10 Engine Maintenance Tips - Keep Your Car Running Well
An engine is like the heart of a car. It needs to run smoothly in order to keep your car moving. One can’t emphasize more on how important it is to keep the engine fit and functioning efficiently. Here are 10 easy engine maintenance tips that can help your engine run forever:
Change engine oil at regular intervals
The engine oil keeps all moving parts well lubricated so that wear and tear is minimal. Also, it traps all the dust, dirt, and sediments, keeping them out of places they shouldn’t be. You can check the oil levels at regular intervals with the help of the dipstick, easily accessible once you open the bonnet, and top it up if the level is low. Oil grade and change intervals are subject to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The oil filter is equally important as it filters all the junk from the oil and stops it from flowing back into the engine. This will ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Most brands change the oil filter with every annual scheduled service, and you can have it inspected if you suspect the car needs a new one ahead of its planned service.
Keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge
Even though we have come a long way in terms of the efficiency of a car engine, a lot of energy is lost during combustion in the form of heat. Metals and alloys, which your car engine is made out of, are not very good friends with heat. While the engine’s ideal operating temperature will be higher than the ambient temperature, it should not be allowed to overheat. Hence, the role of the coolant! Always ensure there is ample coolant in the tank (also found under the bonnet in most cars) as it is very important for heat dissipation. A 1:1 ratio of coolant and distilled water is ideal. The best way to monitor the engine temperatures is via the gauge in the instrument cluster, which is even more detailed in the case of a digital driver’s display. In case the car is running hotter than usual, perhaps due to external weather conditions or after some enthusiastic driving, it is best to shut the car off for a while. You can even prop open the bonnet for faster heat dissipation. In case the engine is overheating under normal circumstances, with a full tank of coolant, you might need to have it inspected by a certified mechanic.
Let it breathe
Short of breath? Feeling tired? Your car’s engine needs oxygen as much as you do. A constricted airflow can cause the fuel to not burn completely, in turn increasing emissions and reducing mileage. But given the number of particulates and pollutants in our urban air, it needs to pass through a filter before being fed to the engine. You need to check the air filter and get it cleaned/ changed whenever you feel there is too much dirt and debris stuck to it. Your engine needs to breathe properly to function effectively.
Check for leaks
When you pull out of the driveway, stop and look at the parking spot for any puddles or drips of fluids on the ground. Different types of fluids and lubricants will have different colours, smells and consistencies. The worst scenario would be a potential fuel leak, in which case you should visit the nearest mechanic and get it checked immediately. Other potential leaks could be engine oil, antifreeze, coolant, brake fluid and even transmission fluids. You can also check under the hood to see or smell something leaking due to a loose/damaged section in the maze of tubes. However, not all fluids under a parked car might be a reason for concern. If you’ve been using the car’s air conditioner, the system will be dripping water. That’s why you should try and inspect any suspicious puddles of fluid that might have been dripping from your car, before deciding to have the car inspected by a mechanic.
Don’t keep going on reserve fuel
Petrol and diesel contain sediments which settle at the bottom of your fuel tank. Years of running and there will definitely be a layer of crap which shouldn’t reach the engine. If you continue to run on low fuel, this junk gets pulled into the fuel pump which could cause a lot of wear. Instead of just praying it doesn’t reach the engine, it is ideal to top up your tank as soon as the light comes on in the driver’s instrument cluster, and save yourself the repair/ replacement cost of the fuel filter and pump.
Check your belts
If you’ve had a look around your car’s engine, you might have noticed a series of rubber-band like belts connected to various pulleys, working in harmony when the engine is running. If you hear a squeal coming from under the hood, it is likely time to replace one or more of the belts. You should check your belts for cracks and signs of wear even though they last a long time. These parts are meant to be replaced at regular intervals as part of periodic services, so make sure you do not skip on this extra cost. If a belt breaks while the engine is running, it can cause serious damage to engine components, “expensive engine components”, and will also leave you stranded!
