Are you thinking about replacing your car's old engine with a new one and wondering which would be the most suitable? Well, the first thing we would advise is to look at second-hand engines at salvage yards, as this will work out much cheaper than buying a new one.
Now, when it comes to finding one, what should you take into account? We will cover all of that throughout this article!
What should you take into account when choosing a car engine?
To begin with, before you start searching for a new car engine, you need to consider several questions and answer them, such as:
Your lifestyle
It is very important to thoroughly analyse your lifestyle. By this we mean how often you use your car or the number of kilometres you cover.
Depending on the answer, you might be interested in a diesel car engine, a petrol one, or a hybrid.
Your individual needs
Again, you need to think a little about how you drive your car: how often you use it, your driving style, whether you usually drive in high gears or low gears…
For city or road driving?
Once again, you need to answer another question: Where do you usually drive? If you rarely leave the city — that is, you do not cover many kilometres — then you will want an engine with specific characteristics.
On the other hand, whether for work or pleasure, if you are one of those people who regularly get behind the wheel and drive very long distances, the engine will need to withstand these long journeys and deliver maximum performance.
What engine should you choose for a car? Keep the kilometres in mind!
As we have already mentioned, before asking "What engine should I choose for my car?", what you need to do is analyse the number of kilometres you cover.
An engine for someone who only drives around the city is very different from one for someone who covers many kilometres, or for a person who only uses their car on Sundays. Now, let's look at the options you have:
The diesel engine is perfect for those who cover a lot of kilometres
The first option we are going to consider is the diesel engine. We recommend this type of engine for people who need to cover a lot of kilometres or usually drive on motorways or main roads.
The reason? They offer quite a lot of power, making them a very interesting option if you cover between 15,000 and 20,000 kilometres per year. Although it is true that there is currently a risk that this type of engine may disappear in the future, it is still available and would be a very attractive option for you.
Petrol engine for those who cover few kilometres
Although many people cover long distances with a petrol engine car, the drawback is that it consumes significantly more fuel than a diesel. Although it is true that the latest models have been updated and, thanks to direct injection, offer almost the same power as a diesel.
Our advice is to opt for this engine if you cover fewer than 15,000 kilometres per year, use your car infrequently, or mainly drive around the city.
LPG engines for those who want to save money
Given the concern that diesel-engine cars may disappear, it has become very fashionable to use cars with LPG engines.
These engines save a great deal on fuel, around 40%. It is also a good alternative for those who cover many kilometres and want to save on running costs at the same time.
Other factors to take into account when choosing a new engine for your car
It is true that thinking about the number of kilometres you cover is important, but there are other factors you should also take into account, such as:
The engine size
This is actually something that is usually considered when buying a new car, since the space available for a car engine is not universal and cannot be made smaller or larger.
So, if you are going to buy a second-hand engine, bear in mind that it will need to be the right size.
The engine must be compatible with your car
Another vitally important factor to consider is that the engine must be compatible with your car. And if you are wondering — no, car engines are not universal.
It is true that an engine from one make may be compatible with a later or earlier model, but you cannot fit the engine from a BMW into a Citroën, for example.
Before you start looking for a new engine for your car, research the characteristics of the one you currently have thoroughly, to make sure you do not make a mistake.
Same or different type of combustion?
Changing a car engine is already a major expense in itself — in fact, it is one of the highest costs when repairing a car.
Now, are you going to keep the same type of combustion or replace it with another? Because, while it is true that you can swap a petrol engine for an electric one or vice versa, it is a major investment. Bear that in mind.
Are you qualified to carry out the change?
No, changing a car engine is not at all straightforward unless you have extensive mechanical knowledge, a good garage or workshop, and the right tools.
This change must be carried out by a professional, who will ensure that all the connections, parts and everything else are perfectly assembled, saving you potential problems in the future.
What is your budget?
And finally, you need to take into account the budget you have available. Remember that to save money you can always buy a second-hand engine, try to do the swap yourself, or do it with a friend who knows about the subject.