tMany drivers are unfamiliar with the inner workings of their vehicles, including the various belts, brackets, and hoses that make a car run. The average internal combustion engine, typically found in cars, trucks, and SUVs, can have upwards of 200 parts alone. However, just because you may not know what every component is doesn’t mean they aren’t vital.

One component you may be unaware of or know little about is the engine mount. Stay informed about your vehicle’s parts–to keep it running safely for years to come.

What Is an Engine Mount?

An engine mount (also referred to as a motor mount) is a component within a vehicle that allows for the engine to be bolted onto the chassis. Simply put, engine mounts secure the engine to the body of your car. Without these mounts, your engine would be at risk of damaging itself due to the excessive vibrations created when it is in use.

Engine mounts work to stabilize the engine by using two metal plates, with one bolted to both the engine itself and the other to the car’s frame. These plates are then connected at the center by a rubber or a liquid-filled bladder, which helps absorb any excess engine vibrations that would otherwise damage your vehicle. Transmission mounts use this same concept to help protect your transmission from the same types of damage. However, the type of mounts you have will depend on your vehicle’s make/model.

If you are unsure of the type of engine mounts your car has or the materials they are made out of, your owner’s manual can help you.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Engine Mount?

Engine mounts are a non-serviceable part, meaning that they are not included in your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. Instead, engine mounts will tend to fail due to old age, deterioration from exposure to elements, or damage from harmful chemicals found inside your engine.

To check and see if your engine mounts may be failing, be on the lookout for physical signs such as:

• Broken Brackets
• Broken Belts and/or Hoses
• Damaged or Missing Bolts
• Cracking or Torn Rubber
• An Irregular Engine Position or Drooping to Either Side
• Damage to Other Components Near Engine (Indicating Engine Movement)

An engine mount that is starting to fail or has already failed will also be quite noticeable when driven. As it is designed to keep the engine secure, some common symptoms of a bad engine mount to look out for when driving include:

• Excessive Vibrations
• From Engine Bay
• Jerking When Shifting Gears
• Abnormal Sounds Coming from the Engine Bay

When engine mounts become worn or damaged, they can crack, deteriorate, stretch, or completely fall apart. Diagnosing a bad engine mount should only be done by professionals at a certified repair facility or by an ASE Certified technician, as most engine mounts are not viewable from the engine bay and must be removed to inspect them correctly.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine Mount?

Replacing an engine mount can vary in cost due to the complexity of some engines. For example, owners of a Ford F-150 can expect to pay about $683–$918 for an engine mount replacement. This includes about $502–$737 in labor costs, while the average cost of a replacement engine mount part is about $181.

Conversely, replacing an engine mount on a Jeep Wrangler will cost drivers $354–$425, with $154–$225 in labor and approximately $200 for the mount itself.

Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly with Endurance

Protect your wallet and your vehicle with a comprehensive breakdown protection plan, such as Endurance’s Advantage plan. Covering your vehicle’s vital components, such as the engine and transmission, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected from any costly out-of-pocket repair bills if your mounts fail. Additionally, each Advantage package can help you stay up-to-date with your car’s maintenance needs by offering up to $3,500 for routine maintenance services. This includes essential services such as tire rotations, oil and filter changes, and more.

Endurance customers will also receive a year of Elite Benefits for FREE with the purchase of any auto protection plan.* That means you can have access to extra perks, such as tire repairs/replacements, collision discounts, windshield repair, and more. You will also have access to the Endurance Customer Portal, giving you access to all of your contract information, your Elite Benefits, and more—conveniently accessible from any cell phone, tablet, or computer.

Request a FREE quote or shop online to see instant pricing and vehicle protection plan recommendations. You can also visit the Learning Center to discover more articles on unique car components, expert auto advice, DIY maintenance tips, and more.