A Quick Guide to Most Major Engine Problems that Cars Have

When Are Car Engine Problems Serious?

If your engine is giving you problems, it might be time to visit the mechanic’s shop. After all, you can’t drive with a damaged engine!

Many car engine problems can be fixed with a few days and a couple hundred dollars. However, there are some cases where the situation is much more serious. If your car has a serious engine problem, you could need thousands of dollars’ worth of repair work done. In some cases, you might need a complete engine replacement.

The best way to protect your engine from serious problems is to provide regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturers. Additionally, you shouldn’t put off visiting the mechanic when you notice something wrong in your car. Whether you smell something smokey, hear odd clunks when you drive or have trouble shifting gears, you should take your vehicle to be examined at the first sight of a problem.

If not, you might end up experiencing one of the major engine problems below...

Seized Engine

A seized engine indicates that there isn’t enough lubrication in the form of oil protecting your engine as it operates. Want to know if your car engine has seized? Look for some of the following warning signs:

• Clunking sounds

• Smoke

• Difficulties starting the car

This is a major problem. If your car engine is seized, repair costs will generally total $3,000 or more. In many cases, you need a new engine.

Hydrolocked Engine

A hydrolocked engine is an engine where a lot of water is introduced to the cylinders. The most common cause of a hydrolocked engine is attempting to drive through a flooded area.

Wondering how to fix a hydrolocked engine? The likelihood depends on how fast you were going when you hydrolocked it. If you were driving slowly or even idling, you may be able to get a repair shop to remove the water.

If you were actually driving, however, chances are you’ve done permanent damage. Expect to pay $5,000 or more for a new engine.

Cracked Head Gasket

A head gasket seals the internal combustion in your engine, preventing gases and liquids from flowing out into other parts of the vehicle. Signs of a cracked head gasket include:

• White smoke when trying to start your car

• Frothy oil, contaminated with coolant

• Overheating in your engine

• Excess exhaust smoke, which may be tinged blue

If you’re experiencing cracked head gasket symptoms, it’s time to visit a garage. Keep in mind that replacing a cracked head gasket can cost at least $1,000 and generally more.

When Is An Engine Problem Too Expensive To Fix?

If you’re dealing with car engine overheating problems and worried that you have an expensive repair bill on your hands, you have two choices. The first is to pay for the repairs and get your car in good working condition right now. However, if your car is old or has low value, you might be sinking money into it. Chances are, something else expensive will break too eventually.

Your other option is to sell the car as-is and get a replacement with the money you get from the car, plus your savings from avoiding the expensive repair. In many cases, this could help you get a car in much better condition than your current car is in.

A general rule of thumb: if the cost of repairing the vehicle equals 50 percent or more of the car’s value, it’s time to replace it instead.

Can You Sell A Car With Engine Problems?

It is perfectly legal to sell a car with engine problems. However, you should be upfront about the condition of the vehicle when selling your car. Acknowledge if it does or does not start, and describe the problems you’ve experienced with the vehicle.

When possible, it is always a good idea to provide details and a quote from a mechanic about what it would take to get the car in working order again. This provides total transparency and can help protect you from being overhaggled.

Best Places For Selling A Car With Engine Problems

The best places to sell a car with engine problems depends on the condition of your car, its age and your goals.

For instance, if your car is not in good shape, a junkyard may be your best bet. You’ll probably get a guaranteed offer, and towing is generally included for free. Many junkyards make offers based on the scrap metal value of your car, while others base it off your vehicle’s size and weight.

If your car is in okay condition, you might be able to trade it in at a dealership for a new car. However, this will lock you into vehicles owned by the dealership. Additionally, you might get a lower trade-in value than if you go elsewhere.

Selling your car online can get you satisfactory prices and a fast sale in many cases. By going online, you can get quotes in minutes and determine what your car is worth.

Why Choose DamagedCars.com?

DamagedCars.com has been in business for over a decade. As the market for less-than-perfect cars, we know how to determine a fair market value for your less-than-perfect vehicle, no matter what engine problems it has.

We can generate a quote for your car in under 90 seconds. With pictures of the vehicle and a VIN, we can give you a guaranteed and accurate offer quickly. Additionally., our offers always include FREE towing and FREE title transfer — there are never any charges to use our service.

DamagedCars.com can help you schedule your free pickup in under 48 business hours. When we pick up the vehicle, you’ll get paid on the spot. Our service is the modern, safe and easy way to get rid of your damaged car and get paid for it.

How To Sell A Car To DamagedCars.com

Getting a quote from DamagedCars.com is easy. All you have to do is:

1. Click “get offer.”

2. Fill out the form.

3. Get your quote!

By including photos and your VIN, we can help you get an accurate offer faster. If you like our quote, we can help you schedule a free pickup at a time that’s convenient for you.

The tow truck driver will arrive with a check in hand. All you have to do is sign the title and hand over the keys, and you’ll be paid on the spot. Why wait? Get a quote from DamagedCars.com and see how easy it is to sell your car with engine problems today.