The engine of a Lexus is a masterpiece in engineering. With proper maintenance and care, your engine should last a good 250,000 to 300,000 miles with full power and function. Unfortunately, given enough time, even Lexus engines will eventually break down and need to be replaced. If the following three problems develop, your local Lexus service center in Mt. Kisco, NY, might suggest you replace the engine right away.
Locked Up Engine
When an engine locks or seizes up and stops working altogether, it will almost always need to be replaced. A complete mechanical failure usually means that a serious internal problem has been building up for some time. Repairs may be possible, but it often makes more financial sense to get a new engine or even a new car.
Check Your Oil Often at Your Local Lexus Dealer
The most common cause of engines locking up is degraded or insufficient motor oil. Without sufficient lubrication, the moving mechanical parts create so much friction and heat that major parts become irreparably damaged.
With this in mind, it’s best to always keep your motor oil fresh and topped up. Never miss an oil inspection at your local dealership.
When There’s No Need to Replace Engine
Sometimes it’s feasible to rescue a seized-up engine without too much cost. If you leave your car for a prolonged period without use, the cylinder walls can start to rust, which will freeze the pistons. In this case, a good technician can usually clean away the rust and help get it started again.
Another cause of engine failure is a snapped timing belt. This metal belt harmonizes the crankshaft and camshaft rotation, allowing the valves and pistons to operate. On the rare occasion when a timing belt breaks, the engine will immediately lock up. If this doesn’t cause too much damage, a technician might be able to replace the belt and save the engine.
Rod Bearings Knocking
When a car’s engine is on its last legs, the first sign you’ll probably notice is a regular knocking sound from under the hood. A knocking sound might just indicate overheating due to a motor oil leak, in which case you can have it fixed.
But the knocking might also come from malformed and worn-out rod bearings. When your rods wear out, other connected engine parts rapidly break down too. Repairing worn-out rods requires a complete engine rebuild. If your engine is already on its last legs at this point, it might make more sense to get a whole new engine or car.
Loss of Engine Power
Diminishing engine power usually indicates a relatively minor problem such as a clogged air filter, faulty spark plugs, malfunctioning ignition coils, a damaged catalytic converter, or something else. But if your engine is losing power consistently, no matter what you fix, it might be on its way out. You might want to consider having it replaced.
At DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco, you can get your engine inspected, repaired, or replaced. Schedule a service with us now or contact us with any questions you way have. We provide luxury vehicles at reasonable prices with excellent customer service.
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