Guide to Basics of Engine Repair

The thought of repairing a car engine can feel intimidating, mainly because it is one of the most complex and costly parts of a vehicle. An engine works on the principle of internal combustion, where fuel and air mix to create power that drives the car forward.

Over time, heat, friction and daily wear can cause issues that affect its performance and reliability. This makes engine repair an essential part of keeping a car in optimal condition.

Read on to discover more about car engines, some common problems and the key considerations of engine repair.

How a car engine works

A car engine primarily converts fuel into power, through a process called internal combustion, which propels the vehicle forward. In this process, a mix of fuel and air is ignited inside the cylinders to create controlled combustion. These bursts of energy push the pistons up and down, which turn the crankshaft, which ultimately drives the wheels.

Several parts need to work in harmony for everything to run smoothly. They include the cylinder block that holds the pistons, the valves and camshaft that manage airflow in and out of the engine and the cooling and lubrication systems that prevent overheating and reduce friction. 

Common engine problems

Engines can experience a variety of issues, such as:

• Overheating caused by coolant leaks, radiator faults or a broken thermostat.
• Oil leaks that result from worn seals or damaged gaskets.
• Poor fuel efficiency due to malfunctioning injectors, clogged sensors or worn-out spark plugs.
• Excess exhaust smoke may signal different issues: white smoke often indicates coolant entering the combustion chamber, black smoke suggests excess fuel burning and blue smoke points to oil burning.
• Electrical issues linked to faulty ignition or sensor failures that cause stalling or hard starts.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Engines usually show signs before breaking down. Knocking, grinding or ticking noises often suggest internal wear, whereas oil spots under the car point to leaks from seals or gaskets. Rough idling, frequent stalling and hesitation during acceleration also indicate performance issues.

A drop in fuel efficiency, persistent check engine lights, visible smoke from the exhaust and rising temperature on the gauge are some other signs.

Causes of engine damage

Engines are tough, but not indestructible. Some major causes of damage are:

• Lack of maintenance: Skipping oil changes or coolant flushes accelerates wear.
• Overheating: Faulty cooling systems can cause engine parts to warp.
• Contaminated fuel: Poor-quality or contaminated fuel can clog injectors, damage fuel pumps or cause incomplete combustion.
• Water ingression: Driving through waterlogged areas can cause hydrostatic lock and bent pistons.
• Old timing belts: They can cause catastrophic engine failure if they snap.
• Normal wear and tear: Engine parts naturally degrade with mileage.

Types of engine repairs

Engine repair may range from minor fixes to complete replacements and it can depend on the severity. The common types of repair are:

• Original engine repair: Fixing or replacing specific faulty parts using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components.
• Engine overhaul: Disassembling, cleaning and repairing worn components to restore performance.
• Engine rebuilding: Severe damage involves replacing major components but retaining usable ones.
• Complete replacement: Swapping the old engine with a new, rebuilt or remanufactured one.

Engine repair process

Engine repair usually starts with routine fixes like oil and filter changes to maintain lubrication and reduce friction. Mechanics may also replace gaskets and seals to prevent leaks or fit a new timing belt to keep valves and pistons in sync.

More complex jobs involve rebuilding the engine by disassembling and repairing worn components. Restoring cylinder heads to fix valve or camshaft issues and repairing the engine block when cracks or warping are found are also complex repairs.

Costs of engine repair

In India, engine-related repairs can vary a lot depending on the issue. A standard engine overhaul may cost anywhere between ₹25,000 and ₹1,50,000 or more, especially for turbocharged engines.

Minor engine repairs, like fixing oil leaks or replacing sensors, usually fall on the lower end of this spectrum.

Preventive maintenance for engine longevity

Taking a few simple steps can help keep your engine healthy and prevent costly repairs, such as:

• Changing oil and filter regularly: Fresh oil keeps moving parts lubricated, reduces friction and prevents premature wear.
• Coolant system care: Check coolant levels frequently and flush the system at scheduled intervals to prevent overheating.
• Timing belt replacement: Replace belts as per the manufacturer’s recommendation since a snapped belt can lead to serious engine damage.
• Use good-quality fuel: Clean petrol or diesel prevents clogged injectors and ensures proper combustion.
• Listen for unusual sounds: Knocking, ticking or grinding noises are often early warning signs of issues that should be fixed quickly.
• Check electrical components: Inspect spark plugs, battery and ignition system during routine servicing to maintain smooth starting.
• Follow service schedules: Sticking to the maintenance plan in your owner’s manual helps prevent minor issues from turning into expensive repairs.

Engine protection insurance – safeguarding against costly repairs

Third party car insurance covers damage or injury caused to others. It does not cover damage to your own car, including engine repairs. That is where comprehensive car insurance with an engine protection add-on becomes valuable.

A cover like engine protection in a car insurance pays for expensive repairs to the engine and gearbox, protects against damage from oil leaks or hydrostatic lock and even includes consumables and labour costs. It is also particularly useful in flood-prone areas where water ingress is a common risk.

Conclusion

A car engine is at the heart of your vehicle’s performance and keeping it healthy requires timely maintenance, awareness of warning signs and the right protection. Regular servicing, quality fuel and preventive care go a long way in avoiding breakdowns.

FAQs

• What is included in engine repair?

Engine repair usually covers fixing issues like oil leaks, worn gaskets, faulty timing belts or damaged valves.

• How often does a car need engine repair?

Car engine repair is not required on a fixed schedule. However, problems often arise if servicing and oil changes are delayed.

• How much does engine repair cost in India?

Engine repair cost can range from a few thousand rupees for minor fixes to over a lakh for major overhauls or replacements.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.