The engine is the heart of your car. If it doesn’t function properly, your vehicle will suffer. That’s why all car manufacturers, car dealerships, and mechanics say that the engine deserves your attention more than any other car part or accessory. Engines need to be looked after so that they keep running smoothly. A routine checkup and some regular maintenance keeps them and you cars in good condition for longer.
However, most car owners fall short when it comes to engine care. They don’t spend much time thinking about the engine. It’s when the car starts making strange sounds or you notice some other abnormality in the car functions that you are reminded of the car engine and its maintenance.
Whether you are looking for new vehicles on sale in Naperville or buying a used car, you need to first commit to good engine maintenance. To help you with this, we’ve put together this list of 6 ways to proactively protect your car engine. If you stay on top of these recommendations, you are guaranteed to have a better and longer running engine.
Table of Contents
1. Change Your Engine Oil on a Regular Basis
Oil is essential for your engine performance and durability. It protects the engine from dirt and debris and keeps the moving parts of the engine well lubricated so that; there’s less friction produced and they don’t overheat. If the oil change intervals are not taken care of, the engine will not be able to function properly and start wearing out. Over time, long gaps between oil changes will cause permanent engine damage.
The oil change intervals will vary from vehicle to vehicle. You can talk to your car dealership to find out about the specific oil change interval for your vehicle, or you can also refer to the car’s manual for this. It’s recommended that you use performance enhancing products that are effective in reducing carbon residue, dirt and debris that accumulate inside your engine.
2. Don’t Forget about the Oil Filter
The importance of changing oil filters and the engine oil go hand in hand. Just like you have to take care about the oil change intervals, you should also keep replacing your oil filters regularly. The oil filter is responsible for filtering the engine oil and collecting all particulate matter and debris that floats around in the engine. It prevents the junk from circulating back into the engine so that the engine keep running smoothly and the engine parts remain cool and lubricated.
3. Maintain the Cooling System
The cooling system of the car basically runs on a coolant (radiating fluid) that flows through ducts and passages in the engine block, picking up the heat produced by the engine. The heated liquid finally makes it way to the rubber hose where it’s cooled down again and the cycle continues. This way, the coolant regulates the engine temperature and prevents it from overheating and getting damaged.
Therefore, the radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant, and anti-freeze liquid all make up the cooling system of the car and require maintenance. Just like you have to change the engine oil, you also need to keep a check on your coolant level. You can do this by lifting the hood and checking the coolant tank (clear tank filled with green or orange liquid). Make sure the level of the liquid is in between the minimum and maximum marks.
4. Clean the Air Filters
Adequate airflow is necessary for your engine to perform efficiently. There has to be constant unobstructed supply of air coming into the engine without and debris. Air filters play a very important role in clearing away all the dirt, bugs, leaves, and road debris that are carried in the air and end up on your front bumper.
Depending on the road conditions and your driving habits, these filters become clogged over time and airflow becomes restricted. Therefore, when you change your engine oil, also take a good look at your air filter to see if it looks clean or needs to be replaced. These regular checkups will ensure that airflow to the engine is never compromised.
Although you have to be even more careful with the air filters in used cars, you will have to check the air filters regularly even if you’re looking for new vehicles for sale.
5. Look for Any Leaks
You don’t have to be a car expert to spot a leak. So, every now and then when your car is parked, look under it to see if anything is leaking and also take note of any unusual smells inside or near your car that could indicate a gas leak. If leakage is spotted early on, it can save you from the trouble of facing a major problem
Two most important liquids you don’t want to be leaking are the engine oil and antifreeze. Intense pressure and heat can cause engine hoses to fail and may result in these fluids getting leaked. Leakages also occur where parts are joined together by rubber or silicone seals. These seals can deteriorate over time and allow fluids to leak out of the engine or help them make way into the wrong areas of the engine.
6. Don’t Let Your Fuel Tanks Go Almost Empty
The fuel pump is a critical part of your car’s fuel system. Car experts recommend that the level of fuel should never drop below one fourth of a tank. This is because if the fuel level goes down too low, the fuel pump starts sucking in air that overheats the pump. It can lead to permanent damage to the pump.
Moreover, there is sedimentation at the bottom of the tank and due to low fuel level, the sediments may clog up the fuel filter and start entering the engine. It can further cause damage to your engine and also block the flow of fuel.
Car engine maintenance is vital to keep your car up and running. Follow these effective tips for a longer-lasting engine and keep yourself from shelling out more cash later on down the road.
Author Bio-
Jenn was working in automotive sales when she discovered a passion for writing about various automotive topics. She loves her new Toyota Rav4 and spending weekends getting away with her two dogs, where she gets inspired to write even more amazing blogs!
