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Top 15 Pitfalls of Overlooking Engine Maintenance

   September 28, 2024

Overlooking engine maintenance might seem like a way to save time or money, but it can lead to serious and costly issues down the road. Regular check-ups are essential for keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 pitfalls of neglecting engine maintenance that every car owner should be aware of.

Engine Overheating

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When you ignore routine engine maintenance, crucial components like the coolant system and oil levels can become neglected. Without enough coolant or proper oil circulation, the engine’s temperature can rise uncontrollably, leading to overheating. Overheating is a serious issue because it can warp engine components, blow head gaskets, and even cause the engine to seize entirely. Regular checks ensure that the cooling system is functioning correctly and that oil levels are adequate, preventing severe damage and costly repairs.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

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A well-maintained engine operates efficiently, using fuel in the most effective manner. However, neglecting maintenance tasks such as air filter replacement, spark plug inspection, and oil changes can cause the engine to work harder than necessary. This increased strain leads to higher fuel consumption, meaning more frequent trips to the gas station. Regular maintenance keeps all engine components in optimal condition, ensuring your vehicle remains fuel-efficient and saving you money in the long run.

Premature Engine Failure

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The engine is a complex system with many moving parts, each requiring attention and care. Without routine maintenance, small issues like worn belts or low oil levels can escalate into major problems, eventually leading to complete engine failure. Premature engine failure is not only inconvenient but also extremely costly, often requiring a full engine replacement. Regular check-ups catch these small issues early, prolonging the engine’s life and maintaining your vehicle’s reliability.

Increased Emissions

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Skipping engine maintenance doesn’t just affect your vehicle; it impacts the environment too. A poorly maintained engine can burn fuel inefficiently, leading to higher emissions of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. These increased emissions contribute to air pollution and can cause your vehicle to fail emissions tests, resulting in fines or the need for expensive repairs. Regular maintenance helps your engine run cleanly, reducing its environmental footprint.

Costly Repairs

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Many engine issues start small but can grow into significant problems if left unchecked. What could have been a simple fix during routine maintenance, such as replacing a worn belt or topping up fluids, can turn into an expensive repair job if ignored. For example, a leaking gasket may seem minor, but if it leads to an oil leak, it can cause severe engine damage. Regular maintenance helps catch these issues early, saving you from hefty repair bills.

Loss of Engine Power

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Over time, neglecting engine maintenance can cause a noticeable drop in power and performance. This loss of power can be due to factors like clogged fuel injectors, dirty air filters, or worn spark plugs, all of which make it harder for the engine to operate efficiently. As a result, your vehicle may struggle to accelerate, perform poorly under load, or feel sluggish overall. Regular engine maintenance ensures all components are in top condition, keeping your engine running at its full potential.

Engine Misfires

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Engine misfires occur when the fuel-air mixture in one or more of the cylinders fails to ignite properly. This can be caused by dirty or worn-out spark plugs, a common issue if regular engine maintenance is overlooked. Misfires can lead to rough idling, reduced power, and increased emissions, and if left unresolved, they can cause damage to the catalytic converter. Regularly inspecting and replacing spark plugs as part of routine maintenance helps prevent misfires and keeps your engine running smoothly.

Decreased Resale Value

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A vehicle’s resale value is heavily influenced by its maintenance history. A car with a well-maintained engine is more likely to attract buyers and command a higher price, whereas a neglected engine can significantly lower the vehicle’s value. Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a car with a history of poor maintenance, fearing future repairs or reliability issues. Keeping up with regular engine maintenance not only ensures your vehicle runs well but also protects its resale value.

Voided Warranty

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Most vehicle warranties require that the owner follows the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Failing to adhere to this schedule can void the warranty, meaning you would have to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs that would have otherwise been covered. This can be especially costly if a major issue arises. Regular engine maintenance ensures you stay within the warranty’s terms, protecting you from unexpected expenses.

Cooling System Failure

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The engine’s cooling system is critical for preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to coolant leaks, clogged radiators, or malfunctioning thermostats, all of which can cause the cooling system to fail. When the cooling system fails, the engine is at risk of severe overheating, which can result in warped engine components or a blown head gasket. Routine maintenance keeps the cooling system in check, ensuring your engine stays cool and runs smoothly.

