Car Engine: Buying a car is not an easy task but maintaining it is a more responsible task. The most important part of every car and engine. If the engine is working properly, the car runs smoothly fuel efficiency increases and repairs are less.
Often people make small mistakes and cause slow damage to their engine, which results in expensive repairs or complete engine failure. If you want your car to run well till the year, then you have to focus on engine care and maintenance.
In this article, we will know those practical and easy ways which will help you in increasing the life of the engine.
Regular Oil Change – Engine’s Blood
Engine oil provides lubrication to the parts inside of the engine. If you do not change the oil on time, the oil becomes dirty which increases friction and damages the engine.
Tip
Make sure to change the engine oil every 4,000-5,000 km or as advised by the company.
If you are using synthetic oil then it is more durable.
Install the right quality oil filter
The job of the oil filter is to stop dust particles and impurities from entering the oil. If the filter is dirty, the oil will not circulate properly.
Tip
Make sure to change the oil filter along with changing the oil.
Let the engine warm up – Especially in winters
Racing or driving the car immediately after switching on the ignition in the morning is harmful for the engine. Give the engine oil time to circulate.
Tip
After starting the car let it idle for 30–60 seconds so that the oil reaches every part of the engine.
Avoid overheating
Overheating is very harmful for the engine. If there is an issue in the radiator or coolant system the engine produces more heat.
Tip
- Keep checking the level of radiator fluid (coolant).
- If the engine is overheating do not drive get the issue fixed first.
Keep the air filter clean
Fresh air flow is a must in the engine. If the air filter gets dirty the engine gets less oxygen which slows down the fuel burning process.
Tip
Get the air filter checked every 15,000-20,000 km and replace it if necessary.
Take care of fuel quality
Cheap or low-quality fuel is harmful for your engine. It causes carbon deposits which affect both performance and mileage.
Tip
- Always fill fuel from a reputed petrol pump.
- If possible use high-octane fuel at any time (especially in performance cars).
Improve your driving style
If you do fast acceleration sudden braking and rough driving all this puts unnecessary stress on the engine.
Tip
- Use smooth acceleration and gear shifting.
- Learn to use engine braking correctly.
- Avoid driving the car unnecessarily at high RPM.
Do not ignore the engine light (Check Engine)
If the engine warning light on the dashboard turns on ignoring it can be very dangerous for the engine.
Tip
Get the car checked by a mechanic immediately and get the fault diagnosed and fixed.
Replace Spark Plugs on Time
Spark plugs ignite the fuel air mixture inside the engine. If they become weak the engine starts misfiring or knocking.
Tip
Get spark plugs replaced between 30,000–50,000 km.
Take care of Battery and Wiring
Weak battery or faulty wiring affects the engine’s ignition system, causing issues in engine starting.
Tip
- Keep battery terminals clean.
- If the battery is becoming weak, get it replaced timely.
Keep the Engine Bay Clean
Dirty and debris that gets stuck in the engine bay can damage wiring and sensors.
Tip
Make it a routine to clean the engine area once a week with a soft brush and blowing.
Follow the Routine Maintenance Schedule
Every car company provides a maintenance schedule that states when to change oil, filters, plugs, belts, etc.
Tip
Following the schedule in the owner’s manual will prolong the life of your engine.
Get the timing belt or chain checked
If this is not replaced in time, it can break, causing severe engine damage.
Tip
After 60,000–100,000 km, make sure to get the timing belt/chain inspected.
Do not let the engine idle for too long
Leaving the vehicle idle for too long wastes fuel and puts stress on the engine – especially with AC.
Tip
If you have to stop for more than 1 minute, it is better to switch off the engine.
Conclusion
If you want your car’s engine to work perfectly for a long time then definitely focus on regular maintenance fuel quality and driving habits. Engine is the heart of a car and if it is healthy then your car will also run healthy.
Small things like getting the oil changed timely avoiding overheating and keeping filters clean can save you from heavy repair bills.
So if you want your car to be smooth powerful and reliable then start following these tips from today itself.
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