Home FAQ

Is it OK to drive with worn motor mounts?

No, it is generally not recommended to drive with worn motor mounts. Motor mounts are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension system, and their deterioration can lead to various issues that can compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle.

What are Motor Mounts?

Motor mounts are the rubber or metal components that connect the engine to the vehicle's frame or chassis. Their primary function is to absorb the vibrations and movements of the engine, preventing them from being transmitted to the rest of the vehicle. This helps to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as protecting other components from excessive wear and tear.

Why are Worn Motor Mounts a Problem?

When motor mounts become worn or damaged, they can no longer effectively absorb the engine's vibrations and movements. This can result in the following issues:

Increased Vibrations: Without the proper cushioning, the engine's vibrations will be felt more strongly throughout the vehicle, leading to a rougher and less comfortable ride.

Misalignment: Worn motor mounts can allow the engine to shift out of its proper position, causing misalignment with other components, such as the driveline and steering system.

Accelerated Wear: The increased movement and vibrations can cause accelerated wear on other suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency: The additional strain on the engine and drivetrain components can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, costing you more at the pump.

Safety Concerns: Severe engine movement or misalignment can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road.

Given these potential issues, it is generally not recommended to continue driving with worn motor mounts. It is important to have them inspected and replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle.

When Should Motor Mounts be Replaced?

Motor mounts should be inspected and replaced as part of your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer. Signs that your motor mounts may need to be replaced include:

Excessive engine vibration or movement

Clunking or banging noises when accelerating or decelerating

Visible cracks, tears, or deterioration in the rubber or metal components

Misalignment of the engine or other drivetrain components

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage or safety issues.

How long can you ride on bad motor mounts?

You should avoid driving with bad motor mounts as much as possible, but if you must, it is only safe for short, gentle trips, ideally less than 60 miles, because the damage can worsen and cause more significant, costly issues to the engine, transmission, and other components. The exact timeframe for safe driving depends on how severe the mount is and your driving habits, but it's best to get it repaired as soon as you can.
Risks of driving with bad motor mounts

Increased wear and tear: The excessive movement can cause stress and wear on other parts of the engine and vehicle, such as hoses, belts, and wires, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.
Potential for more severe damage: A completely broken mount can cause the engine to move violently, potentially putting the transmission and other driveline components at risk.
Safety concerns: In a crash, a broken motor mount can affect the engine's deflection, and there could be a risk of the engine manifold hitting you in a severe head-on collision.

This video explains the risks of driving with bad engine mounts: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · May 18, 2021
How to drive safely in the short term

Drive gently: Avoid any hard acceleration, braking, or sharp turns.
Take short trips: Limit your driving to only what is necessary and for very short distances.
Drive carefully: Be mindful of bumps and potholes that could exacerbate the problem.
Inspect and secure: A mechanic can make a better recommendation based on the severity of the mount's wear. If you have a DIY approach, you may be able to use a temporary fix like a cable or strap to help secure the engine, but it is best to leave this to the professionals and avoid DIY fixes if possible.

What to do next

Get a professional opinion: It is best to have a trusted mechanic inspect the mounts and other components to assess the damage and provide the most accurate recommendation.
Get it fixed immediately: Replace the bad motor mount as soon as possible to prevent future damage.
Check for other damage: It is recommended to have a mechanic inspect other parts of the vehicle, such as suspension and shock absorber bushes, and any other components that might be affected by the bad motor mount.

Can you drive a car with bad motor mounts?

Do not drive with a broken motor mount. It is unsafe. If the motor breaks free it can cause severe damage to your car and disable the steering, brakes or more. You could crash into someone else.

How urgent is a bad motor mount?

Ignoring signs of motor mount issues can have serious consequences for your vehicle's health and your safety on the road. Engine damage. A compromised motor mount can subject the engine to excessive stress and movement, potentially leading to engine damage.

At what mileage do motor mounts go bad?

Engine mounts can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more, but their lifespan is highly dependent on factors like driving habits, road conditions, climate, and the quality of the mounts. Instead of a strict mileage, it's best to watch for symptoms like increased vibrations, knocking noises, or a visibly tilted engine. Many OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounts are made of rubber and are designed to be replaced within the vehicle's lifetime.

This video explains factors that influence the lifespan of motor mounts: 52sLearnToDIY360YouTube · May 10, 2025
Factors influencing engine mount lifespan

Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking, or driving on rough roads can cause mounts to wear out faster.
Climate: Extreme heat or cold can degrade the rubber components more quickly.
Fluid leaks: Leaks from oil, power steering fluid, or other engine fluids can accelerate the breakdown of rubber mounts.
Mount quality: Higher-quality or performance-oriented mounts may last longer than standard OEM mounts, which are often optimized for comfort.

When to replace your engine mounts
Rather than a specific mileage, pay attention to these signs of wear:

Excessive vibrations: You may feel more vibration in the steering wheel or seat than usual.
Noise: Listen for knocking, clanking, or other unusual sounds, especially when accelerating or shifting gears.
Visible damage: Inspect the mounts for cracked or broken rubber.
Engine position: Check if the engine appears to be sagging or tilted to one side.

What to do

Have your engine mounts inspected regularly, especially around the 75,000-mile mark.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, have a professional technician inspect them as soon as possible.
If one mount fails, it's often recommended to replace all of them at the same time.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.