Believe it or not, a ‘blown motor’ is a very broad term that can refer to a multitude of different problems. One thing’s for sure about all of them though: these issues will make it so that your car is unable to be driven. In order to fix your car, the motor will need to be taken out and repaired. If the damage is really bad, the motor may need to be rebuilt.

By knowing how a blown motor occurs, though, you can prevent it before it happens.

What Causes a Motor to Blow?

For the most part, a blown motor is preventable. The three most common causes are lack of maintenance and overexertion.

Lack of Maintenance

Cars are very similar to animals, people, and even plants: they need proper care regularly to stay in tip-top shape. That means if you have issues with your oil, such as buildup or a leak, you’re more likely to experience engine failure. You also need to make sure that your filter is changed regularly.

Overexertion On The Engine

Sometimes revving your engine is necessary. Other times you just want to do it either for fun or to show off your car. While both of these are acceptable reasons, that doesn’t mean they come without consequences. Overrevving your car can cause certain parts to become unaligned and break. This can lead to your engine failing.

If any of these things have occurred to you recently and now, you’re wondering whether or not you’ve blown your motor, here as the signs to look out for.

How do You Know if Your Motor is Blown?

While a blown motor means your car is on its last limb – unless you fix it, of course – it’s not always easy to tell when failure has occurred. Thankfully, though, your car will give you some tell-tale signs that it’s time to retire.

Unusual Exhaust

Exhaust is normal. In fact, if your car doesn’t have any exhaust, you should probably be worried! However, if the exhaust is blue, or is a thick white cloud that doesn’t dissipate, then you should consider the fact that your engine has most likely failed.

Noises Inside of the Engine

Your engine is going to make some noise – after all, there are intense chemical reactions happening inside. If your car’s engine is making a loud knocking or rattling sound, though, it’s a sign that something within your engine has broken.

Coolant in the Oil

Oil and coolant aren’t supposed to mix. In fact, both of these are kept in sperate valves that are sealed. If you find these two mixed, then it’s a huge indication of an internal problem, such as a blown engine.

Failure to Start

Your engine not starting can mean a lot of things, but it’s important to not rule out a blown engine. If you’re experiencing any of the other signs, it’s more likely than not that your engine has failed.

What to Do with a Car with a Blown Motor?

A car with a blown motor is undrivable. That means that unless you’re either a highly skilled mechanic who is willing to take the time and money to rebuild your motor, or unless you’re going to take the parts to fix another car of yours, it’s fairly useless. Due to the fact it is such a costly, time-consuming process, you may also struggle to find anyone who is willing to buy it. That doesn’t mean that it is impossible for you to sell your car with a blown motor, though.

Sell the Car to a Junkyard

If you rather not have to go through the work of taking apart your car, finding buyers, and then selling it, don’t worry. You can sell your car, blown motor and all, to a junkyard, and they’ll handle the hard part for you.