5 Engine Issues You Can’t Ignore in San Francisco

Engines. They’re the heart of your car, and when they fail, you know it. So what do you do when your engine sputters, knocks, or overheats? You don’t wait. You bring it to Cowden Automotive in San Francisco. We’ve seen it all and fixed it all. Today, we’re breaking down the five most common engine problems we tackle, from oil leaks in a 2008 BMW to engine knocking in a 2010 Dodge Ram. Ready to find out if your car’s one of them?

1. Overheating Engines: The Red Flag You Shouldn’t Ignore
Summer in South San Francisco is tough on engines. If your 2005 Toyota Camry or 2012 Honda Civic is running hotter than usual, it’s not just the weather. Overheating usually means a bigger issue—like a failing thermostat, a bad radiator, or a leaking coolant system.

Solution:
At Cowden Automotive, we’ll get under the hood to find the culprit. We’ll check your coolant levels, test for leaks, and inspect your radiator for wear and tear. If you’re driving a 2010 Ford Focus, that overheating might just mean it’s time for a new water pump. Ignoring this issue? That’s a recipe for a blown engine.

2. Oil Leaks: The Silent Problem Draining Your Engine’s Lifeline
Found a puddle under your 2007 Subaru Forester? That’s oil—and it’s bad news. Whether it’s a worn-out gasket or a busted seal, oil leaks can take your engine from smooth to disaster fast. Older models, especially the 1995 to 2005 Toyota Corolla and Honda Accords, are notorious for valve cover gasket leaks.

Solution:
Our techs at Cowden Automotive know how to spot the signs early. We’ll replace faulty gaskets, check your oil filter housing, and keep your engine from starving for oil. Did you know running your 2011 BMW 3 Series low on oil could wreck your engine in no time? Yeah, let’s not go there.

3. Engine Misfires: That Jerk Isn’t Just Annoying
That jerk you feel when your car hesitates? That’s called a misfire, and it’s not going away on its own. Misfires are common in vehicles like the 2004 Ford F-150 and 2010 Chevrolet Impala, especially with worn-out spark plugs or dirty fuel injectors.

Solution:
At Cowden Automotive, we’ll replace those worn plugs, clean your injectors, and run a full diagnostic to make sure your ignition system is firing right. Have a 2010 Toyota Tacoma? You might be looking at ignition coil failure. How long have you been putting off that check engine light?

4. Timing Belt Failures: The One You Don’t See Coming
If your engine’s ticking, it might be your timing belt. And when that belt goes, so does your engine. Vehicles like the 2000 Subaru Outback and 2007 Honda CR-V are known for timing belt issues, especially after they hit the 100,000-mile mark.

Solution:
We always recommend replacing your timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. At Cowden Automotive, we’ll take care of it before it snaps and leaves you with a dead engine. Don’t wait—have you checked yours lately?

5. Engine Knocking: The Sound of Trouble
That knocking sound under the hood? Yeah, that’s bad. Engine knocking is usually caused by detonation issues or worn engine bearings. Vehicles like the 2010 Dodge Ram and the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado are especially prone to this problem.

Solution:
Our expert team will dig deep, inspecting your engine bearings, adjusting the timing, and making sure your fuel mixture is spot on. Hear knocking in your 2006 Ford Mustang? Don’t wait for it to get worse—let us catch it early.

Dealing with engine trouble doesn’t have to ruin your day. At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we take care of drivers from South San Francisco and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with overheating, misfires, or that dreaded engine knock, we’ve got you covered. Ready to get your car back on track? Our San Francisco auto shop serves surrounding cities like Daly City and Fremont, so stop by or give us a call today. How long will you wait before fixing that engine problem?