6 preventative maintenance tips for maintaining your car’s engine

Proper engine maintenance ensures that your engine doesn’t overheat while on the road or cut out at an intersection. Your engine is the heart of your vehicle; if it isn’t working properly, you can be sure you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. An improperly running engine is a huge safety issue. When it comes to your vehicle and the safety of those inside.

While the engine looks like one giant car part, it is made up of many different components that work together to create and distribute energy throughout your vehicle. 

1. Keeping it Clean

Your engine does a lot for your vehicle. In fact, without it, your car wouldn’t be getting very far at all. This is why it’s important to keep your engine clean of debris, dust, and grime. Over time, filters can become blocked, and leaves and dirt can blow under the hood and find their way into your vehicle. The grease that coats your engine can trap heat, making it difficult for your engine to cool down properly.

Your mechanic will likely use or recommend a degreaser to carefully clean the exterior of your engine. A vacuum tool may also be used to remove debris and dust from around the casing. Fortunately, the way that your engine is put together keeps most of the debris that enters your vehicle away from the working components of your engine. However, if you notice any odd noises, smells, or smoke coming from your engine compartment, call your mechanic as soon as possible.

2. Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement

To keep dirt and grime out of the combustion chamber, your spark plug should be periodically cleaned. To do this, your mechanic will remove the plug lead, clean the space around it, remove the plug, and use a special cleaner and brush to remove buildup, dirt, or dust. This is such a small job, but it can go a long way towards improving the overall performance of your engine. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, providing the necessary power for the vehicle to run. Worn or fouled spark plugs can lead to misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine performance issues. Check the condition of your spark plugs regularly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type of spark plugs in your vehicle.

3. Proper Lubrication

There are so many moving parts in an engine that it’s crucial to always have proper lubrication. Otherwise, the damage will start to result from the friction that many of these moving parts create. Sometimes, this damage is irreparable and will result in the need to replace one or more parts before your engine will function properly again.

Read more: How To Clean Your Car’s Engine

Your mechanic will work to ensure that your crankshaft, piston rings, and cylinder walls are properly lubricated to avoid friction and damage to your vehicle. This is also a good time for your mechanic to check seals in certain parts of the engine to be sure that everything is fitting together the way it should for a smooth ride.

4. Oil Change

It’s such a simple procedure, and yet so many put it off until it’s too late. An oil change can make all the difference in the performance of your engine and the overall performance of your vehicle. Over time, your oil can become cloudy, murky, and sticky, and this doesn’t help your engine get the most from its lubrication system.

Your oil should be checked and changed once every 6 months for 10,000 miles to ensure that your vehicle is in shape and that your engine is getting the best from the oil it uses. Changing the engine oil at recommended intervals is one of the most critical maintenance tasks. Engine oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reduces friction, and carries away heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to reduced lubrication and potential engine damage. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for oil change intervals, and use the recommended grade of oil for your engine.

Maintaining your car engine is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are four preventative maintenance tips to keep your car engine in top condition:

5. Air Filter Replacement

The air filter plays a crucial role in protecting your engine from airborne contaminants. It prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine and ensures a proper air-fuel mixture for combustion. A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. Check your air filter regularly and replace it as needed, usually every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

6. Cooling System Maintenance

 The cooling system helps regulate the engine’s temperature and prevents it from overheating. Regularly check the coolant level and inspect the hoses and radiator for any signs of leaks or damage. Flush and replace the coolant according to your vehicle’s recommended schedule to prevent corrosion and ensure the cooling system’s effectiveness.

Read more: Common Engine Control Unit Problems: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Solving ECU Issues

Additional Maintenance Tips

• Keep an eye on your engine’s temperature gauge or warning light. If the engine starts to overheat, stop the vehicle immediately and address the issue before driving again.
• Perform regular visual inspections under the hood to check for any signs of fluid leaks or unusual smells, which may indicate a potential problem.
• Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule and keep detailed records of all maintenance performed to ensure you don’t miss any essential tasks.

By following these preventative maintenance tips and staying proactive in caring for your car engine, you can enjoy a reliable and efficient driving experience while extending the life of your vehicle’s powerplant.

If you notice an issue with your engine, the best thing to do is make an appointment with your mechanic. The longer an engine problem goes unfixed, the more damage it will begin to cause. What might have been a simple fix could turn into the need to replace many different parts and pieces.

For more information on engine maintenance, prevention maintenance, or our other auto services, contact us today. Learn more about preventative maintenance and why it’s important through our company blog, or book an appointment with one of our certified mechanics at your convenience.