce up and down, that’s a warning sign.

Potential culprits:

• Dirty or faulty spark plugs

• Blocked fuel injectors

• Vacuum leaks

Don’t just assume it’s ‘old age’ if you’re driving an older motor. Even small misfires can lead to engine damage over time.

3. Unusual Noises, Knocks, Ticks, and Pings

Engines aren’t silent, but you know what your car normally sounds like.

If you hear:

• Knocking: Often due to incorrect fuel, worn bearings or timing issues

• Ticking: Usually valve train or low oil

• Pinging: Could be pre ignition or carbon build up in the cylinders

Don’t turn the music up and hope it goes away. Strange noises mean parts are hitting or moving in ways they shouldn’t, have it checked.

4. Excessive Exhaust Smoke

Different colours of exhaust smoke can give away what’s wrong:

• Blue smoke = Burning oil (worn piston rings, valve seals)

• White smoke = Coolant leak, possibly head gasket failure

• Black smoke = Running rich, too much fuel

If there’s a strong smell with the smoke (burnt oil or sweet coolant), it’s definitely not normal. Seek professional help.

5. Oil or Coolant Leaks

Puddles under your car are never good, especially if they’re brown (oil) or bright green/pink/orange (coolant).

Check regularly:

• Around the engine bay and undercarriage

• Oil filler cap (may show ‘mayonnaise’ if coolant’s mixing with oil, a classic head gasket symptom)

Keep an old sheet of cardboard in your garage and park over it, you’ll spot leaks straight away.

6. Poor Fuel Economy

If you're filling up more than usual and haven’t changed your driving habits, the engine could be underperforming.

Causes include:

• Dirty air filter

• Faulty oxygen sensor

• Fuel system issues

• Drag from a failing component (like a seized brake calliper)

Keep a log of your MPG, even rough estimates help you catch trends before a warning light appears.

7. Loss of Power or Hesitation

If your car struggles to accelerate, especially uphill or when overtaking, don’t brush it off.

It could be:

• Blocked fuel lines

• Failing turbo (on turbocharged models)

• Misfiring cylinders

Diagnosis: A scan tool will often show error codes before major failure hits. A garage can pinpoint the issue before it snowballs.

8. Overheating or Rising Temp Gauge

A rising temperature gauge is a major red flag. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to wreck your engine.

Check for:

• Coolant levels and leaks

• Thermostat issues

• Radiator problems

• Blown head gasket

If it overheats, stop immediately. Running it hot can warp the cylinder head, which means big money.

9. Burning Smells from the Engine Bay

Smells can be just as telling as noises.

Look out for:

• Burning oil: Oil leaking onto a hot part (often the exhaust manifold)

• Burning plastic: Electrical issue or wiring melt

• Sweet smell: Coolant leak

Smells linger, if you notice them after parking, open the bonnet and have a look around with a torch.

10. Engine Stalling or Shutting Off Unexpectedly

This one’s obvious, but still worth repeating; if your engine cuts out while driving or idling, something’s very wrong.

Most common reasons:

• Fuel delivery problems

• Faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensors

• Electrical faults

If your car stalls in traffic, it could be dangerous. Don’t ignore intermittent cut outs, get it seen to.

Final Thoughts

Spotting early signs of engine trouble is all about being tuned into your motor. Don’t wait for a total failure, engines don’t fix themselves, and ignoring symptoms only guarantees a more expensive repair later.

Stay ahead with these habits:

• Listen to your engine

• Check your fluids weekly

• Get faults diagnosed early

• Book in for regular servicing

Whether you’re driving an old school diesel or the latest turbocharged hatch, looking after your engine is the smartest motoring move you’ll make.

Mike Floyd

Senior Maintenance Editor, Car Care Column