The engine is the most important component of your vehicle, so it is important that you take good care of it. There are a variety of maintenance steps car owners should take to keep their engine in good condition and maximize its usable lifespan. In doing so, you will be able to save a significant amount of money in the long term by being able to avoid significant repairs or total replacement.
What does regular engine maintenance look like? Here are a few engine maintenance tips for you to consider that will go a long way toward preserving your car engine:
- Prioritize cleanliness: A lot of vehicle owners don’t put much thought into cleaning under the hood, but doing so can help you preserve your engine. Over time, your engine will become susceptible to buildup of debris, dust and grime. The filters might be blocked by debris; you might have dirt or leaves that accumulated under the hood; or you could even have pests that tried to make their home under the hood and around the engine. Mechanics will use degreasers to clean your engine exterior, as well as vacuums to remove loose debris from around the casing. If you notice any unusual noises, smells or smoke, make sure you call a mechanic as soon as possible to resolve the problem and clean the engine.
- Lubricate: An engine features a lot of different moving parts, so it’s critical to make sure the engine is always properly lubricated. Without lubrication, the friction within the engine caused by the movement of these components will build up as they rub and grind on each other, causing damage and building up heat. This damage could become severe, resulting in a need to replace parts to get the engine working properly again. A mechanic will check the important components of your engine to ensure they are all properly lubricated, so you can avoid friction and damage. Check the seals in other parts of the engine as well, so you can make sure everything fits together well and works smoothly.
- Clean spark plugs: Cleaning your spark plugs on a regular basis helps you to keep debris away from the engine’s combustion chamber. Mechanics who perform this service will remove the plug lead, clean the area, remove the plug and then use a special brush and cleaner to clean the plug itself. This simple task goes a long way toward improving your engine’s performance and long-lasting nature.
- Change your oil: Too many people delay in changing their oil despite it being such a simple procedure. Oil changes make a significant difference in engine performance. Today’s synthetic oils last much longer than older, standard oils and can often give a vehicle 10,000 miles of performance; however, you should still inspect the oil on a regular basis to make sure it’s not too cloudy or sticky, so you’re able to get the best performance out of it.
For more information on engine maintenance tips that will help you with preserving your car engine, contact us at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair.