Have you ever experienced that your car’s engine refused to respond all of a sudden? If yes, you might be aware of the cause of the problem.

On one hand, an engine halts when it gets seizes, which usually happens. Otherwise, it may be locked up. However, there are a whole lot of different reasons for an engine seizure or lockup. A locked up engine and complete seizure do not allow a vehicle to move. But, you should understand what distinguishes them actually.

What differentiates a seized engine from a locked engine?

They are quite similar. However, when the engine does not move due to mechanical failure, it is seized. While there are other reasons, such as the entry of water into the combustion chamber, the engine usually gets into a locked up state.

Both require some sort of remediation, but before moving forward, you should update yourself. You need to be aware of what initially caused your engine to seize. Usually, seizing occurs due to a lack of oil, poor circulation, or infrequent use. Vapour locks and hydro locks are additional options to think about.

Let’s get through these points to better understand the causes of concern for an engine seizure or lockup.

Is it Engine Seizure?

Engine goes through the lack of proper lubrication for a prolonged period.

The piston in the cylinder typically moves up and down. Given that both objects are made of metal, friction is possible, especially in the absence of lubrication. The pistons can move without becoming too hot because the engine oil creates a thin layer between the cylinder walls and the pistons.