Can I drive my car with bad motor mounts?
As a seasoned auto repair professional at Kevin's Autos, I often get asked about the risks of driving with bad motor mounts. Motor mounts may not be the most glamorous part of your car, but they play a critical role in ensuring your vehicle operates smoothly and safely. In this article, I’ll explain what motor mounts do, the risks of driving with damaged ones, and what you should do if you suspect an issue.
What Are Motor Mounts and Why Are They Important?
Motor mounts are the components that secure your car's engine to the chassis. They are typically made of metal and rubber, designed to absorb vibrations and keep the engine stable during operation. Without functioning motor mounts, your engine could shift or vibrate excessively, leading to a host of problems.
Here’s why motor mounts are essential:
- Stability: They keep the engine securely in place, preventing it from moving around while driving.
- Vibration Reduction: The rubber components absorb vibrations, ensuring a smoother and quieter ride.
- Protection: They protect other components, such as hoses and wiring, from damage caused by engine movement.
What Happens If You Drive with Bad Motor Mounts?
Driving with bad motor mounts can lead to several issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious damage. Here are some potential consequences:
- Increased Vibrations: You may feel excessive vibrations in the cabin, especially when idling or accelerating.
- Engine Misalignment: A loose engine can shift, causing misalignment that may damage other components like the exhaust system or transmission.
- Noise: Clunking or banging noises may occur as the engine moves around more than it should.
- Safety Risks: In extreme cases, a completely failed motor mount could cause the engine to detach, leading to a dangerous situation.
Can You Drive with Bad Motor Mounts?
While it is technically possible to drive with bad motor mounts, it is not advisable. Here’s why:
- Progressive Damage: Continuing to drive can worsen the damage, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.
- Safety Concerns: A failing motor mount can compromise your vehicle's safety, especially during sudden stops or sharp turns.
- Comfort Issues: The increased vibrations and noise can make driving an unpleasant experience.
If you suspect your motor mounts are failing, it’s best to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications.
What Should You Do If You Have Bad Motor Mounts?
If you notice symptoms like excessive vibrations, unusual noises, or engine movement, it’s time to have your motor mounts inspected by a professional. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing motor mount issues. Here’s what you can expect during a repair:
- Inspection: We’ll thoroughly inspect your motor mounts to determine the extent of the damage.
- Replacement: If necessary, we’ll replace the damaged mounts with high-quality parts to restore your vehicle’s stability.
- Testing: After the repair, we’ll test your vehicle to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
Conclusion
Driving with bad motor mounts is not worth the risk. While it may seem like a minor issue at first, it can quickly escalate into a costly and dangerous problem. If you suspect your motor mounts are failing, don’t hesitate to bring your car to Kevin's Autos for a professional inspection and repair. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a bad motor mount?
Signs you need to check or replace the motor mounts are clunking or knocking noise when shifting from park to reverse or park to drive, vibration at idle, vibration at the brake pedal, engine movements, fluid leaks from engine mount, cracked or missing rubber on mount.
How long does it take to replace motor mounts?
In some cases, a professional mechanic might be able to replace some mounts in about one hour, while in many other instances, a mount replacement can take several hours and even an entire workday.
How much does it cost to fix a motor mount?
Replacing an engine mount can be relatively inexpensive or costly, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. On average, replacing an engine mount can cost anywhere from $446 to $498.
How long can you drive on bad motor mounts?
Can You Drive with Bad Motor Mounts? Don't wait to fix a bad motor mount. While you may not have to pull over right away and call a tow truck, you should address a bad motor mount as soon as possible. The longer you drive with bad motor mounts, the more they will deteriorate.
Are engine mounts urgent?
The importance of replacing worn-out engine mounts promptly
What's more, a worn-out engine mount can affect the overall health and performance of your car, causing other important internal components, such as your fan belt or radiator hose, to become loose or damaged as a result.
Is replacing engine mounts a big job?
For some vehicles and motor mounts, you may need to remove parts of the subframe or other engine bay parts to access the mounts, but if you take the time and have the correct tools, replacing your motor mounts is usually a Saturday job.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace engine mounts?
In some cases, a professional mechanic might be able to replace some mounts in about one hour, while in many other instances, a mount replacement can take several hours and even an entire workday.
Is it worth it to fix motor mounts?
The vibration generated from worn engine mounts can have a noticeable impact on other vehicle components, such as fan belts or radiator hoses, leading to stretching or snapping. So, replacing worn engine mounts is vital to the overall health of your machine.
Will bad motor mounts cause transmission problems?
The answer is almost always, no—a bad transmission mount will not cause the transmission to slip. But there may be some rare cases where a failed mount causes enough movement to throw off the manual shift linkage or the throttle valve linkage (on an older vehicle), thereby impacting shift quality and shift timing.
What happens if you don't fix motor mounts?
If an engine mount is damaged, its anti-vibration properties weaken. An increase in vibrations leads to the engine making more of a sound than usual – something that can be extremely damaging to an engine if it continues for a long time.
