When deciding whether to rebuild an engine or purchase a new car, it’s important to understand the costs involved and weigh the pros and cons. Some of the benefits to rebuilding an engine as opposed to buying a new vehicle include a lower overall cost and environmental preservation through utilizing refurbished engine parts. How can you tell if your car needs an engine rebuild and should you pursue this route? Signs of an Expiring Engine All of an engine’s moving parts are held in place by bearings. The bearings are constructed to withstand the internal combustions while reducing friction between the moving and stationery components. When bearings begin to wear down, you may hear a knocking sound when the car turns on. Complete bearing failure will result in a non-functioning vehicle. Other signs of a worn-out engine include excessive oil use, an unusual amount of black exhaust, and an oil well filled with sludge. Each of these symptoms demonstrates that one or more of the main components – the pistons, piston rings, gaskets or pumps – are not functioning as they should. How is an Engine Rebuilt? An engine can be rebuilt piece by piece, with the damaged parts removed and replaced. The mechanic may only replace the significantly worn components, or may conduct a rebuild exchange, completely swapping out every part for a different one. The engine can also be removed and replaced with a fully functioning younger engine. What is the Cost? The final bill will depend on many factors: the parts or replacement engine used, the location of the shop, the mechanic’s skill level and the number of cylinders in your car. According to the Car Care Council, rebuilds usually cost between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill for a brand new replacement car. Benefits of an Engine Rebuild After a rebuild, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency will increase, resulting in savings for the driver. Rebuilding instead of purchasing a new vehicle will also save the driver on added insurance costs for a newer model. Car owners with sentimental attachments will not have to trade in their vehicles. Depending on the mechanic’s policy, a newly rebuilt engine may come with a one-year, 12,000 mile warranty, or the coverage may extend for up to three years and additional miles, offering assurance to the vehicle owner. The environmental benefits include the reuse of older, functioning parts and a reduction in harmful emissions once the rebuild is installed. Disposing of failed car parts requires a significant level of energy, not to mention the resources required for manufacturing a new car, but both of these processes are preserved when the car owner opts for a rebuild instead. Of course, a car consists of more than its engine. If the vehicle shows damaging levels of rust, and if the total cost of the rebuild would be higher than the overall value of the car, it might be better to purchase a new vehicle. In this case, recycling the vehicle is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of the failed engine and aging car without wasting natural resources and energy. For more information on purchasing used car parts in order to rebuild an engine, or for facts on auto recycling, contact your local used auto parts specialist today.
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