As a car owner, you might think that you know your car really well. However, this is not entirely true. Many reputed garage professionals and experts have confirmed that major car issues are often caused due to negligence in maintenance and rash driving.
Lack of basic maintenance will not only reduce the life of your car but also result in a bad driving experience. Furthermore, it might also lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
To sidestep these mishaps, you need to familiarise yourself with basic car maintenance and follow a proactive approach to ensuring that your car remains healthy.
Amongst other components of your car, your car engine forms the heart of your car. With time it can lose its capability to perform well, which may require you to repair to replace the engine. When it comes to replacements or upgrades, it’s essential to choose reliable sources that supply good quality car parts in the UK.
To make the maintenance process easier for you, we have listed five maintenance tips for your car’s engine.
Let’s get started!
- Refill the Oil Regularly
The engine oil is one of the most important components of your engine. While keeping your car running, the engine parts can wear over time due to the constant friction. By keeping all the parts of the engine lubricated, the engine oil helps it to function smoothly and ensures that wear and tear is minimised.
Over time due to continuous usage, the oil level may drop, requiring a refill. If you fail to do so, the friction among the engine parts will increase, potentially damaging the engine.
- Change the Oil Regularly
In addition to minimising friction, the engine oil also traps foreign particles such as dust, soot and sediments and stops them from entering spaces where they should not be. Due to this mixing of dust and other particles, the colour and viscosity of the oil change over time, decreasing its ability to lubricate and protect the engine effectively.
When you observe these alterations in your car, it’s a sign for you to change the engine oil. Keeping a tab on the oil’s condition and refilling it at the recommended intervals will help keep your engine safe from potential damage while maintaining performance.
- Maintain the Recommended Level of Coolant
When the engine runs, there are a lot of internal processes that convert the fuel into power needed for your vehicle to function. These complex processes result in combustion, generating a significant amount of heat during the process. Your car engine is mostly made up of metals and alloys, which are not immune to the intense heat produced during the combustion.
The coolant in your car tank performs the essential function of keeping your engine cool by absorbing and dissipating intense heat. If the coolant levels drop, your engine can overheat and potentially cause serious damage. This is why you need to check the coolant level on a regular basis and conduct a refill as and when required.
- Clean the Air Filters
Just as we need oxygen, your car engine needs it for combustion. The air is transferred to the engine through filters. If these filters are blocked or congested with dust or debris, it can restrict the flow of air into the engine.
Understandably, if the engine doesn’t receive the adequate amount of oxygen as it should, the combustion will not happen as it should. The fuel will not burn, which means the engine won’t perform. Additionally, this might also lead to increased emissions, causing more pollution. Cleaning your air filters regularly will ensure adequate airflow, leading to a smooth driving experience.
- Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
Engine oil leaks can happen due to a number of reasons such as loose or damaged seals, a worn-out oil pan gasket, or even a damaged oil filter. These leaks can cause your engine oil levels to drop and thereby, harm your engine.
Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye out for leaks and address them as soon as you find one. While taking your car out of the driveway, stop for a few minutes and look beneath it for any signs of leaks on the ground. Furthermore, you can even check under the hood of your car or be attentive for any smells familiar to your engine fluids.
To Sum It Up
A car’s engine is a complex machine but following the simple checks mentioned above will keep it healthy and maintain an optimal performance. Neglecting regular maintenance may initially seem enticing as it will save you some bucks. However, avoidance will lead to issues that may require costly repairs.
Therefore, taking the time for routine checks and addressing small problems early can prevent bigger headaches and keep your car running smoothly. In addition to these personal checks, take your car to the service centre for professional servicing as recommended by the manufacturer.
