An engine blow is not what you can wish even your worst enemy. It is a catastrophic experience that disorganizes one’s mind and plans.
When an engine “blows” while driving, it refers to a catastrophic failure within the engine that leads to a sudden and complete loss of its ability to function properly.
Engine blows can happen for various reasons, and the symptoms and consequences depend on the type of engine, its design, and the nature of the failure. Therefore, what happens when your engine blows while driving?
- You will experience a loss of power
- There will be unusual sounds coming from the engine
- There will be smoke and steam
- The engine will overheat
- There will be fluid leaks
- There will be warning lights on your dashboard
- You may lose control of the vehicle
What Happens When Your Engine Blows While Driving?
Here’s a detailed explanation of what happens when your engine blows while driving:
1. You Will Experience a Loss of Power
The first and most immediate thing that will happen when your engine blows is a sudden loss of power. You may feel a drop in speed and acceleration as the engine fails to generate the necessary power needed to keep the vehicle moving.
As a driver who’s been driving the car for a long time, once there’s reduced engine power, you will know because the car will no longer move or respond as it used to.
2. There Will be Unusual Sounds
Before a complete engine failure, there might be warning signs such as knocking, whining, banging, or other unusual sounds that indicate problems with internal components like pistons, connecting rods, or bearings.
However, when the engine finally blows while you’re driving, the noise will continue and it will be persistent.
3. There will be Smoke and Steam
When your engine blows while driving, it will lead to the release of smoke or steam from under the hood which could be due to the engine oil or coolant burning.
The blown engine may cause the engine oil and coolant to mix leading to a terrible blue smoke to emanating from the exhaust pipe.
4. The Engine Will Overheat
Once your engine blows while driving, the next thing you will notice is overheating because components like pistons or bearings have failed, increasing friction and generating too much heat. If the engine coolant is compromised, the engine can overheat rapidly, causing further damage.
5. There Will be Fluid Leaks
If your engine blows while you’re driving, it may result in the leakage of various fluids, such as engine oil or coolant. Puddles or trails of these fluids under the vehicle can be an indicator of a serious problem.
6. There Will be Warning Lights
Once your engine blows while driving, you will see warning lights on your dashboard indicating that something is wrong with the engine.
Some of the warning lights that may come on include the check engine light, oil pressure warning light, temperature warning light, etc.
7. You May Lose Control of the Vehicle
Depending on the severity of the engine failure and the vehicle’s speed, there may be a loss of control when your engine blows while driving. Power steering may be compromised, making it difficult to steer, and braking efficiency could be reduced.
8. Complete Engine Shutdown
If the blown engine is damaged too much, the engine may completely seize or shut down, especially if the internal components fail to the point where the engine cannot continue its normal operation. In this case, you will have to tow the car to a mechanic shop where the engine will be checked.
What to Do When Your Engine Blows While Driving
Here’s what to do when your engine blows while driving:
- Turn on Hazard Lights and Pull Over: Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there’s a problem with your vehicle. Now, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your parking light if its already down or dark.
- Do Not Attempt to Restart: Once the engine has blown, do not try to restart the car again as attempting to restart it may cause further damage. It’s better to leave the vehicle off.
- Call for Assistance: Use your mobile phone to call for roadside assistance, a tow truck, or emergency services. Provide your location, a description of the issue, and any relevant details.
- Arrange for Towing: Coordinate with the towing service to transport your vehicle to a repair shop or your preferred location.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the incident. They can guide you with the next steps and assist with any claims related to the damage.
What Causes an Engine to Blow While Driving?
An engine can “blow” or fail while driving for various reasons such as:
Lack of Lubrication
One of the primary reasons your engine blows while driving is insufficient lubrication. If the engine oil level is too low or the oil is old and degraded, it can lead to increased friction and overheating, causing components like pistons, bearings, and camshafts to fail.
Also, if contaminants like dirt, debris, or coolant mix with the engine oil, it can compromise the lubricating properties of the oil leading to increased friction, overheating, and accelerated wear on internal components.
Overheating
Engines generate a significant amount of heat during operation, therefore, if the cooling system fails to regulate this heat properly due to a malfunctioning radiator, thermostat, water pump, or coolant leaks, the engine can overheat, leading to warped cylinder heads, damaged gaskets, and other failures.
Broken Timing Belt or Chain
The timing belt or chain is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the engine’s internal components. If the timing belt or chain breaks, it can result in the pistons colliding with the valves, causing severe damage to the engine.
Internal Component Failure
Components within the engine, such as pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and bearings, can fail due to wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or poor maintenance. When these parts fail, the engine may seize or suffer catastrophic damage.
Fuel System Issues
Problems with the fuel system, such as a malfunctioning fuel pump, clogged injectors, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator, can result in an improper air-fuel mixture. This can lead to engine misfires, increased exhaust temperatures, and eventual engine damage.
Ignition System Failure
Malfunctions in the ignition system, including issues with spark plugs, ignition coils, or the electronic control module (ECM), can lead to misfires and poor combustion. Continuous misfires can cause damage to the engine over time.
Coolant Contamination
If coolant mixes with the engine oil, it can create a corrosive mixture that damages internal components. This can occur due to a failed head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, or other cooling system issues.
Air Intake and Exhaust Restrictions
Restricted airflow into the engine or problems with the exhaust system can disrupt the combustion process, leading to increased temperatures and possible engine damage.
How to Prevent Your Engine From Blowing While Driving
To prevent your engine from blowing, you need to:
1. Perform Regular Maintenance On Your Car
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your car’s manual.
- Change the engine oil and filter at regular intervals to ensure proper lubrication.
- Check and maintain appropriate levels of coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
- Inspect and replace worn-out belts and hoses as needed.
- Keep the air filter clean to ensure proper airflow to the engine.
2. Monitor Fluid Levels
- Regularly check the engine oil, coolant, and other fluid levels to ensure they are at the recommended levels.
- Fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent fluid loss and engine damage.
3. Maintain the Cooling System
- Check the radiator, hoses, and water pump for leaks or damage.
- Flush and replace the coolant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Make sure the radiator cap is functioning correctly.
4. Fix Warning Signs/Lights
- You must pay attention to warning lights on the dashboard, such as the check engine light, oil pressure warning, or temperature warning lights. They are not Christmas lights and are not for decoration either. Don’t ignore them.
- If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in performance, have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic immediately.
5. Inspect Your Engine Periodically
- Periodically inspect the engine for visible signs of leaks, damage, or worn-out components.
- Check for loose or damaged belts, especially the timing belt or chain.
6. Adopt Proper Driving Habits
- Avoid aggressive driving, sudden acceleration, and abrupt stops, as these can put excessive stress on the engine components.
- Allow the engine to warm up before driving at high speeds to ensure proper oil circulation.
- Use the correct fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Use Quality Engine Oil
Choose a high-quality engine oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure the oil used is the correct viscosity for your engine and climate conditions.
8. Keep the Exhaust System in Good Condition
- Check the exhaust system for leaks or damage.
- If there are any issues with the catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipe, fix them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Experiencing a blown engine while driving is a distressing situation that can have serious consequences. Once your engine blows, you will experience reduced engine power, overheating, unusual noise, warning lights on the dashboard, etc.
You can avoid having a blown engine by maintaining your car always. Repair and replace any damaged parts as soon as possible and ensure your fluids are in good shape.
