Your engine is the most crucial element to any vehicle. Speaking in terms of priority, it sits above any other area in your ride. This is why it is so important that a vehicle owners understands how to maintain their engine. You need to be train yourself to locate engine problems and fix them should the time ever arise so that you don’t receive a high online car insurance quote.
Why Do Cars Break Down?
It doesn’t matter how well your car is running today- eventually, it will start experiencing some problems. Some vehicles have been known to reach several hundred thousand miles without requiring any heavy tune-ups. Others need major fixing far earlier. For example, if a vehicle was in an accident then this could cause it to start having problems. In rare instances, it could have been shipped from the factor with a defect.
Harsh driving conditions can also cause a vehicle to breakdown. The harder you drive your vehicle, the faster it’s going to get worn down. However, the biggest reason why a vehicle runs bad has very little to do with accidents or harsh conditions- it has to do with the owner not properly maintain their engine.
Engines Need Attention
When it comes to any vehicle, the engine is the most important component. It is often referred to as the “soul of the car”. For those who think otherwise, consider this: even if you have a brand new paint job and set of sparkling tires, you’ll still get nowhere if your engine is running badly. So yes, the engine is the soul of the car.
In order to make your engine last for a long time, it is essential that you train yourself to regularly maintain it. You’ll need to become familiar with:
- Changing the oil
- Checking the belt
- Adding enough coolant
- And much more…
Below are some tips to think about to ensure that your engine runs smoothly.
Engine Maintenance Tips
First and foremost, oil is the most important factor that determines the lifespan of any engine. The great news is that maintaining this area is very simple and cost efficient. Oil levels must be checked on a regular basis- at least once every two weeks. You should also check it before embarking on any long road trips. Simply open the cap, pull out the dipstick (have a rag handy), and determine if you have enough oil.
Most cars will have an indicator near the gas gauge which lets you know your engine oil level. If the oil is running low or isn’t lubricating things properly, the light will pop on. This is your warning. Immediately check your oil and either fill it up or change it depending on what is required. Never, ever allow your vehicle to run without oil.
You’ll be lucky to get a few miles without causing some significant damage. Also, if there isn’t enough oil pressure then parts aren’t getting lubricated like they are supposed to and this will also result in something bad happening to your engine.
Coolant, Belts, and Spark Plugs
It is also important that you make sure that your engine has enough coolant in it. On the same note, upon checking this area of your engine, go ahead and check for any leaks or corrosion in or around your radiator. Next, check your belts. An average engine belt has a life expectancy of about 4 years. However, if you inspect it and notice any frays or cracks, then go ahead and replace it.
Finally, make sure you are using good spark plugs. As a general rule of thumb, try to have them changed every 60,000 miles or so. For those spark plugs which are made of metal, it is advised that you change them every 30,000 miles. The good news is that spark plugs are very, very cheap and are extremely easy to change. Check your owner’s manual for proper gapping and order of the spark plugs.
About the Author
Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer providing valuable tips and advice for consumers looking for online car insurance quote. Her husband pokes fun and calls her the walking infomercial because she loves spending her time surfing the Internet, learning new things, and snagging deals. She writes articles on somewhat confusing topics and helps others save and manage their money.
