Most of the time, car owners do not really spend time thinking about the engine. The only time when auto owners notice the engine is when it starts making sound. This is why a car’s engine should be looked after regularly. Engines need regular check up and maintenance to ensure optimum driving condition. To be able to take care of the engine as well as avoid future problems, here are 6 useful ways to protect your car’s engine.
The oil should be regularly changed.
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One of the most important things to keep your engine in good shape is to change the oil. Oil serves as lubricant to essential parts of an engine to avoid overheating. The engine will not function without the oil. If you change your car’s oil at long intervals, this may eventually cause serious damage to the engine. The ideal time for changing the oil will vary but the suggested interval is every 5 thousand miles but there are engines that can stay longer or even below that figure. Also make sure to follow the suggestion of your auto manufacturer specifically for your car’s interval oil change. You can also do a quick research online using your car specifics.
Leaks should always be checked.
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Leaks are fairly easy to detect. If you start to smell something unpleasant, there’s probably a leak. Among the fluids in your car that you want to check are the anti-freeze and oil. Engine hoses often fail due to intense pressure and heat. Engine hoses which are made of rubber, especially if they are cracked and old, may leak antifreeze. This may be the same with parts containing rubber silicon and seal. It is a good thing to check under the hood and smell or inspect any leak from the engine. If you notice a minor leak, make sure to get ahead before it becomes a major problem.
The engine should be able to breathe.
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Next to fuel, air is the second most important ingredient to keep your car’s engine running well. Air that’s unrestricted and pure needs to come into the engine constantly. The air filter in your car keeps dirt and other impurities from getting in the engine. This filter gets clogged over time, thus needs replacing. The life of an air filter will eventually depend on road conditions and driving habits. If the filter gets too dirty, it might not be doing efficient job. When changing the oil, check the air filter if it’s clean. Then replace if necessary in order to keep the engine smoothly running as well as protect it from other road debris.
The fuel filter should be regularly replaced.
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Much like an air filter, the fuel filter serves to protect your car’s engine from harmful particles and sediment in the gasoline as well as in the engine. Don’t worry if you have not changed the fuel filer in a short while, you can still replace it so that the engine will run smoothly. Although some fuel filters may be difficult to reach, there are some that are accessible. Thus it’s easy for car owners to replace their fuel filters. If it’s hard to reach your car’s fuel filter, you better go to a mechanic and let him do it. The new fuel filter then keeps gas in your engine clean. This will enable less build up of materials inside the engine and of course, to keep it in good running shape.
The wires and spark plugs should be changed.
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Another simple way to protect your car’s engine is changing the wires and spark plugs. The wires that run from the distributor send electrical currents that ignite the spark plugs to generate fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. These wires are always used and may cause the engine to run rough over time. To change the wires and plugs is not really a difficult process and often inexpensive. Most car manufacturers usually recommend changing the wires and spark plugs every 30 thousand miles although some can go longer. Make sure to also change the wires while changing the spark plugs. This is to ensure the best electrical current is transported to the plugs. Your engine will surely be happy if you change the spark plugs and wires regularly.
No sudden stops and starts.
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If your engine were able to talk, it might tell you to go easy on the driving. A car’s engine will run much better and longer if it is driven at continuous speed. Imagine you’re running a race at constant speed and you do sudden stops every minute. This could result to fatigue and you will easily wear yourself. Engines work in the same way. If possible, keep the car’s rpm and speed consistently. Doing this will help you achieve better mileage and a stronger engine.
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