Your engine is the “heart” of your car so it’s essential you do everything you can to make sure to runs as smooth as possible. While other parts of a vehicle can be easily replaced, an engine replacement can cost over $2,000 or more and sometimes is completely not worth the expense. Most people who find themselves in need of an engine replacement opt to get a new car at that point. Thankfully, there’s preventative measures you can take to ensure your engine is protected and working to the best of its potential.
Consistent Oil Changes
Most mechanics will request you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, however this isn’t an absolute due to the advances in technology. Most cars which utilize full synthetic oil can go around 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. The main reason you need to get your oil changed is as your oil passes through the engine it collects dirt and loses its viscosity. The longer you go without a change, the thicker the oil becomes making it harder to pass through the engine. If you wait too long, your engine can actually burn out. Not a fun experience for sure. We recommended going by what your owner’s manual suggests as an oil changing timeframe.
Transmission Maintenance
A damaged transmission can cost thousands of dollars to replace and can actually result in engine troubles as well. Most transmission issues stem from low fluid levels as well as dirty fluid. It’s imperative you get your fuel levels checked and make sure it’s running properly. You should usually do a fluid flush every 40,000 miles. So keep a good track record.
Change Your Dirty Air Filters
One often overlooked item is your air filter but it’s actually an important part of vehicle and engine maintenance. Your air filter needs to be changed every 15,000 miles or so. It’s primary function is making sure that dirt and other particles don’t enter your car’s engine. The dirtier it gets, the less efficient it is and if dirt builds up in your engine it can lead to bigger problems. It can also lead to fuel efficiency issues as well. So change it!
While these are just the top three tips for engine maintenance, there are many other reasons to keep your car up-to-date. You must think of each part like a domino, when one fails it can then topple other parts and create a huge and expensive mess. Always check your owner’s manual for maintenance timelines and procedures. You will thank us later.
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