How to Determine if a Car Has Cylinder Scoring?
3 Answers
In daily life, we may encounter the issue of cylinder scoring in cars. Here are specific methods to determine whether a car has cylinder scoring: 1. Speed-based judgment: If a car experiences cylinder scoring, there will be a noticeable jerking sensation while driving. Compared to normal conditions, the car will perform differently when climbing slopes, and the speed will decrease. 2. Engine-based judgment: If a car has cylinder scoring, the engine will produce abnormal noises, similar to a buzzing sound, which is easily noticeable. 3. Fuel consumption-based judgment: If the car shows significantly increased fuel consumption, it might be due to cylinder scoring.
With over thirty years of driving experience, I determine whether an engine has cylinder scoring mainly by sound and experience. If you hear a persistent knocking sound, like a 'thud-thud,' especially during cold starts or acceleration, it may indicate scratches on the cylinder walls. At the same time, the car's power will noticeably drop, struggling uphill with unresponsive throttle. Another sign is checking the engine oil: if it depletes quickly, showing significant loss during each check, or if metal shavings are visible on the dipstick, it suggests internal wear. Blue smoke from the exhaust is also a classic symptom, similar to burning oil. If the engine temperature frequently runs high, nearing the red zone, it's another warning sign—insufficient lubrication can easily lead to cylinder scoring. Don’t delay if you notice these issues; get a professional diagnosis immediately, or the engine may be ruined. I advise everyone to change oil regularly and ensure sufficient coolant levels to prevent this.
As a young driver who frequently drives, I believe the most direct way to detect engine seizure is by observing changes in vehicle performance. A sudden decrease in acceleration, severe shaking when speeding up, as if the engine is struggling; these symptoms are especially noticeable at high speeds—lack of power accompanied by unusual noises, which can be recorded with a phone to identify knocking sounds. Check the engine oil condition: rapid oil level drop, dark color, or a pungent odor all point to issues. If the temperature gauge consistently hovers in the high range and fluctuates, it's a warning sign. Using an OBD scanner to check for error codes can directly indicate cylinder problems. Engine seizure can destroy the engine, leading to costly repairs; the lesson I've learned is to detect and address issues early, and avoid prolonged hard acceleration while driving.
