Why did my Toyota Corolla break down?

Hi,

My Toyota Corolla broke down on the M8 while driving to Dublin. Had the car for seven years no problem. It gave a clicking sound a few times and then suddenly started slowing down. I stopped by the hard shoulder and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming out of the engine. I got the oil indicator and thought it needs oil. I topped it up, but now the car won't start. I called breakdown assist who took me to the nearest garage. It just doesn't start now. What is wrong with my car?

Dwtdil D (Cork)

Nov 2014 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.

A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D