8 tips to keep your engine in perfect working condition

By Farzana Chaumoo

The engine is the heart of your vehicle and it demands proper care. In doing so, you should have your engine checked regularly. Here are 5 tips to help you look after your car engine properly and avoid any critical problems.

 

Habit has it, that you'll get into your car, start the engine and drive off. But do you ever consider thinking about the well-being of your car’s engine? Majority of car owners never really spare the time for it and only take notice once the vehicle starts to make noise or it didn’t start at all.

 

1. Replace the engine oil timeously

The oil in your engine operates as a lubricant to your engine parts. The oil keeps operation between parts smooth and keeps them from overheating. By omitting an oil change you can cause major damage to your engine’s performance over time. You should follow your manufacturer’s guideline on the recommended time intervals for engine oil changing.

 

2. Checking the cooling component

Following regular oil replacement, this is the next important tip. The radiator, water pump, thermostat and coolant all form part of the cooling system of your car. In order to prevent your engine from overheating, you need to ensure regular and timely checks to all these components.

To keep your radiator blowing cold air around all engine parts, top up your radiator’s fluid regularly. Similarly, the other parts that make up the cooling system in your car also require proper maintenance.

 

3. Cleaning your air filters

The air filters in your car prevent harmful and unwanted foreign debris like dirt, leaves, bugs or contaminants from entering your engine. Once this dirt accumulates it may block the filters and can impact on the engine’s performance. That's why it's recommended to get your air filters cleaned properly so your engine can breathe clearly. And while they do last long, air filters, like any other component of your car, wear away over time and will also need replacing eventually.

 

4. Replace belts before they are completely worn

The belt contributes to the efficient functioning of the fan, alternator, conditioner and water pump. They are usually durable and last long but if it breaks while the engine is on, it can cause considerable damage that's why experts recommend replacing the belts when you begin to see cracks or damage on it.

 

5. Check for leaks

You don't need to be a mechanical engineer to locate a leak. Much of the time it can be spotted from a smell or spots on the floor. If you smell or see something leaking, inspect your engine. It is wise to get in the habit of checking the ground where you park your car in order to see if there is a leakage especially if you have an older car or problematic car. Spotting problems early can save you money!

 

6. Letting your fuel tank reach ‘empty’ levels

A car that has been driven for many years would have accumulated a good amount of junk sediment at the bottom of the fuel tank. If you continue running a car until the fuel hits the bottom, there are chances that sediment can get into the engine and damage it considerably. That's why it's suggested to keep your fuel tank at least half-filled all times.

 

7. Overlooking Warning Lights

Don't ignore warning lights on your dash as the reason it's on is to indicate a major possible problem. Take your car to a mechanic when warning lights come on and have it checked. 

 

8. Driving at a constant pace

The way you drive your vehicle can drastically impact on its timeframe. Lengthening the timeframe can start from simply avoiding driving on poor-condition roads, to watching out for potholes and to driving the car at a constant speed as it not only helps give maximum fuel efficiency but will also help the engine deliver optimal performance for a longer period.

 

 

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