What happens when your engine locks up?
The mechanic says...
When an engine locks up, or seizes, this is almost always due to mechanical failure within the unit. Often it is the result of running with a very low engine oil level, so that metal components such as bearings and/or pistons, rings and cylinder walls, effectively become welded together due to very high temperatures resulting from excessive friction. The engine relies on a very thin lubricating oil film between adjacent moving metal components; if the unit ‘runs out of oil’ this film disappears and friction/heat build-up results.
Excessively high engine temperatures and potential seizure can also arise due to a faulty cooling system, with resultant loss of coolant/overheating.
To avoid lock up or seizure, keep the engine oil topped up (and change it at the recommended intervals, using good quality oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer). Modern engines have smaller sumps (oil containers) than older motors, and so it especially important to make regular checks of the oil level (at least once a week, and before every long journey). Ensure too that the coolant level is regularly and properly maintained, also that all the cooling system components are in good condition.
