What It Means When Your Car or Truck Has a Cracked Engine
Easter is around the corner. Therefore, whether you’re attending the Eggspecailly Fun Bunny Run in New Freedom, or searching for Easter eggs in your own back yard, cracking a few eggs is part of the fun. But, what’s not fun is when New Freedom drivers get a diagnosis of a cracked engine. Because, when your car or truck has a cracked engine, it means the engine block itself has developed a fracture—usually due to extreme stress, heat, or freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, this kind of damage is not just expensive to fix—it can mean the end of your engine’s life altogether.
So, in this post, the experts at Meineke in New Freedom discuss what causes engine cracks. And, how to spot the early warning signs, and what you can do to prevent this serious damage from happening in the first place.
What Causes a Cracked Engine?
Although it may seem sudden, engine cracks are often the result of long-term issues. Specifically, they can stem from:
-
Overheating – If your engine runs too hot for too long, the metal can expand and crack.
-
Frozen Coolant – In colder climates, failing to use antifreeze can cause coolant to freeze and crack the engine block.
-
Poor Maintenance – Skipping regular oil changes or ignoring coolant system problems allows wear and tear to build up.
-
Accidents or Impact – Even a hard hit from a collision or hitting a curb can damage internal engine parts.
How to Tell If Your Engine Is Cracked
Likewise, although the crack itself might not be visible, your vehicle will usually show signs. Therefore, let’s look at a few examples:
-
You may notice coolant leaking from under the engine.
-
Your car could start overheating frequently, even after topping off fluids.
-
You might see white smoke from the exhaust or find milky oil, which signals coolant mixing with oil.
-
In addition, you should be aware if the engine run rough or stall, especially under stress.
Steps to Prevent a Cracked Engine
Thankfully, with smart habits and regular care, you can reduce the risk of this major damage. So, consider the following steps:
-
Always monitor your temperature gauge and pull over if the engine gets too hot.
-
Use the right mix of coolant and water, especially in cold weather.
-
Check for coolant or oil leaks regularly to catch problems early.
-
Schedule routine maintenance to keep your cooling system, oil system, and gaskets in top shape.
-
Avoid aggressive driving, sudden stops, or heavy towing that puts excess strain on your engine.
Avoid the Diagnosis of a Cracked Engine – Meineke in New Freedom Can Help
If your engine is showing signs of trouble, don’t wait. Meineke on North 2nd Street in New Freedom can inspect your engine, cooling system, and fluids to help you avoid costly damage. With routine service, you can stay ahead of the problem and keep your car or truck running strong—season after season. So, call Meineke in New Freedom today to help ensure you avoid a diagnosis of a cracked engine down the road.
If the Meineke in New Freedom is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke also has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania:
Meineke Car Care Center – Pleasant View Road
331 Pleasant View Rd, New Cumberland, PA 17070
Call (844) 299-1139
Meineke Car Care Center – Rodney Road
Participating EV Location
1775 Rodney Road, York, PA 17408
Call (855) 899-9154
Meineke Car Care Center – South Queen Street
855 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403
Call (844) 851-6677
Meineke Car Care Center – Market Street
2301 E Market Street, York, PA 17402
Call (833) 825-4442
Meineke Car Care Center – 2nd Street
201 North 2nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
Call (888) 547-7072
Meineke Car Care Center – Baltimore Street
Participating EV Location
871 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331
Call (714) 855-3821
Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Street
1125 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331
Call (855) 454-9358
Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Pike
6510 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Call (833) 428-8313
Meineke Car Care Center – East Chocolate Ave
1401 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033
Call (717) 508-4253
Meineke Car Care Center – Gettysburg Road
Participating EV Location
2236 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Call (855) 368-4189
Meineke Car Care Center – Jonestown Road
4509 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Call (888) 858-9835
Meineke Car Care Center – Paxton Street
3098 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Call (866) 561-5307
Meineke Car Care Center – Manheim Pike
1220 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
Call (855) 424-4280
Meineke Car Care Center – Main Street
Participating EV Location
5988 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
Call (717) 925-0634
Meineke Car Care in New Freedom, PA
