Engine mounts: what are those things?

If you have been handling cars for a while, you should be familiar with engine mounts by now. In essence, engine mounts can be described as the primary source that secures the engine into vehicles. These mounts ensure the absorption of energy, which includes shocks and vibrations caused when machinery is operating inside the car. When a car is moving, engine mounts help to make the ride smooth and comfortable while protecting the engine components from external damage. Here are the most basic things you need to know about engine mounts.

Types of vehicle engine mounts

When it comes to cars, there are mainly two types of engine mounts. The first is natural rubber mounts, which are the most common type, found in most small cars such as hatchbacks and small sedans. The other type, hydraulic mounts, can be found in luxury vehicles and mid-sized sedans. There is also polyurethane (PU) mounts which are not as common as the prior mounts, although some sports cars tend to come with those because of their stiffer nature.

Solid rubber mounts

Rubber engine and transmission mounts in general are made out of solid rubber, which joins the engine to the chassis of the car with the help of metal-backed plates. Rubber mounts are the most economical option when it comes to long-term replacements. Rubber mounts also absorb an adequate amount of vibrations, minimising extra movement. However, these mounts tend to harden as rubber does, which causes them to crack or tear under heavy loads.

Hydraulic mounts

Hydraulic mounts are usually made of hollowed rubber in a metal casing, where the mounts store hydraulic fluids inside. Not only do these mounts attach the engine to the chassis but they help minimize vibrations over low and high frequencies. Being frequency dependent, these mounts are easily tunable to absorb vibrations in different instances, such as type of road or terrain, to ensure optimum comfort with the lowest noise. Although hydraulic mounts have many advantages, these mounts tend to be more expensive and less durable than solid rubber mounts.

When to change and maintain engine mounts

Engine mounts in general do not need regular maintenance replacements, but it is essential to check for any sort of wear and tear or whether the rubbers have gone hard. Some of the common happenings when engine mounts start to wear out are increased vibrations than normal, bumpier ride quality, and noises in the engine bay like thumping, clacking or sounding like the whole engine is hitting something. Visual wear can also be seen in the mounts themselves, something you should look out for. 

Engine mounts can last decades if cars are driven properly but depending on the amount a vehicle gets driven, engine mounts are rated to last 5-7 years. Although they last for a long time, when mounts go bad, they need to be treated as soon as possible as they are one of the more essential parts that hold the drivetrain to the chassis. Reconditioned engine mounts for most cars can be found in Eskaton and Bangla Motor areas in Dhaka if your car is showing symptoms or needs replacement.