The engine is the most crucial aspect of any vehicle. It comprises a myriad of individual components and parts that power the car and help you go from point A to B. Damage to any of these parts can reduce the engine’s performance and may even lead to a breakdown. One such part is known as a cylinder head; it plays a vital role in the engine’s functionality.
What is a Cylinder Head
The cylinder head is an important component that’s found inside an internal combustion engine; so if you own an electric-powered vehicle, this isn’t something you have to worry about. Within the engine block there are numerous cylinders, and inside these cylinders air and gas mix and spark to create in a process that’s known as combustion.
The energy released from the combustion process is what ultimately powers the vehicle. This process places a significant amount of strain on the cylinder head, which puts it at risk of cracking. For an in-depth look at the combustion process, the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has an informative article on its website. The following are a few symptoms of a cracked cylinder head.
Reduced Performance
Cracked cylinder heads negatively affect the engine’s performance, as they’re unable to form a complete seal; this is required for proper combustion. Compressed air leaks out, which makes the combustion strokes weaker than they should be. This results in lower performance and is most noticeable when driving uphill or accelerating from a standing position.
A Smoking Engine
In case of extreme damage, damaged cylinder heads expel exhaust gases into the engine space, which leads to smoke coming out from under the hood. In such scenarios, the cylinder head needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Leaking Oil
The oil within the cylinder head serves two purposes: to dissipate the heat and lubricate the cylinder heads’ movement. Symptoms of leaking oil include the “Check Oil” light that pops up on your dashboard display or pools of oil that appear underneath the car after it’s been parked in the same position for some time.