Battery Drainage

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The engine and electrical system are closely linked, and neglecting engine maintenance can affect your vehicle’s battery life. For example, a malfunctioning alternator can lead to insufficient battery charging, causing the battery to drain faster. Over time, this can leave you stranded with a dead battery. Regular engine checks include inspecting the alternator and other electrical components, helping to prevent battery-related issues and ensuring your vehicle starts reliably.

Damaged Sensors

If you’re having problems with your car’s engine, it could be due to a bad air flow sensor. Learn about the symptoms of a bad air flow sensor, the causes, and what it costs to have it replaced. What Is a Mass Air Flow Sensor? A mass airflow sensor is an integral part of a vehicle’s engine. It determines the mass flow rate of the air entering fuel-injected internal combustion engines. This measurement and information are essential for the engine’s control unit to monitor to ensure a balanced delivery of fuel mass into the engine. Air density changes when temperature and pressure change, so the airflow rate fluctuates often when the engine runs. Most modern air flow sensors utilize a hot wire and a temperature gauge to monitor the temperature of the air around the wire. The more power the engine uses, the higher the temperature rises. Mass Air Flow Sensor Location The mass air flow sensor is between your car’s air filter and the intake manifold of the engine. Mass Air Flow Sensor Problems When problems arise with this piece of equipment, it can result in some troubling engine activity. When you have an issue with your mass air flow sensor, the airflow readings it provides will not be accurate. You can tell they are inaccurate if the reading does not change when the car goes from idling to engine revolutions. To tell when the mass air flow sensor needs attention, you’ll need to check the readings and know what a normal reading should look like. Common symptoms of a bad mass air flow sensor include a lack of power, poor acceleration, check engine light, rough idling, no-start, stalling, and issues with your automatic transmission. We’ll cover them in-depth below. What Is a Normal Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading? The expected mass air flow sensor reading will differ depending on the size of the engine. But the standard air flow reading should be 2 to 7 grams per second (g/s) when the engine is idling. The air flow reading should rise to 15 to 25 grams per second at 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm). Symptoms of a Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor If you suspect a faulty air flow sensor, there are a few symptoms to watch out for. Bear in mind these symptoms can also indicate other engine problems, but they’re characteristic of a mass air flow sensor, and you can rule out the sensor by taking a reading. Below are common symptoms to keep an eye out for if you suspect there’s something wrong with your mass air flow sensor. Lack of Power or Poor Acceleration If the car struggles to accelerate and there feels like a lack of power, it could be because the air flow sensor is faulty or dirty. When this happens, the engine can’t properly accelerate because it doesn't know the amount of air moving through it. Check Engine Light A classic symptom of car problems is if your “check engine” light or “service engine soon” light comes on. It could be indicating your mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced or cleaned. If that light comes on, always be sure to get it checked out ASAP to avoid further damages to your vehicle. Automatic Transmission Problems If your automatic car struggles to switch gears, it may be due to the air flow sensor improperly reading the amount of air moving through the engine. The sensor plays an integral role in gear shifting as more air flowing indicates to the engine that you need to go up a gear. Rough Idling If the engine idling is not a consistent and steady hum or rumbling, the air flow sensor may be on the fritz. A rough and inconsistent idling where the engine sputters and seems to struggle can mean the air flow sensor readings change too quickly, affecting how the engine runs. No-Start If you can’t get your car to turn on, the mass air flow sensor may be to blame. If the sensor reads there is too much air flow, it can prevent the engine from starting altogether. Stalling If your car is frequently stalling and you can’t determine any other causes, it could be because the readings on the air sensor are fluctuating too much, causing the engine to stall. Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure Causes There are a few different causes of a bad air flow sensor. You can avoid some of these, but others are just a normal part of an engine’s life. Below are the five common causes of mass air flow sensor failure. Damage If the air flow sensor is damaged, whether in an accident or due to long-term wear and tear, it will need to be replaced. Air flow sensors are delicate, and repairing one is practically impossible, so it needs replacing if it has taken any damage. Contamination A contaminated mass air flow sensor means your mass air flow sensor is dirty. The contamination can be debris, dust, grease, and other substances that travel through the engine often and get trapped in the sensor. Mass air flow sensors can be cleaned very carefully, but often, this is only a temporary solution, and it's better to replace them. Improperly Installed Air Filter An air flow sensor delivering strange and false readings may have been installed improperly. A mechanic will easily be able to diagnose this problem, and if there’s no damage to the sensor, they can probably reinstall it for a small labor cost. Collapsed Air Filter Every mass air flow sensor has a filter which helps keep the sensor and the engine cleaner for longer. If the air filter collapses or becomes dislodged, the sensor and engine will get much dirtier and become contaminated, requiring you to either replace the filter or replace the sensor altogether. Replacing the filter can be difficult and result in damage to the sensor itself, so a complete replacement is often the best solution. Over-Soaked Air Filter Some air flow sensors have washable filters. These washable filters are convenient because you can keep the sensor in good condition for longer and avoid contamination. However, if the air filter is still wet when you replace it in the engine, then air cannot properly flow through the sensor. Therefore, the sensor cannot accurately read the amount of air moving through it, causing your engine to misbehave and sputter. How to Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor All you need to do to reset the air flow sensor is unplug the car’s battery for ten minutes or more, then plug it back in! It’s super simple, and this could fix your air flow sensor if it is just a minor problem with the reading mechanism. Can You Drive With a Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor? While the engine will behave strangely, with inconsistent fuel being delivered to the combustion chamber, you can technically still drive. But driving with a bad air flow sensor typically leads to more engine problems. If you don’t take care of the air flow sensor issues, other parts of your engine may fall into disrepair, costing you more money in the long run. Mass Air Flow Sensor Price A mass air flow sensor usually costs between $100 and $150. But some can cost up to $400, depending on the make and model of the car. Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement Cost A damaged or contaminated air flow sensor may need to be replaced. Luckily, it’s not a super costly or complicated task. But most people will need to take their vehicle to a mechanic to determine the severity of the damage or contamination. If it is dirty, your mechanic may be able to clean it, so it works again. However, most of the time, the sensor needs to be replaced, and this is a very delicate procedure, although simple. The necessary replacement parts and labor can cost anywhere between $100 and $450, depending on the car's make and model. The parts are the most expensive part, while the labor for this usually only costs $25 to $50. The most important aspect of replacing the air flow sensor if you try to do it yourself is to have the air filter installed and handle all parts very gently.
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Modern engines rely on a network of sensors to monitor and adjust various functions, such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control. Neglecting maintenance can cause these sensors to become dirty or damaged, leading to inaccurate readings and poor engine performance. For instance, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions. Regular maintenance ensures sensors remain clean and functional, keeping your engine running optimally.

Oil Leaks

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Engine oil is essential for lubricating moving parts and preventing wear and tear. Skipping oil changes can cause the oil to become dirty and lose its effectiveness, leading to increased friction and heat. Over time, this can cause seals and gaskets to deteriorate, resulting in oil leaks. These leaks can damage the engine and other components, leading to costly repairs. Regular oil changes and inspections help prevent leaks, keeping your engine well-lubricated and protected.

Transmission Issues

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The engine and transmission work together to power your vehicle, and problems with the engine can put extra strain on the transmission. For example, an engine that runs too hot or misfires frequently can cause the transmission to work harder, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Transmission repairs are often expensive and time-consuming. Regular engine maintenance helps prevent these issues by ensuring the engine operates smoothly and efficiently, reducing the strain on the transmission.

Increased Wear and Tear

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Every part of your engine is subject to wear and tear, but regular maintenance can slow this process and extend the life of your engine. Neglecting maintenance accelerates wear, causing components to degrade faster than they should. This increased wear and tear can lead to more frequent breakdowns, higher repair costs, and a shorter overall lifespan for your vehicle. Routine maintenance helps keep your engine in top condition, minimizing wear and tear and maximizing its longevity.

This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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