Three Tips To Keep Your Vehicle's Engine Running For Many Years To Come
Your engine is arguably the most important part of your vehicle. If it goes out on an old car, the repair costs might be so high that you'd be better off just buying a newer vehicle. To avoid this fate, a regular maintenance schedule is key. Here are three tips to help ensure your vehicle keeps chugging along for years to come.
Get Your Oil Changed Like Clockwork
Everyone knows that an engine oil change is a common car maintenance task. But far too many people try to push their luck and stretch out the length of time in between oil changes. If you want to keep wear and tear on your engine to an absolute minimum, you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles or 90 days, whichever comes first. You can't afford to be lazy about this unless you are fine with one day having to pay a large repair bill for engine services or repair.
Maintain the Cooling System
Engine oil is the most commonly changed fluid within your vehicle, but there are a lot of other features under the hood that are responsible for keeping your engine running, namely the cooling system. The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump and most importantly, the coolant itself. Each time you go under the hood to change the engine oil, get into the habit of inspecting your coolant level as well. You need to have a decent amount of coolant circulating throughout the engine if you want the cooling system to work properly. If you notice a cooling problem, take it to a professional immediately as the cost of fixing one part of the system will be much less money than what it will cost if the entire thing overheats and gives out.
Don't Forget the Air Filter
While not technically as important as the engine oil or the coolant, your air filter still plays an important role in protecting your engine. Air filters keep all of the gunk that can come flying at your car out of the engine area. But over time, as the filter gets dirty, it becomes less and less effective. This means the engine either won't get enough air to do its job properly or it will get gunked up with dirt, leaves, and other outside nuisances. Periodically inspect your air filter and change as needed.
If you want to keep your vehicle's engine in good shape, an oil change is a good place to start but make sure you remain diligent about sticking to a set schedule. Keep an eye on other areas that help protect the engine like the cooling system and the air filter as well and your engine will hopefully keep chugging along for quite some time. If you encounter a problem, take your vehicle to a shop that specializes in engine services and repair.
For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://59autorepair.com/home/4150898.