Your engine is the life force of your car, and the vehicle is practically worthless if the engine breaks down. Since your car is a significant purchase, you want to ensure that it gives you a good return on investment. However, this can’t happen without some help from you, and you need to make sure that its engine is functioning well at all times.
A well-maintained engine will not only save you money, it will also keep your vehicle from overheating or stalling at a dangerous intersection. If your engine isn’t working properly, you can take your car to reputable car repairs and service center. While the car engine appears to be one large component, it is actually made up of many small parts that function together to power your vehicle.
Tips to Preserve Your Engine’s Condition
Routine engine maintenance is necessary to prevent potential issues. Mentioned below are some tips to follow:
- Keeping The Engine Clean- You would be doing your car a great disservice if you leave your engine dirty. This is a critical component of your car, and if it fails to start, the car will not move. It is important to keep the engine clear of dust, dirt, and debris.
Your car is exposed to the environment as it runs on the road. Blowing leaves and debris may get inside the car and clog the filters over time. Pests may make a home in your car as well. If the engine is coated in grease, it can be difficult for it to cool off easily, resulting in overheating.
The professionals at the garage will clean the engine’s exterior with a degreasing agent and will use a vacuum to clean out dust, debris, and dirt, from around its casing. If you hear any type of odd noises, smell something strange, or see smoke, coming from the engine, do not crank the car, and call an auto repair garage.
- Spark Plug Cleaning- Check and clean the spark plug frequently so that no residue or grime gets into the combustion chamber. During regular service, the mechanic will detach the plug lead and carefully clean the area around it ensuring that no residue enters the combustion chamber when the spark plug is removed. They will remove the plug, and will brush out any clinging dirt or residue, with a special cleaner. They would look for shattered porcelain and burnt electrodes.
- Sufficient Lubrication- The engine has many moving parts that need lubrication for it to run smoothly. If the parts are not well oiled, the friction created by the moving components can cause them to rub and grind against each other, resulting in damage. An ungreased engine is also susceptible to corrosion. If the damage is minor, it might be possible to reverse it. At times, you will need to replace parts for the car’s engine to run properly.
- Oil Changes– One of the most significant factors influencing engine performance is oil changes. Most people tend to defer changing the engine oil and that is a folly. With time, the oil inside the engine gets dull, cloudy, and unusable, preventing the engine from getting the most out of the lubrication mechanism.
We recommend testing and replacing the oil every six months or after every 5,000 miles to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and that, the engine is receiving all of the benefits from the oil.
If you feel that there is something wrong with your car’s engine, make an appointment with a certified garage. Any odd smells, smoke or sounds are indications that there might be something wrong with the engine and would need to be checked immediately.