How to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Engine
The engine is the heart of your car, and it helps keep everything running smoothly. Implementing a few simple habits for proper maintenance can help extend its lifespan and save you money on repairs.
If your car is no longer reliable, consider an alternative. Instead of letting the vehicle collect dust, you could just sell your car to Pick-n-Pull and get cash for it quickly. On the other hand, if you want to keep your vehicle in good shape, you can extend the engine’s lifespan by following the tips below.
Regular Oil Changes and Fluid Maintenance
One of the easiest ways to increase the lifespan of your engine is to stay on top of oil changes. Engines have moving parts that create friction, and oil lubricates everything to keep things running smoothly.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
It’s recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. Still, you should always look at the owner’s manual, especially if you drive in extreme conditions like heavy traffic or cold weather. If that’s the case, you might need to make more frequent oil changes.
Other Fluids to Monitor
Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all need to be at proper levels alongside your oil. If that’s not the case, you can cause significant damage to your vehicle over time.
Keep Your Cooling System in Check
One of the worst ways to destroy your engine is to let it overheat. The cooling system is supposed to regulate temperatures and help prevent this. Here are four steps you can follow to help maintain your cooling systems.
How to Maintain the Cooling System
- Top up coolant when it’s needed and check it regularly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when you flush the coolant system.
- Inspect the radiator and hoses for leaks and cracks.
- Check that the water pump and thermostat are working properly.
Drive Smart to Reduce Wear and Tear
Engaging in smart driving tactics can also increase the longevity of your engine. Aggressive acceleration and sudden breaking put a strain on the engine and other components. Take a look at some of these best practices.
Best Driving Practices
- Avoid carbon buildup by not idling.
- Don’t rev up the engine as a way of warming up your car in the winter.
- Avoid rapid acceleration and stick to speed limits.
- Slow down your car instead of relying on the brakes alone.
Change Your Air and Fuel Filters
Fuel and air filters keep your engine free of contaminants. Dirty filters can lead to inefficiencies and lead to engine misfires as well. Here’s what to do with your filters.
When to Replace Filters
- Change your air filter after no more than 25,000 kilometres.
- Replacing fuel filters every 50,000 kilometres is a good rule of thumb.
Monitor Your Timing Belt and Other Key Components
Neglecting parts like the timing belt or serpentine belt can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
What to Inspect Regularly
Timing belts need to be replaced roughly every 100,000 to 160,000 kilometres, depending on your vehicle. In addition to inspecting the timing belt, you’ll want to look at the ignition coils and spark plugs for wear and tear as well. Hearing unusual noises coming from your engine might also indicate failing components, so be wary of that.
Listen for Warning Signs
Watch out for these warning signs so that you can avoid costly repairs in the future.
Common Warning Signs
The first thing you’re going to want to watch out for is if the check engine light is staying on. That’s an obvious telltale sign. What’s not so obvious is that you might hear knocking or ticking sounds from the engine. If so, there’s likely a problem.
On another note, if fuel efficiency suddenly drops or you see excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, you should call someone for help.
When It’s Time to Let Go
Every car engine has a lifespan. If you are experiencing constant breakdowns, getting rid of your car might be better than trying to repair it. Here are five smart ways to get rid of a car that doesn’t run.
You can maximize the lifespan of your car’s engine by following these tips. Remember that regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your vehicle, it also helps with safety and fuel efficiency. Taking care of your car’s engine is well worth the effort.
