Can You Still Drive with a Bent Engine Connecting Rod?
3 Answers
You can still drive if the engine connecting rod is slightly bent, but if the bending is severe, the engine won't start. Here is some relevant information: 1. Definition: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, serving as the heart of the car, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. 2. Maintenance and Repair: Car engines require regular maintenance. When driving through areas that are particularly humid or have high levels of dust, it's also necessary to inspect and maintain the relevant components of the engine.
I've repaired many seized engines and witnessed firsthand the consequences of driving with a bent connecting rod. Just last week, I handled a case where the owner kept driving for 20 kilometers on the highway after hearing banging noises, resulting in the piston punching through the cylinder block and sending fragments flying everywhere. Now his engine needs a complete replacement, with repair costs equivalent to half the price of a used car. Take my advice: if you notice loss of acceleration accompanied by metallic knocking sounds, especially a clattering noise like a tractor when going uphill, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. This isn't like a flat tire—a bent connecting rod can cause chain damage to the piston, crankshaft, and even the cylinder block, eventually spraying oil all over the engine bay. Never attempt to restart the engine; calling a tow truck is the only option.
Let me share a real experience as an experienced driver. Last year, the connecting rod of my old Passat bent on the national highway. At that time, I felt the accelerator suddenly become heavier, and blue smoke came out of the exhaust pipe like burning oil. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane to check. Although no red light was on the dashboard, I could hear a regular clicking sound when I opened the engine hood. Later, when the repair shop disassembled the engine, they found the bent connecting rod had already worn out the cylinder wall. I suggest everyone pay attention to two warning signs: unusually severe shaking during cold starts, or when you press the accelerator deeply, the RPM doesn't rise and is accompanied by a metal grinding sound. The insurance company told me that this kind of engine damage caused by human factors is not covered, and I ended up paying over 8,000 RMB out of pocket for the repairs.
