Why Does My Car Say “Engine Power Reduced”?

What Does “Engine Power Reduced” Mean?

When you see the “Engine Power Reduced” message on your car’s dashboard, it means that the engine’s power has been limited. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common is that the engine is overheating.

When the engine overheats, the metal expands and the oil becomes thinner. This can cause the engine to lose power and efficiency. In some cases, the engine may even seize up and stop running altogether.

Causes of Engine Overheating

There are a number of things that can cause an engine to overheat, including:

Low coolant levels
A faulty thermostat
A clogged radiator
A blown head gasket
A failing water pump

What to Do When You See “Engine Power Reduced”

The first thing you should do is pull over to a safe place and turn off the engine. Once the engine has cooled down, you can check the coolant levels and look for any leaks. If you find any leaks, you should have them repaired as soon as possible.

If you don’t see any leaks, you may need to have the thermostat, radiator, or water pump checked. These components can all fail over time and cause the engine to overheat.

How to Prevent Engine Overheating

There are a few things you can do to prevent engine overheating, including:

Check the coolant levels regularly and add coolant as needed.
Have the thermostat checked and replaced if necessary.
Clean the radiator regularly.
Have the water pump checked and replaced if necessary.
Avoid driving in hot weather or in heavy traffic.

Conclusion

If you see the “Engine Power Reduced” message on your car’s dashboard, it’s important to take action immediately. The longer you drive with the engine overheating, the more damage you can do to your car. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent engine overheating and keep your car running smoothly.