Your car talks to you, just not in words. It flashes a light on your dashboard, shakes a little during acceleration, or maybe makes an odd ticking noise that wasn’t there yesterday. These might seem minor, but they’re often early signs of a Failing Engine. And at Art of Maintenance, we believe the best way to prevent serious engine problems is to catch them early through proper diagnostics.

One of the first signs drivers tend to ignore is the dreaded “Check Engine” light. It’s easy to dismiss, especially if your car seems to be running fine. But that light is your vehicle’s way of asking for help. It could be something small, like a loose gas cap or a sign of a larger problem brewing under the hood. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away; it just gives potential issues more time to grow.

That’s where engine diagnostics come in. Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard computers that monitor every aspect of engine performance. When something isn’t right, the system stores an error code. These codes aren’t just numbers, they’re clues. With the right diagnostic tools, our technicians at Art of Maintenance can read those codes and get a clear picture of what your engine is trying to tell us.

Common causes behind a Failing Engine include misfiring cylinders, worn spark plugs, faulty sensors, and problems with the fuel or air intake system. These might sound technical, but what matters is this: the longer they go unaddressed, the more damage they can cause and the more expensive the repairs become. Engine diagnostics also help prevent unnecessary repairs. Rather than replacing parts based on guesswork, we use real-time data and testing to pinpoint the issue. It’s precise, efficient, and saves you time and money in the long run. 

If your check engine light is on, your car’s performance feels off, or your fuel efficiency suddenly drops, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. These are all signs your vehicle might be headed toward a Failing Engine, but with timely diagnostics, it doesn’t have to get that far.

Visit Art of Maintenance in Portland, Oregon, today. Let us take a closer look under the hood and give your engine the care it needs before a small issue turns into a major one.