If you notice that the vibration of your car has gone up above the usual level or that you feel atypical jerking while braking you may not just be on that rough patch road, instead you have an engine mount failure issue which you at first may have paid no mind to. In the UAE this is a fault which often goes unreported by car owners, but which if left out of repair can cause major problems.
Engine mounts are the unknown but very important components of your vehicle. They properly sit the engine in place and which also is the absorption of vibrations, which in turn gives you that smooth and quiet ride. At the point at which some or all of these mounts go out, the engine’s stability is compromised, which in turn sets off a chain of mechanical issues. In the dry heat we have in the UAE and in the tough driving conditions we put our cars through, it is that much easier for engine mounts to wear out, which is why it is so important to be aware of the early signs of failure.
What Exactly is an Engine Mount Failure?
In the design we secure the engine and at the same time reduce vibration from combustion and motion. The rubber element plays a large role in shock absorption which is augmented by the metal which in turn provides stability and positioning.
However in the UAE we see which of the rubber mounts fail at a much faster rate as compared to moderate climates. High temperatures cause rubber to dry out and crack or weaken thus leading to broken engine mounts.
Key Symptoms of a Engine Mount Failure
Detecting issues with engine mounts at an early stage will save you from large-scale repairs and safety issues. A tell-tale sign that you may have a problem is excessive engine vibration, which is one of the first things drivers report. If you feel your car is shaking at a red light or in traffic, your engine mounts may have failed in their function to support the engine.
Another sign of a problem is engine shake while driving, especially during acceleration. If you notice a speed that is not normal or a delay when you put the pedal down, that is a tell-tale sign the engine is working harder than it should. Also, a jerky movement while you are going to increase speed or putting the car in gear is a flag that your engine mounts may be out.
At times you may notice unusual engine sounds which is also a sure sign. If you here clunking or knocking from within the engine compartment at which point your vehicle may be shifting gears or starting to speed up, it may be a sign that alignment is off or that you have a broken part.
What Causes Engine Mount Failure in UAE Conditions?
In the UAE the car’s environment is a tough one. We have intense heat, long commutes, stop and go traffic, and also off road excursions which put additional stress on engine mounts. The rubber in them breaks down over time due to the extreme temperatures which in turn causes damage in the form of cracks and hardening.
Driving on rough terrain or over speed humps at high speed will cause increased wear. Also, when exposed over long periods to engine oil leaks that rubber will break down faster which in turn increases the chance of alignment problems with the engine.
The Cost of Ignoring Engine Mount Failure
Ignoring the issue of engine mounts will get you more than just an uncomfortable ride it may cause serious mechanical issues. As the engine becomes loose in its mount it will shift around which in turn puts extra stress on the transaxle, exhaust system, and driveshaft. In the long term this can result in more in depth repairs and a shorter vehicle life.
Also see that unstable engine movement which is put to task of wearing out nearby hoses and wiring which are not made to flex that much. We also see how one failed mount may in turn affect many of your car’s systems.
How to Check for Engine Mount Problems
While at a glance it may help, in the UAE we find that for the most part only a trained professional is able to detect engine mount issues. You may see that the engine isn’t in its stock position which is a tell tale sign, also we see that rubber components have developed visible cracks or that the engine moves more than normal at start up.
At We Fix Car we have technicians that use diagnostic tools and perform hands on testing to determine if a mount is worn or broken. We put in engine load and also do a visual inspection of the mounts under torque which at times may point out even the slight movement that is a sign of weakness.
If you had a small accident recently or you drive on rough roads a great deal, we advise that you get your tires checked as part of your normal maintenance.
Engine Mount Replacement Cost in Dubai
In the average the price for engine mount replacement in your car will depend on what make and model you have as well as the extent of the damage. In Dubai which is a typical location for such a service the price range for a single engine mount replacement including parts and labor is between AED 300 to AED 1,000. Also it is noted that in premium vehicles which may have hydraulic or electronic controls the replacement cost is higher.
At Auto Repair we present you with fair prices and full details of what we’re doing. We use only the best OEM or equivalent parts which also do well in the Dubai weather. Our professional team will perfectly align the engine which in turn will prevent future problems.
Protect Your Vehicle with Timely Engine Mount Repairs
If you notice issues such as vibration, engine movement, or odd sounds from the engine bay that is the go ahead to do something about it. Do not delay until a small issue grows into a large, expensive repair. With a professional diagnosis and high quality parts, we can get your car performing and feeling like new again.
We at We Fix Car have the expertise in identifying and fixing engine mount failure in all major car brands. Our service center which is also a full scale repair shop for both simple and in depth engine mount issues, has a trained team that is also very much aware of the issues related to what we as a community face in the UAE.
Today at our shop, we have full car inspection services, and we will get your car running smoothly on the roads of Dubai.
FAQs – Engine Mount Failure in the UAE
Q1: What is the typical wear-out rate of engine mounts in Dubai?
Due to high temperatures and poor driving conditions engines in the UAE may last 70,000 to 100,000 km. We recommend a check up at 60,000 km.
Q2: Is it safe to drive on with a broken engine mount?
It is a risk. A broken mount will cause the engine to move, which in turn may damage nearby components and reduce handling stability.
Q3: If I notice just a little vibration in the engine, should I still drive as normal?
While low-level vibration is a fact of life at times, it is a great sign that your mount may be going out on you. It is best to have it looked at to prevent more serious issues.
Q4: How do I tell if the issue is a bad mount or not?
Our technicians at We Fix Car also perform in-depth mechanical and visual inspections, which we use to determine if indeed the issue is with the engine mounts or some other system.
Q5: Does the failure of the engine mount affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, I have noticed that in unstable engines, which may not be operating at peak performance, this can cause issues with the efficient burning of fuel, and also the engine may be working harder than it should, over time, which results in poor mileage.
