Can I drive with bad motor mounts?
Motor mounts are a critical component of your vehicle, designed to secure the engine to the chassis while absorbing vibrations and shocks. If your motor mounts are damaged or failing, you might wonder whether it’s safe to continue driving. In this article, we’ll explore the risks, symptoms, and potential consequences of driving with bad motor mounts, as well as what you should do if you suspect an issue.
What Are Motor Mounts and Why Are They Important?
Motor mounts, also known as engine mounts, are small but essential parts that connect your vehicle’s engine to its frame. They serve two primary purposes:
- Stability: They keep the engine securely in place, preventing it from shifting or moving excessively during operation.
- Vibration Reduction: They absorb and dampen vibrations from the engine, ensuring a smoother and quieter ride for the driver and passengers.
Without properly functioning motor mounts, your engine could move excessively, leading to a host of mechanical and safety issues.
Symptoms of Bad Motor Mounts
Recognizing the signs of failing motor mounts can help you address the issue before it worsens. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive Vibrations: You may feel unusual vibrations in the cabin, especially when idling or accelerating.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: Damaged mounts can cause the engine to shift, leading to clunking or banging sounds during acceleration, braking, or turning.
- Engine Movement: If you open the hood and notice the engine moving excessively when revving, it’s a clear sign of bad motor mounts.
- Misalignment: A failing motor mount can cause misalignment of the engine, leading to issues with other components like the exhaust system or drivetrain.
Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Motor Mounts?
Driving with bad motor mounts is not recommended. While it may be possible to drive for a short period, doing so can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Increased Wear and Tear: Excessive engine movement can strain other components, such as the transmission, exhaust system, and axles.
- Safety Risks: A loose or unstable engine can cause sudden mechanical failures, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Costly Repairs: Ignoring bad motor mounts can lead to damage to other parts of your vehicle, resulting in expensive repairs down the line.
In short, while you might be able to drive with bad motor mounts for a limited time, it’s not worth the risk to your safety or your vehicle’s health.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Bad Motor Mounts?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to take action promptly. Here’s what you should do:
- Inspect the Motor Mounts: If you’re comfortable working on your car, you can visually inspect the motor mounts for cracks, wear, or damage.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: For an accurate diagnosis and repair, take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing motor mount issues to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.
- Replace the Motor Mounts: If the mounts are damaged, they will need to be replaced. This is a relatively straightforward repair that can save you from more significant problems in the future.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to continue driving with bad motor mounts, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Damaged motor mounts can compromise your vehicle’s performance, safety, and longevity. If you suspect an issue, don’t wait—schedule an inspection with a trusted mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you keep your car in top condition. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of worn engine mounts?
Excessive Vibration
One of the first tell-tale signs that it's time to replace engine mounts is if you're experiencing increased vibration. When an engine mount is damaged, its anti-vibration properties may reduce. There may be a loss of stiffness of the rubber, bonding failures, or even leaking fluid-filled mounts.
What are the symptoms of a bad motor mount?
What are the Engine Mount Failure Symptoms?
- Excessive Noise. A common symptom of failed or deteriorated engine mountings is noise coming from the engine bay, such as knocking or clunking.
- Excessive Vibration.
- Start up and Shut Down Movement.
- A Rough Ride.
- Visual Wear and Tear of Your Engine Mountings.
How urgent is it to replace 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.
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.
What does a broken motor mount feel like when driving?
Increased Vibrations
One of the most common engine mount symptoms is increased vibrations while using your vehicle. If you start your engine and notice that it is making more noise than usual and you can feel more vibrations than usual, this is a key sign of a worn engine mount that may need replacing.
What does a broken motor mount feel like?
One of the first signs that your engine mount is going bad is abnormal vibrations. The mount absorbs most of the vibrations caused by the combustion cycle, so without them working properly, you may feel some jittering or shaking while driving - especially when you're idling or braking.
What happens if you don't fix motor mounts?
If an engine mount is broken, it can lead to: Increased engine vibration and noise. Misalignment of the engine and transmission, potentially causing damage to other components. Difficulty in handling and steering, as the engine can shift unexpectedly.
How expensive is it to fix an engine mount?
On average, replacing an engine mount can cost anywhere from $446 to $498. Simple steel or rubber mounts may start around $10 and rise to $150, while more complicated hydraulic or active motor mounts can cost up to $600.
Can bad motor mount damage transmission?
If the transmission mount breaks completely, the transmission may shift during acceleration, causing a knocking or clunking sound. If the transmission shifts and twists severely enough, it may damage other components, which cand result in additional noise and possibly damage.
How long can I drive my car with bad motor mounts?
If you drive easy, you can drive indefinitely on bad motor mounts. But they're so easy to change, there's no reason to do that.
