When Do You Need to Overhaul Your Engine?A practical guide from Scantruck Singapore Workshop

Every engine has a lifespan — and for commercial vehicles that lifespan is earned through

thousands of operating hours. If you manage a fleet, even small symptoms (reduced power,

higher fuel use, strange noises) are worth attention: they can be early signs that an engine

overhaul will save you time and money compared with repeated roadside repairs.

At Scantruck Singapore Workshop we help fleet owners and operators diagnose symptoms

early and choose the right repair path — from targeted repairs to a full engine overhaul — so

you avoid costly downtime and extend vehicle life.

What is an engine overhaul?

An engine overhaul is a full internal restoration that returns the engine to reliable working

condition. A typical overhaul includes:

• Full disassembly and deep cleaning of components

• Inspection of pistons, piston rings, bearings, valves, cylinder liners and seals

• Replacement of worn or damaged components with OEM-quality parts (we stock

and fit trusted European and aftermarket brands)

• Reassembly, precision testing and calibration for performance and emissions

compliance

Think of it as a factory-level reset for your engine — restoring power, efficiency and

reliability without the expense of a new engine.

5 Clear signs you should book a diagnostic (and consider an overhaul)

1. Excessive or unusual exhaust smoke

• White smoke — possible coolant leak into combustion chambers.

• Blue smoke — oil being burned inside the engine.

• Black smoke — fuel system or combustion issues.

Any persistent change in smoke type or volume is a red flag — schedule a diagnostic

straight away.

2. Noticeable loss of power or sluggish acceleration

Difficulty climbing inclines or slow pick-up can indicate worn pistons, rings or compression

loss.

3. Abnormally high oil or coolant consumption

If you’re topping up fluids more than usual, internal leaks or seal degradation might be

developing.

4. Unusual mechanical noises (knocking, tapping, rattling)

Metallic knocks or persistent tapping usually mean internal stress or bearing wear — ignore

them at high risk.

5. Frequent overheating

Recurrent overheating damages internal components quickly and often necessitates a full

overhaul to repair.

Why a timely overhaul saves money

Putting off major servicing can look cheaper in the short term but often results in:

• Roadside breakdowns and lost delivery time

• Increased fuel and oil costs

• Shorter engine life and reduced resale value

• Much larger repair bills later

A planned overhaul helps maintain uptime, protects fleet schedules and reduces lifetime

operating cost.

What Scantruck Workshop offers

We’re a Singapore-based commercial vehicle workshop focused on keeping your fleet

moving. Our workshop capabilities include:

• Full engine overhauls and rebuilds (OEM-quality parts)

• Diagnostics and compression testing

• Component renewal (pistons, rings, bearings, liners, valves)

• DPF cleaning and regeneration (Oxyhtech systems supported)

• Fuel system and AdBlue/DEF diagnostics and repair

• Clutch and transmission service, brake work and scheduled maintenance

• Emergency breakdown support (we operate a breakdown van for on-site assistance)

Our team: experienced technicians, a purpose-equipped workshop and a parts supply chain

that supports timely repairs for European commercial vehicles.

Expert tip from Scantruck

Regular oil changes and preventive inspections are the most effective ways to extend your

engine’s lifespan. But beyond routine service, here’s what our workshop team recommends to

keep your truck running efficiently and avoid costly overhauls:

• Monitor your engine health regularly. Schedule a full diagnostic every 250,000–

300,000 km or sooner if you notice power loss, smoke, or overheating.

• Use the right oil and filters. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications — using the

wrong oil grade can accelerate wear and reduce compression.

• Keep your cooling system clean. Old coolant or clogged radiators are a common

cause of overheating and internal corrosion.

• Avoid excessive idling. Long idle times increase carbon buildup and fuel dilution,

which shorten engine life.• Don’t ignore small changes. Unusual noises, leaks, or changes in exhaust colour are

early warnings — diagnosing them early prevents major failures.

By following these habits, you can reduce unplanned downtime, lower maintenance costs,

and get more productive mileage out of every engine in your fleet.

Ready to Check Your Engine?

If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major

failure. Let the Scantruck Workshop team inspect your engine and help you plan the right repair or

overhaul.

📍 Visit us at:

Scantruck Singapore Workshop

16 Gul Drive, Singapore 629467

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +65 8053 6319

🔗 Book your visit: scantruck.com.sg or simply reach out via our Contact Form to set up an appointment.