It’s a scenario that plays out all too often— You’re driving along and suddenly your ‘check engine’ light comes on. You tell yourself that it’s probably nothing, that you don’t have time, or that you’ll take care of it if you see ‘true evidence’ of engine problems. You ignore it and keep driving as normal.
A few weeks or even months later, your light comes back on. This time, it’s not going off. Even worse, you hear a knocking sound. You pull over to the side of the road and sigh in defeat, realizing that it is going to take a lot of time to fix your engine and cost you a hefty sum.
THE DANGERS OF DELAYING ENGINE REPAIRS
It’s a common misconception that engine repairs are expensive and time-consuming. The truth is, engine repairs can be both of those things…but only if you ignore the first signs of damage and let it spread!
By taking your car in for engine repair as soon as you notice signs of trouble, you can avoid more costly repairs down the road—not to mention save yourself, your passengers, and other drivers from a potentially unsafe situation.
So, what can happen if you choose to ignore engine issues? What are the dangers of delaying repairs? Let’s take a look!
DANGER #1: WORSENING ENGINE PROBLEMS
An engine is a complex system made up of many different parts, all working together to keep your car running. When one part starts to fail, it can put stress on the other parts and cause them to fail as well.
For example, if your engine’s oil system isn’t working properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. This can lead to engine damage, as well as damage to other parts of your car such as the transmission.
DANGER #2: UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS
Another danger of delaying engine repairs is that it can create unsafe driving conditions. Engine problems can affect your car’s handling, braking, and acceleration, making it difficult to control your car—especially at high speeds!
If you’re driving with engine problems, you’re putting yourself and others at risk of an accident. Not to mention, engine problems can also lead to breakdowns, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
DANGER #3: COSTLY REPAIRS
Engine repairs may seem like a costly proposition, but the truth is that putting them off will only lead to more expensive ones down the road. The longer you wait to take your car in for repairs, the more costly damage will be done.
If you ignore issues with your engine, it can even fail completely. Repairing or replacing a failed engine can easily cost thousands of dollars, so it’s always best to take care of engine problems as soon as they arise.
DANGER #4: MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Engine repairs may seem to put a damper on your plans, but they’re actually an opportunity to get ahead of more serious potential problems. An expert engine mechanic can identify small issues early on and stop them from seriously messing up your calendar in the future.
Engine failure, on the other hand, will leave you without transportation for much longer and can often lead to missed opportunities—like having to cancel a date, being late for work, or missing an important meeting!
EXPERIENCING ENGINE TROUBLE? DON’T DELAY!
Head to Schulz Garage in Medford, Oregon to have one of our highly experienced mechanics repair your engine today. We’ll have you back on the road in no time!