Most drivers never think about motor mounts. They aren’t flashy or high-tech, but they serve a critical role. A motor mount is a small but strong component that secures your engine to the chassis of your vehicle. It also helps absorb vibrations and engine movement, keeping things stable and smooth as you drive.
Many cars have three or four motor mounts, and they’re usually made from a combination of rubber and metal. The rubber cushions engine movement, while the metal keeps everything firmly in place. When a mount starts to fail, both comfort and performance can suffer.
Warning Signs of a Failing Motor Mount
A worn-out or broken motor mount can affect how your car drives and feels. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
1. Excessive Vibrations
If your vehicle vibrates more than usual, especially when idling, a motor mount may no longer be absorbing engine movement properly. It might feel like the whole car is shaking, particularly in the front seats or steering wheel.
2. Loud Clunks or Banging Sounds
One of the more alarming signs is a loud thump or bang when accelerating or decelerating. This can happen when the engine shifts position more than it should because a mount is no longer holding it securely.
3. Engine Movement Under the Hood
With the hood open, you might actually see the engine rock or shift when you rev the engine or shift from drive to reverse. That kind of movement usually means one or more mounts are compromised.
4. Misaligned or Damaged Hoses and Wiring
When the engine shifts too much, it can tug on surrounding components like vacuum lines, electrical wiring, or coolant hoses. Over time, that can lead to cracks, disconnections, or wear in places you wouldn’t expect.
5. Increased Cabin Noise
A failed mount lets more engine noise and vibration enter the cabin. You may notice the car feels rougher and louder, even if everything else seems to be functioning normally.
What Causes Motor Mounts to Fail
Motor mounts are built to last, but they aren’t indestructible. Most of them wear out over time from normal use. Exposure to engine heat, road salt, oil leaks, and vibrations slowly wears down the rubber.
If your car has high mileage, or if it has experienced a lot of stop-and-go driving or sudden starts and stops, the mounts may be under added stress. An oil-soaked mount, often caused by nearby leaks, can also break down more quickly.
Performance vehicles or cars driven aggressively can wear out motor mounts faster, too. More torque and movement from the engine puts extra pressure on those components.
Why Driving With a Broken Mount Is a Bad Idea
Some drivers ignore the signs of a failing mount and keep driving for weeks or months. This can lead to more expensive problems down the road.
If the engine is moving too much, it can damage the transmission, exhaust system, and other connected parts. In extreme cases, it could even cause a misalignment that affects how the car handles or brakes. And if one mount breaks entirely, it puts more stress on the others, speeding up their wear as well.
Even if you can live with the extra vibration and noise, the long-term risk to your vehicle just isn’t worth it.
How Technicians Replace a Motor Mount
Replacing a motor mount is not a do-it-yourself job for most drivers. It requires safely lifting the engine to relieve pressure on the mount and ensure everything is aligned correctly when installing the new part.
Our technicians use high-quality replacement mounts and inspect the surrounding components to make sure nothing else has been affected. In some cases, we may also check for leaks or issues that contributed to the mount’s failure in the first place.
The process typically doesn’t take long, but it can have a huge impact on how your vehicle drives and feels.
Visit Hagin’s Automotive in Martinez, CA for Motor Mount Inspections and Repairs
If your car feels rougher than usual, makes strange noises when accelerating, or just doesn’t seem as smooth as it used to be, visit Hagin’s Automotive in Martinez. Our team can inspect your motor mounts and diagnose the problem before it leads to more serious damage. We’ll make sure your engine stays secure, your ride stays smooth, and your vehicle stays reliable.
Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced technicians keep your car performing at its best.