What Actually Damages a Car’s Engine?

Your engine is the heart of your car.

Treat it right and it’ll easily handle Irish roads, wet winters, school runs in South Dublin, and long motorway spins to Galway. Neglect it, and you’re looking at costly repairs — sometimes far more than the car’s worth.

In our experience at Gerry Caffrey Motors, most engine damage isn’t sudden. It builds up quietly over time.

Let’s break down what actually damages a car’s engine — and how to avoid it.

1. Skipping Oil Changes

This is the big one.

Engine oil lubricates moving parts, prevents overheating, and keeps everything clean. Over time, oil degrades and turns into sludge.

With Dublin stop-start traffic and short commutes, oil breaks down even faster.

We often see used cars come in with worn timing chains or scored cylinders simply because oil changes were delayed.

What happens if you ignore it?

• Complete engine failure
• Premature engine wear
• Overheating
• Increased friction

Modern engines in models like the Suzuki Vitara, Swift, and S-Cross are efficient — but they still rely on clean engine oil to perform properly.

Follow manufacturer service intervals. It’s cheaper than engine replacement.

2. Engine Overheating and Cooling System Failures

Irish weather might be mild, but engine overheating still happens — especially in summer traffic or if coolant levels are low.

The cooling system plays a vital role in regulating engine temperature by circulating coolant through the engine bay to absorb and dissipate heat.

Common causes of overheating include:

• Ignoring dashboard warning lights
• Broken thermostat
• Faulty water pump
• Coolant leaks

Once an engine overheats, serious and often permanent damage can occur quickly:

• Cracked engine block
• Blown head gasket
• Warped cylinder head

We’ve seen drivers try to “nurse it home” down the M50. That decision alone can turn a €300 repair into a €3,000 one.

If your temperature gauge rises, pull over safely and switch off the engine immediately to prevent further damage.

3. Driving Short Distances Constantly

This one surprises people.

Short trips around Dublin — school drop-offs, shops, quick errands — don’t allow the engine to fully warm up.

Cold engines:

• Create internal sludge
• Accumulate condensation in the combustion chamber
• Burn more fuel

Over time, this causes gradual car engine damage.

Hybrid-friendly driving or occasional longer motorway runs can help clear things out and maintain proper combustion process.

4. Ignoring Warning Signs and Engine Misfires

That amber check engine light isn’t decorative.

Modern cars are smart. They tell you when something’s wrong long before catastrophic failure.

Ignoring the check engine light can mean:

• Long-term internal wear and damaged pistons
• Sensor failures affecting fuel supply and air-fuel mixture
• Engine misfires damaging catalytic converters

Engine misfires can cause poor performance, black smoke from the exhaust, excessive smoke, and increased fuel consumption.

Faulty spark plugs or dirty injectors often lead to these issues.

If your NCT is coming up, unresolved engine issues will almost certainly cause a failure.

5. Poor Quality Fuel or Wrong Oil Type

Ireland has strict fuel standards, but using incorrect oil grades or cheap, wrong-spec products can cause long-term wear.

Suzuki engines, for example, are designed to run on specific oil viscosities.

Always follow manufacturer guidelines — available via Suzuki.

Using low-quality gas or fuel can increase the risk of engine trouble.

6. Timing Belt or Chain Neglect

This is a silent killer.

If a timing belt snaps, the engine’s internal components collide. The result? Major engine damage, damaged valves, and expensive repairs.

Many used cars on the Irish market don’t have clear timing belt history.

At Gerry Caffrey Motors, we check service records carefully before adding vehicles to our premium used stock.

Replacing the timing belt at recommended intervals can save you from costly repairs.

7. Running Low on Coolant or Oil

It sounds obvious — but it happens.

Small leaks go unnoticed. Drivers assume modern cars “don’t use oil.”

Then one day, the engine seizes.

A quick monthly check of fluids under the bonnet can save thousands.

8. Failed NCT Repairs Delayed

If your car fails its NCT due to emissions or engine-related issues, don’t delay repairs.

Driving long-term with engine faults can make matters worse — and may affect resale value.

For information on vehicle regulations and motor tax matters, see Revenue Commissioners.

Signs Your Engine May Already Be Damaged

Watch for these warning signs:

• Flashing or steady check engine light
• Increased fuel consumption
• Engine overheating
• Oil or coolant warning lights
• Rough idling or noticeable shaking when stopped
• Loss of power or poor performance
• Excessive black smoke or unusual excessive smoke from the exhaust
• Knocking or tapping noises from the engine bay

If you notice any of these signs, get your car checked by a qualified mechanic immediately to avoid permanent damage and costly repairs.

What to Do If You Suspect Engine Damage

If your engine starts showing signs of failure:

• Call a professional mechanic or roadside assistance
• Avoid restarting the engine if you notice knocking, overheating, or warning lights
• Pull over safely and switch off the engine immediately

Early intervention can often mean the difference between a repairable issue and total engine replacement.

Preventing Engine Damage: Tips for Proper Care

To keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs:

• Pay attention to warning signs and get issues fixed promptly
• Replace timing belts or chains at manufacturer-recommended intervals
• Avoid excessive idling; modern engines warm up faster when driving gently
• Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper air-fuel balance
• Use quality fuel and the correct oil type recommended by the manufacturer
• Check oil and coolant levels monthly to catch leaks early
• Follow regular maintenance schedules, including oil changes and coolant flushes

Final Thoughts

Most engine damage isn’t dramatic.

It’s slow. Preventable. And usually caused by small habits — skipped services, ignored lights, short trips.

In Dublin traffic and Irish weather conditions, proper care and regular maintenance of the engine and cooling system matter even more.

Thinking about upgrading to something more reliable?

Visit Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure, Dublin 6W and explore our range of new and premium used Suzuki models. We’re always happy to advise — whether you’re trading in, financing, or simply looking for peace of mind on the road.