What are the symptoms before a car engine seizes?
3 Answers
Symptoms before a car engine seizes: 1. Reduced cylinder compression pressure leading to loss of power; 2. Downward leakage of combustible mixture increases crankcase pressure, which may cause crankcase explosion in severe cases; 3. Lubricating oil moving up into the cylinder causing oil burning; 4. Severe smoke emission from the exhaust pipe; 5. Abnormal engine noise; 6. Engine malfunction or even stalling. Engine seizure refers to the melting and scoring of the piston, piston rings, and cylinder liner surfaces due to high temperatures, where dry friction occurs between the piston and cylinder liner due to interrupted oil film, causing microscopic melting of metal and adhesion, tearing nearby metal particles.
Oh, I've driven several cars and I'm quite familiar with the issue of cylinder scoring. Before a car experiences cylinder scoring, there are some obvious symptoms you should watch out for, especially in terms of sounds and performance. The engine will produce abnormal knocking sounds, like a tapping noise, which is particularly noticeable when accelerating. There will also be a drop in power—the car responds sluggishly when you press the accelerator, and climbing hills feels like a struggle. If the engine overheats, the temperature gauge will spike, and fuel consumption will increase significantly, making it feel like the fuel is burning too quickly. Sometimes, you might also notice oil leaks, with oil stains on the ground or under the engine bay, or a burnt smell. These are all warning signs that the engine may be suffering from insufficient internal lubrication. I recommend checking the oil level and quality immediately, avoiding prolonged high-speed driving, and taking the car to a repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. If you ignore these signs, cylinder scoring can be a major hassle to fix and can be very expensive.
As an enthusiast who frequently works on cars, I've studied the early signs of cylinder scoring. The car may exhibit abnormal vibrations while driving, especially during low-speed turns, with the engine noise becoming louder, resembling a metallic clanking sound. Power output noticeably decreases, acceleration feels sluggish, and fuel consumption rises, typically by more than 10% compared to normal. Additionally, cold starts become harder, often requiring multiple attempts to ignite, as the piston rings and valves may already be severely worn. If you notice black smoke from the exhaust or the dashboard warning light comes on, be extra vigilant. Immediately check if the engine oil is low or dirty, avoid frequent short trips, and maintain regular maintenance. I experienced this firsthand once—it nearly led to a major issue, but things improved significantly after changing the oil. Prevention is simple: change the oil and filter regularly, and avoid running the engine under extreme conditions.
