When your engine’s health suffers, so does your car’s overall performance. Other related systems may run into problems, you may have trouble getting the acceleration power you need, and you may burn through fuel faster than normal. Keeping your car’s engine running efficiently is key to optimal performance and extending the life of your vehicle overall — and it allows you to enjoy each drive stress-free.
What Does Your Engine Need to Stay Healthy?
Certain systems and services help optimize the engine’s function and keep it running efficiently. Not only will you notice better performance from your car, but you’ll also avoid some of the more costly engine repairs by keeping up with these maintenance services and keeping key parts healthy.
Regular Engine Oil Changes
An efficient engine relies on sufficient healthy engine oil. This fluid circulates through the engine, keeping moving parts lubricated and creating the necessary hydraulic pressure to keep the system operating at its best. If engine oil becomes too low, dirty, or old, it can’t properly serve this purpose, leading to poor acceleration, an overheating engine, and other possible problems.
Schedule regular engine oil change services according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations.
Well-Functioning Cooling System
Though engine oil helps maintain a healthy operating temperature, your car’s cooling system is more important to prevent overheating. Just like engine oil, the level and condition of coolant is essential to keep the engine and other related systems healthy. As coolant cycles in and out of the engine, it draws heat away, keeping the engine temperature at a safe level.
Whether you need fresh coolant or key parts of the cooling system are wearing out, it’s essential to keep up with these services and repairs.
Clean Air & Fuel Filters
Grime and debris can build up in the engine — help keep them out by replacing the air and fuel filters regularly. Over time, filters will become clogged with sludge, debris, and other contaminants that are being kept out of the engine. This makes it more difficult for adequate fuel and oxygen to make it into the engine, which can lead to poor performance.
Clean & Functional Spark Plugs
Once fuel makes it into the engine, it’s mixed with oxygen in the cylinders and ignited by spark plugs. Over time, spark plugs can become corroded or dirty and wear out. This can lead to engine misfires, poor acceleration, and even damage to the engine’s cylinders. As soon as you notice possible signs of faulty spark plugs, schedule an appointment with your mechanic to have them replaced.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Engine Wear
Part of engine maintenance is paying attention to subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs a problem is looming. While taking note of changes in performance is key to knowing when a service or repair is needed, there are other signs to pay attention to.
Check for Leaks After Parking Your Car
Have you ever backed out of your parking spot and noticed spots on the ground? Your car uses a number of fluids to keep key systems running, but one of the most common causes of drips under your car is an engine oil leak. Any number of parts can begin to leak as they wear out, including seals and gaskets. Take note of where you notice spots under your car, use the dipstick to check your engine oil, and schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic.
Don’t Ignore the Check Engine Light
It can be tempting to procrastinate scheduling an auto repair appointment when the Check Engine Light comes on, especially if there are no other noticeable symptoms. However, this dashboard warning light is a key indication that there’s an issue with your car’s engine — and a lack of other signs means you might be able to stay ahead of more serious car problems by scheduling an appointment now. You also don’t want to ignore a serious engine repair that’s flying under the radar, aside from an illuminated Check Engine Light.
Healthy Habits Make a Healthy Engine
Avoiding major engine repairs isn’t just about keeping up with regular mechanic appointments and looking out for signs of trouble. It’s also important to pay attention to your daily driving habits and make adjustments where possible to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
Don’t Let Your Gas Tank Get Too Low
Many vehicles now alert drivers when they’re driving on reserve fuel. Not only does this mean you’ll have no choice but to fuel up soon, it also means there’s likely more debris and “junk” making its way into the fuel pump. This can cause engine performance to take a hit, as well as cause extra wear on the fuel pump itself.
Avoid Aggressive Driving & Variable Speeds
Engines are built to run optimally at constant speeds. This is one reason city driving leads to lower fuel economy than highway driving. While you may not be able to avoid stop-and-go traffic, the more aggressively you accelerate and brake, the more wear and tear you’re putting on parts in the engine — as well as other systems like the transmission and brakes. Instead, take it easy and be gentle with both the gas and brake pedals.
Keep Your Engine Healthy with a Visit to Your Local AAMCO
When it’s time for an engine repair or regular maintenance service, you can trust the expert mechanics at your local AAMCO Chester auto shop. We’ll help keep your car’s essential systems running their best so you can enjoy each drive. Schedule your appointment with us online today!