The engine is one of the most critical parts of a car. Its level of importance also means several things can go wrong with it. One mechanical malfunction that many people dread is having a seized engine, which some auto mechanics refer to as the engine locking up. This serious issue can signal that the vehicle in question needs more than just an oil change for the engine.
What is a seized engine?
Many people have heard of a seized engine but may not fully know what it means. According to CarParts, a seized or locked-up engine won’t turn over. This happens due to some malfunction, such as extremely low engine oil. Some drivers compare it to a locked rear wheel. If this happens, the engine will not start, and you may hear a clunking sound when trying to start it.
When drivers experience a seized engine, the first question is whether auto mechanics can fix it. There are ways to fix an engine that’s locked up, but they are costly. If it seized up for a minor reason, the cost could be between $500 and $1,500. However, it could cost as much as $10,000 if it’s something more serious. Most people don’t find having a seized engine fixed worth it.
Readers should know that older cars with higher mileage are more likely to experience a seized engine. However, it’s also not uncommon for newer vehicles.
What causes the engine to lock up?
Infrequent oil changes are among the most common causes of a seized engine. This is important because changing the engine oil helps ensure that the substance is healthy and can adequately lubricate the various moving parts. Naturally, letting the oil run out in a car can also be a leading cause of the engine seizing. This is why it’s best to stick to the recommended time frames for having an oil change for your engine.
Overheating is another cause of this issue. This often happens due to issues with the oil, such as it being too low. Overheating can also cause the engine to lock up because higher temperatures can cause the various metal parts to begin to swell.
It’s also important to note that a seized engine can fall into one of two main categories: vapor-locked and hydro-locked. Hydrolock happens when water gets into the combustion chamber. The engine will suddenly stop if this happens. Regarding a vapor-locked engine, this is a sign of a fuel system issue. Regardless of the cause, this is not a good sign, and it will be costly for auto mechanics to fix.
