Car expert Maxim Rakitin has outlined the key indicators drivers should watch for that may signal potential engine problems, including unusual sounds, strange odors, and changes in performance or power. He strongly advises seeking diagnostic checks as soon as these first signs appear.
According to Rakitin, any unfamiliar noise emanating from the engine – whether it`s clicking or rattling – is a serious reason to consult a service center for inspection. “Any suspicious sound your engine makes is already a reason [to worry],” Rakitin stated. “It could be clicks, a rattle. Any such sound is a reason to at least get a diagnostic check.”
He specifically warned that a metallic clanking sound from under the hood is particularly dangerous; the expert emphasized that if this occurs, the vehicle should not be driven at all, as it suggests a critical malfunction. “If there`s a metallic clanging from under the hood, it`s better not to drive such a car at all, as metallic sounds can indicate a serious problem,” the expert advised.
Other worrying symptoms include a noticeable loss of power, reduced acceleration, and unstable idling. “Loss of power, loss of traction, unstable idling – all this indicates that something is wrong with the engine,” Rakitin added.
He also noted that unusual smells, such as burning oil or the scent of gasoline, can indicate an engine fault.
Previously, car expert Igor Morzharetto stated that a modern passenger car engine might typically last around 200,000 kilometers without requiring major overhaul. He noted that older engines were sometimes capable of reaching a million kilometers.
Rupert Blackwood 
Barnaby Whitfield