Keeping the car engine in good shape

CAR ENGINE is a complex machine, composed of moving pieces that convert power into motion. It is considered the heart of a car, but instead of pumping blood, the engine pumps air and fuel. Thus, to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect working condition, owners have to keep the engine clean and fresh, which usually comes down to one thing: maintenance.

Engine maintenance is the process of regularly inspecting various systems and components of the engine, and performing repairs or upgrades if necessary.

While automotive technology is constantly improving – modern cars are now equipped with more advanced technological innovations and are capable of clocking up more miles – it is still important to keep engine maintenance in mind. This way, owners could be saved from future repair costs, while optimizing the car’s performance and extending its life.

Some of the most common causes of engine problems are lack of regular oil changes, driving low on oil, overheating, using low-quality fuel or oil, and design and parts flaws. Observing preventive maintenance measures that address these things can help the vehicle stay in good state.

According to Samarins.com, a recognized online resource for used car buyers and owners, the engine has a lot of moving and rotating parts that need to be well lubricated.

As the vehicle moves, engine oil gradually degrades; it loses its lubricating qualities and carbonizes under high temperatures. Changing oil regularly prevents this from happening, making sure that the engine is clean.

“If you continue driving much longer past the regular oil interval, the friction slowly increases causing mechanical wear and the engine slowly gets contaminated with carbon deposits or sludge. Through the engine ventilation system these carbon deposits are transferred into the engine intake and build up inside the throttle body and on the valves. This might cause lack of power, rough idle,” the site says. “If you don’t remember when you have done your last oil change, check the engine oil with the dipstick; if it looks too dirty, have the oil change done.”

The online platform for car buyers and owners also says that driving with very low oil level may cause serious engine damage. Thus, it is important to check the oil, especially if the engine consumes oil between oil changes.

“Many cars have maintenance remainders that give you a warning when your next oil change is due, but a very few cars will actually warn you if the oil level drops. You still have to check the oil level manually. Car manufacturers recommend checking oil level at every fill-up. With our busy lives, this doesn’t sound realistic, but if you at least check it once a month, you might be able to catch your oil level getting low and top it up or have the oil change done. It takes just a couple minutes to check the oil level; all you need is a level spot to park your car and a clean rag to wipe out your dipstick,” Samarins.com says.

Overheating is another problem that is harmful to the engine. This may happen when the cooling system does not function well.

The fuel burned inside the engine produces a lot of heat. The heat is controlled by a cooling system that circulates liquid coolant from the engine into the radiator installed in the front of the car where the coolant is cooled down by the air flow passing through the radiator fins.

“One of the common problems with a cooling system is lack of coolant caused by leaks. Coolant leaks are very common in many cars. For this reason, it’s important to keep your engine coolant level full. If you found a coolant leak in the engine compartment or on your parking spot, have it fixed before lack of coolant will cause overheating; coolant is usually green, orange or red in color. If you notice the engine temperature rising above normal, have your car checked out before the engine overheats,” the site says.

The use of high-quality oil also matters in achieving an optimal engine performance. Most vehicles nowadays require synthetic oil as it offers better protection for the engine.

Samarins.com explains that synthetic oil can withstand higher temperature and can work longer without losing its lubricating qualities. It doesn’t get thicker at below-zero temperatures and provides better engine lubrication at a cold start.

“Using synthetic oil makes perfect sense if you have a low-mileage or turbo engine or often drive under severe conditions such as high temperatures, excessive load or long intervals without an oil change,” the site says.

Meanwhile, getting a regular tune-up, in which skilled technicians inspect the vehicle engine, analyze its performance, and make adjustments if needed, is highly recommended. If the engine is sluggish, lacks power, misfires or runs rough, a good tune-up often can make a notable difference.

According to Samarins.com, a tune-up is typically done every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. In newer cars, a tune-up may include changing the spark plugs, air filter and possible cleaning the throttle body. In older cars, distributor cap and rotor, ignition wires and fuel filter may also need to be replaced.