Everybody is familiar with the concept of aging, but the term is not confined just to people. Aging can be used for anything whether it breathes or not living, and it is a known fact that machines age much faster than human beings.
Though some machines like cars are manufactured keeping in mind the harsh situations they’ll encounter throughout their life, nevertheless not all cars are created equal, some car brands such as Toyota and Honda are notorious for their reliability and their engines and transmission can last hundreds of thousands of miles, but eventually, there is a time when an engine starts to lose its performance and eventually gives up.
There are only two things that one can do in such a situation: either get another car or replace the engine with another one that works well.
Putting a New Engine in an Old Car
Replacing the old engine with a new or slightly used one has its benefits.
The first benefit is that this strategy is cost-effective and you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to make your car operational, a new motor provides you the same throttle feedback you used to get when your car was brand new and the fear of getting a tow truck to pull your car to a repair shop will be thing of the past.
Furthermore, a new engine gives better fuel economy as soon as it has completed its running period which is usually 1000km.
All in all, there is a whole list of benefits one gets by getting a new engine in a car and it is a strategy preferred by several car owners due to several reasons.
An old car with a useless engine can be retrofitted with a wide variety of engines, unlike a new car where you are confined to a limited set of choices regarding the powertrain.
The ability to choose a powertrain of any kind provides freedom and peace of mind, as there is a lot of room to experiment.
Car enthusiasts tend to go for a new engine that gives their car the best power to weight ratio, which translates into a superb driving performance that matches their taste.
On the other hand, some budget-conscious owners tend to go for engines that will provide them with the best fuel average. In the end, the choice is all yours and this is flexibility is one of the main reasons behind the booming business of new engine sellers and junkyards
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether getting a new engine is similar to getting a new car? The question is a little tricky and can be answered in both yes and no (depending upon from which perspective one is seeking the answer).
A new engine surely provides a refined experience together with peace of mind that allows you to clock more miles without worrying about your car breaking down in the middle of a highway.
Moreover, you’ll be paying the same insurance premiums you were paying earlier which makes this solution more financially viable. Moreover, a new engine is usually offered with a warranty of two to three years which adds to the benefits of fetching a new motor for a car.
However, everything has got its downsides and a new engine has its own. A new powertrain does not in any way or form means that you have got a new car.
Things to Keep in Mind When replacing a Car Engine
Sure, the car will perform better but the rest of it is, all the same, the interior, transmission, and electronics, etc. will not be touched during an engine change and you’ll have to make do with these old parts.
A new car has its unique smell which everybody loves, but a new powertrain will not give you that pleasant scent. The mileage on the odometer remains the same irrespective of the engine and it won’t reset itself after you have installed a new engine.
It provides an insight into the life of each and every component of a vehicle and therefore it should not be reset by using unlawful means as most buyers depend on that reading to judge a car’s health.
Resetting an odometer is an illegal activity that can land you in trouble with the police, moreover, a wrong odometer reading can cause some crucial components to miss out on some critical mileage-sensitive maintenance.
What to Do Before Getting a New Engine
There are some important things that you should keep in mind before going out to buy a new engine for your car.
- New engines are not cheap and a majority of them cost thousands of bucks. Therefore, try your best to fix the old one or consult a bunch of mechanics. There are several instances where a roadside mechanic messes up a car and then passes a bill to the owner for a new engine. Therefore, exhaust all means before jumping on to a new engine and take good care of your engine, change the oil regularly, and do other maintenance on time by a professional mechanic.
- Don’t fixate on getting a new engine, there are some other good options available as well. Try to look for low mileage and well-maintained used cars, reliable second-hand cars are affordable and can last a very long time. Furthermore, you will be getting a whole car whose every component will be in better shape, not just the engine.
- Some people develop an emotional attachment to their car with which they have spent a good amount of time. However, it might not be a good decision to get a new motor for your same old car instead of selling it as many of its other old components will constantly bug you and you’ll still be visiting repair shops now and then even after changing the engine. Therefore, take your time and do what is in your best interest.
Conclusion
To summarize, a new engine might you the feeling of getting a new car as there will be some noticeable differences. Though making the right decision depends upon a variety of scenarios, if you are emotionally attached to your car and don’t want to say goodbye to it or you want a beefed-up car that can deliver exhilarating performance then a new engine is worth the cost.
Otherwise, if the cost of a new powertrain exceeds the value of a car, then it is better to sell the car and go for an affordable car that meets your needs.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.