Bolts Rattling In The Engine? Find Them With An Auto Diagnostic Check

If bolts come loose in your car's engine, you may think that you can find them on your own, but that's a bad idea. You should have your car diagnosed by your local repair shop instead. The shop can perform an auto diagnostic check on your car's entire computer system to find the location and cause of the rattling bolts. Here's how bolts come loose and fall off in the engine and how a diagnostic check finds them.

Why Do Bolts Come Loose and Fall Off in the Engine?

Bolts can come loose when you hit a curb or drive over extremely rough terrain. These actions jolt or violently force the engine block to move out of place. As a result, the bolts loosen up and fall off.

Another cause for loose bolts is extensive rust in the engine. Rust can form around the metal parts that hold the bolts in place if water or moisture damages them. If you don't dry the engine parts after they're exposed to water, they can develop rust when air circulates over them.

How Can an Auto Diagnostic Check Find the Rattling Bolts?

Finding the loose pieces isn't easy without the right diagnostic tools, as they can hide anywhere due to their small sizes. Your auto repair technician uses a handheld decoder to find the bolts.

The decoder connects directly to the engine's computer system through an opening beneath the dashboard. Once it's connected to the car's computer system, the device runs various codes until one or more pop up on its digital screen. The technicians now know where the bolts are in the engine.

Removing the bolts may require the repair techs to dismantle some of the engine. Although this may seem extreme, it's necessary. Loose bolts can press up against the reservoirs that contain your car's oil, transmission fluid and coolant. If the bolts penetrate or break through the reservoirs, the fluids can leak into the entire engine block and damage the car.

The bolts can also fly around the engine when the car's on and strike the fan belt and radiator. These issues can affect your car's performance and stability substantially, especially if they rip through them and cause large holes. The radiator can overheat if it loses valuable fluids

If you want to avoid the problems discussed above, have your engine checked immediately. Most diagnostic checks don't take long to do. Your technician can offer repair services as soon as they complete the exam, or you can schedule your repairs at a later date. However, you may want to have the bolts removed as soon as possible.

If you have concerns about your car's rattling engine, contact your repair shop for more information and a diagnostic appointment.