What to Look For When Encountering Engine Issues in Your Lexus

Lexus has a reputation of quality and comfort. As an owner of one of its models, you want to maintain your vehicle so it performs as expected each time you take it for a drive. Engine issues may crop up with time and wear.

If you begin to experience engine problems with your Lexus, use this guide to help you diagnose issues and determine if your Lexus is in need of major inspections from a trained specialist to determine your engine issue.

Why Your Engine is Starting to Experience Problems

If it’s your first time encountering engine issues in a Lexus, you may be wondering if it was user error or just inevitable wear and tear. Not to worry. All engines run into problems eventually. Just as your own body needs care and nourishment, so does your Lexus.

Routine maintenance and replacement of worn parts is natural. But before you bring your car to a shop and are forced to open up your wallet, you should have a general understanding of why your engine may be malfunctioning.

Common Signs of Engine Wear

There are multiple signs and symptoms that could indicate problems originating from your engine. First and foremost, if your check engine light comes on, that would obviously point to a problem that needs attention.

Unfortunately, not all Lexus models have the more intelligent-engine monitoring, such as oil life monitoring systems. While that may be the case, there are still plenty of indicators that a look under the hood is needed:

Oil Spots

One of the more visible signs of engine wear is the accumulation of oil beneath your car. If you are consistently seeing large wet spots underneath your car, your car will need service.

Mysterious Noises/Smells

Knocking, grinding or rattling noises are good indicators that something is loose, damaged, or out of place. In addition, odd odors could also mean your engine needs help.

Colored Smoke from Exhaust Pipe

You may encounter dark grey or even blue smoke emitting from your exhaust pipe if your engine has not been maintained for some time. This could indicate a few problems, you may just need oil but there could be more severe damage.

Weak Engine Revving

If your engine makes a lot of noise each time you press on the accelerator yet fails to pick up the normal amount of speed, it’s likely your engine needs to be serviced  as soon as possible. This could be dangerous for you and your passengers.

Smoke from the Hood

Smoke under the hood is another example of apparent engine problems. This particular symptom indicates immediate problems.You should pull over and call a tow truck to take your car to a repair shop. It is not safe to drive it at this point.

What to Check For

Identifying that there is a problem is an important first step, but diagnosing it may require a bit more knowledge. While most of us don’t have the time to learn all the ins and outs of Lexus engine maintenance, there are a few key things that are easy to notice:

Oil

Just as oil is a good first indicator of problems, it can also be a great test of engine integrity. Check your oil levels regularly, including pressure and cleanliness. Some problems can be remedied with surprising ease.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Another fluid that is a common cause of engine headaches when left unchecked is your radiator’s coolant. Coolant, often called antifreeze, is used to maintain your car engine’s prime operating temperature. Maintaining coolant levels is essential to your car’s health.

Gauges and Monitoring Systems

Keep an eye on all of your car’s various gauges, from tachometer all the way to odometer. These are there to specifically alert you to changes in the levels and warn you of any need for service or replacement of fluids.

Seals, Gaskets, and Hoses

Engines have a lot of parts, and each is as essential as the next. There are plenty of hoses and seals that have the potential to fail and cause major problems.

Check the Owner’s Manual

There are plenty of ways for you to investigate the engine problems for your specific model in its respective manual. If you’re having problems, flip though and it may end up saving you a buck.

Euro Plus Automotive will Help

At Euro Plus Automotive, we specialize in giving quality care to quality cars. We’ve been proudly servicing vehicles for the past thirty years, serving the communities of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles, CA.

If there’s an issue with your Lexus that you don’t have the time to deal with personally, bring it down to us and we’ll get you back on the road in better shape than you were before. Call us today.