Don’t ignore the check engine light
This light is your car’s subtle cry for help. Even if the car remains operational with no immediate sign of disaster, do not ignore this notification in the instrument cluster and immediately get the car inspected by your local mechanic. We did an article earlier on what it could possibly mean – Check Engine Light Popping Up? Here Is What It Means. It’s basically a self-diagnosis which is put in place to protect your engine. It’s not necessarily serious every time but you’ll never know unless you get it checked.
Replace your fuel filter
It’s similar to the oil filter but filters out junk from the fuel, prohibiting entry of any polluting particulates into the combustion chamber. The quality and cleanliness of petrol and diesel may not be consistent across different pumps in Australia, and so the fuel filter tries its best to keep your car running on whatever fuel grade is available. A fresh fuel filter means free flow of clean fuel to the fuel pump and engine. This ensures there is less build-up inside the engine and its thirst for fuel is quenched.
Replace spark plugs and wires
The spark plug acts as a fire starter. It ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders and requires little maintenance owing to its long life span. Regular maintenance will ensure that the engine retains its spark. At times, they don’t even need replacement. Some cleaning can be of great help as a lot of soot gets accumulated around the electrode over time. Note, your car has one spark plug per cylinder, so be sure to check each one for need of cleaning or replacement.
Your engine doesn’t like revving just to come to a complete halt
Engines are engineered to run most effectively and efficiently at a constant speed. Too much variation in the revs tires it out and this takes a toll on its longevity. City driving, where you constantly move and come to a stop (in traffic) is really hard on the engine. Try not to rev too hard, i.e., push the engine to a high number of revolutions (RPMs). Instead, be sure-footed and accelerate gently and gradually when you know you have to stop again. Even while making overtakes, try and plan them such that you don’t need to slam the accelerator pedal every time, instead using momentum and timing to make a smooth pass.
These simple checks should keep your engine healthy and save you a lot of money in repairs, new parts, and maintenance. The engine is the most expensive and complex part of your car. It demands good care and will return the favour by fetching a good resale value when you plan to sell your car.
Talking about good resale prices, at CARS24 we get you the best price for your old car. Looking for a buyer and tired of listing on classified websites? Visit CARS24 and sell your car to get instant payment!
An engine is like the heart of a car. It needs to run smoothly in order to keep your car moving. One can’t emphasize more on how important it is to keep the engine fit and functioning efficiently. Here are 10 easy engine maintenance tips that can help your engine run forever:
Change engine oil at regular intervals
The engine oil keeps all moving parts well lubricated so that wear and tear is minimal. Also, it traps all the dust, dirt, and sediments, keeping them out of places they shouldn’t be. You can check the oil levels at regular intervals with the help of the dipstick, easily accessible once you open the bonnet, and top it up if the level is low. Oil grade and change intervals are subject to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The oil filter is equally important as it filters all the junk from the oil and stops it from flowing back into the engine. This will ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Most brands change the oil filter with every annual scheduled service, and you can have it inspected if you suspect the car needs a new one ahead of its planned service.
Keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge
Even though we have come a long way in terms of the efficiency of a car engine, a lot of energy is lost during combustion in the form of heat. Metals and alloys, which your car engine is made out of, are not very good friends with heat. While the engine’s ideal operating temperature will be higher than the ambient temperature, it should not be allowed to overheat. Hence, the role of the coolant! Always ensure there is ample coolant in the tank (also found under the bonnet in most cars) as it is very important for heat dissipation. A 1:1 ratio of coolant and distilled water is ideal. The best way to monitor the engine temperatures is via the gauge in the instrument cluster, which is even more detailed in the case of a digital driver’s display. In case the car is running hotter than usual, perhaps due to external weather conditions or after some enthusiastic driving, it is best to shut the car off for a while. You can even prop open the bonnet for faster heat dissipation. In case the engine is overheating under normal circumstances, with a full tank of coolant, you might need to have it inspected by a certified mechanic.
Let it breathe
Short of breath? Feeling tired? Your car’s engine needs oxygen as much as you do. A constricted airflow can cause the fuel to not burn completely, in turn increasing emissions and reducing mileage. But given the number of particulates and pollutants in our urban air, it needs to pass through a filter before being fed to the engine. You need to check the air filter and get it cleaned/ changed whenever you feel there is too much dirt and debris stuck to it. Your engine needs to breathe properly to function effectively.
