Five Engine Maintenance Tips
Everyone knows that a body's condition is related to what is put into it. If we eat fatty foods, smoke and remain inactive, we can become sick and tired. Think of car maintenance in the same way. Neglecting to maintain your car's systems can lead to engine trouble, even total failure. Head off such issues at the pass by keeping track of the following points.
1. Everyone knows you need to put gasoline into your car or it will stop running. Not everyone realizes how critically important oil is to the life of an automobile. Engine oil has a limited life span and after a time, starts to "carbonize" and lose its lubricating quality and effectiveness. If you fail to change the oil, carbon deposits will start clogging the oil pick-up screen, causing the oil supply to the engine to decrease and causing friction. It's also important to check the oil level periodically to keep your car running smoothly.
2. We all need water on a hot summer day so that we don't overheat or get dehydrated, and the same is true for your car. It's very important to make certain that the levels of coolant are high in order to prevent your car's engine from getting so hot that it will no longer function properly.
3. There are some elements that need to be evaluated on a routine basis, as they are pivotal in terms of how well your engine functions. Make sure that you ask your mechanic to perform a tune-up regularly, which should include checking the fuel and air filters, spark plugs and timing belt.
4. The battery of your car needs to be checked regularly to ensure that its terminals aren't loose. Be sure to look for cracks or damage, and if there is leakage of battery acid, have it replaced as soon as possible. The acid can burn through other parts of your engine and cause major issues.
5. Take care of minor problems before they spiral into larger ones. Check out such relatively small issues as a tapping noise in the engine, or a feeling of "pulling" to one side, which could mean your car is out of alignment. Always pay attention to the "check engine" lights that may come on, since they are warning you that an issue in the engine needs to be addressed. Dealing with it now will head off more serious problems down the road.
You really don't need to be a mechanic to take care of your car properly. If you perform all the preventive maintenance that is recommended, you'll keep it going well into the future. Just as you keep your health on track with check-ups, taking care of your car before there's a problem can keep it going for years to come.
1. Everyone knows you need to put gasoline into your car or it will stop running. Not everyone realizes how critically important oil is to the life of an automobile. Engine oil has a limited life span and after a time, starts to "carbonize" and lose its lubricating quality and effectiveness. If you fail to change the oil, carbon deposits will start clogging the oil pick-up screen, causing the oil supply to the engine to decrease and causing friction. It's also important to check the oil level periodically to keep your car running smoothly.
2. We all need water on a hot summer day so that we don't overheat or get dehydrated, and the same is true for your car. It's very important to make certain that the levels of coolant are high in order to prevent your car's engine from getting so hot that it will no longer function properly.
3. There are some elements that need to be evaluated on a routine basis, as they are pivotal in terms of how well your engine functions. Make sure that you ask your mechanic to perform a tune-up regularly, which should include checking the fuel and air filters, spark plugs and timing belt.
4. The battery of your car needs to be checked regularly to ensure that its terminals aren't loose. Be sure to look for cracks or damage, and if there is leakage of battery acid, have it replaced as soon as possible. The acid can burn through other parts of your engine and cause major issues.
5. Take care of minor problems before they spiral into larger ones. Check out such relatively small issues as a tapping noise in the engine, or a feeling of "pulling" to one side, which could mean your car is out of alignment. Always pay attention to the "check engine" lights that may come on, since they are warning you that an issue in the engine needs to be addressed. Dealing with it now will head off more serious problems down the road.
You really don't need to be a mechanic to take care of your car properly. If you perform all the preventive maintenance that is recommended, you'll keep it going well into the future. Just as you keep your health on track with check-ups, taking care of your car before there's a problem can keep it going for years to come.
About the Author:
Ruth Williams is a journalist with many interests which include online degree programs and online degrees for working women.