In engine reconditioning, the goal is to improve your engine’s performance and efficiency. It’s cheaper than engine replacement, which is why many automobile owners choose reconditioning to save on costs. 

What happens in engine reconditioning? 

Here, what usually happens is that the engine is disassembled and the parts are cleaned and checked. Some parts might need repair or replacement. Then, the parts are reassembled and the engine is put back in the car again. The goal is to bring back the engine’s near top condition. This way, it can run smoothly again and help make your automobile more efficient in fuel use. 

After years and thousands of kilometres, many of the parts of your engine will naturally wear out. Some of the engineered parts are gaskets, timing belts, pistons, oil pumps, valve seats, connecting rods and crankshaft. Through the years, they wear out and make the entire engine inefficient. 

If those worn out parts need replacement, the mechanic should make sure that they’re compatible with your engine. One incompatible part can actually ruin the engine, which is why it’s important to choose an experienced mechanic to carry out  this job. 

How long does it take to recondition an engine? 

It might take a few days or weeks. Aside from the hours necessary to carry out the job (some estimates are around 25 hours), you should also consider the time to find the necessary compatible parts. The search and delivery might take weeks or months depending on your engine’s make and availability of certain parts and components. To get a more accurate estimate of the timeline (as well as the costs), you should ask a professional mechanic. 

When should you recondition an engine? 

To be sure, it’s good to ask a trusted mechanic. It’s hard to know what the exact condition of an engine is just by looking at the signs (low fuel efficiency, excessive oil use, loss of power, lots of smoke, vehicle is hard to start). The reason might be different and the engine might need reconditioning in the first place (other parts and components are malfunctioning instead). 

But if you notice those signs, it’s good to bring your car to a trusted mechanic so you can be sure what’s causing the problem. Whether your engine needs reconditioning or not (or you prefer buying a new one which costs more), it’s always good to pay attention to what your car tells you. If there’s something bothering you about how your car works, contact a trusted mechanic right away.