Check for leaks
When you pull out of the driveway, stop and look at the parking spot for any puddles or drips of fluids on the ground. Different types of fluids and lubricants will have different colours, smells and consistencies. The worst scenario would be a potential fuel leak, in which case you should visit the nearest mechanic and get it checked immediately. Other potential leaks could be engine oil, antifreeze, coolant, brake fluid and even transmission fluids. You can also check under the hood to see or smell something leaking due to a loose/damaged section in the maze of tubes. However, not all fluids under a parked car might be a reason for concern. If you’ve been using the car’s air conditioner, the system will be dripping water. That’s why you should try and inspect any suspicious puddles of fluid that might have been dripping from your car, before deciding to have the car inspected by a mechanic.
Don’t keep going on reserve fuel
Petrol and diesel contain sediments which settle at the bottom of your fuel tank. Years of running and there will definitely be a layer of crap which shouldn’t reach the engine. If you continue to run on low fuel, this junk gets pulled into the fuel pump which could cause a lot of wear. Instead of just praying it doesn’t reach the engine, it is ideal to top up your tank as soon as the light comes on in the driver’s instrument cluster, and save yourself the repair/ replacement cost of the fuel filter and pump.
Check your belts
If you’ve had a look around your car’s engine, you might have noticed a series of rubber-band like belts connected to various pulleys, working in harmony when the engine is running. If you hear a squeal coming from under the hood, it is likely time to replace one or more of the belts. You should check your belts for cracks and signs of wear even though they last a long time. These parts are meant to be replaced at regular intervals as part of periodic services, so make sure you do not skip on this extra cost. If a belt breaks while the engine is running, it can cause serious damage to engine components, “expensive engine components”, and will also leave you stranded!
Don’t ignore the check engine light
This light is your car’s subtle cry for help. Even if the car remains operational with no immediate sign of disaster, do not ignore this notification in the instrument cluster and immediately get the car inspected by your local mechanic. We did an article earlier on what it could possibly mean – Check Engine Light Popping Up? Here Is What It Means. It’s basically a self-diagnosis which is put in place to protect your engine. It’s not necessarily serious every time but you’ll never know unless you get it checked.
Replace your fuel filter
It’s similar to the oil filter but filters out junk from the fuel, prohibiting entry of any polluting particulates into the combustion chamber. The quality and cleanliness of petrol and diesel may not be consistent across different pumps in Australia, and so the fuel filter tries its best to keep your car running on whatever fuel grade is available. A fresh fuel filter means free flow of clean fuel to the fuel pump and engine. This ensures there is less build-up inside the engine and its thirst for fuel is quenched.
Replace spark plugs and wires
The spark plug acts as a fire starter. It ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders and requires little maintenance owing to its long life span. Regular maintenance will ensure that the engine retains its spark. At times, they don’t even need replacement. Some cleaning can be of great help as a lot of soot gets accumulated around the electrode over time. Note, your car has one spark plug per cylinder, so be sure to check each one for need of cleaning or replacement.
Your engine doesn’t like revving just to come to a complete halt
Engines are engineered to run most effectively and efficiently at a constant speed. Too much variation in the revs tires it out and this takes a toll on its longevity. City driving, where you constantly move and come to a stop (in traffic) is really hard on the engine. Try not to rev too hard, i.e., push the engine to a high number of revolutions (RPMs). Instead, be sure-footed and accelerate gently and gradually when you know you have to stop again. Even while making overtakes, try and plan them such that you don’t need to slam the accelerator pedal every time, instead using momentum and timing to make a smooth pass.
These simple checks should keep your engine healthy and save you a lot of money in repairs, new parts, and maintenance. The engine is the most expensive and complex part of your car. It demands good care and will return the favour by fetching a good resale value when you plan to sell your car.
Talking about good resale prices, at CARS24 we get you the best price for your old car. Looking for a buyer and tired of listing on classified websites? Visit CARS24 and sell your car to get instant payment!
