Taking care of your car’s engine can mean the difference between rather it will become your best friend, or not. Conversely, if your car is your best friend; take care of the engine! The EngineThe car engine is a lively organ comprised of external components: the engine block and cylinder heads, and internal components: the cylinders, crankshaft, connective rods, pistons, spark plugs, fuel injectors, intake and exhaust valves, camshafts, and a timing belt. The engine is the heart of the car and uses gasoline and internal combustion to fuel its drive. Caring for Your EngineTake care of your engine like you would anything else you love, and it will take care of you. To care for your engine, you should change the oil regularly as well as the air filters, schedule basic maintenance, and use the proper gasoline and antifreeze.
Oil ChangeYou should schedule an oil change every 7,500 miles or 6 months. Motor oil provides lubrication to the engine’s components, which helps parts glide smoothly through one another. Motor oil also helps keep the engine clean by picking up dirt between parts. And lastly, motor oil helps keep the engine cool by reducing friction between parts, and since your engine doesn’t have to work so hard, it also helps save on gas. For the best performance, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the proper oil to be used in your car. Air FiltersA clean air filter helps prevent particles from getting into the combustion compartment of the engine. A clogged air filter can negatively affect the performance of your engine, so be sure to check and replace your air filters regularly. If you do a lot of stop and go driving or drive on dirt roads, be sure to inspect your air filters more often.
Basic MaintenanceInspect and replace your vehicle’s hoses, filters, timing belts, and spark plugs at regular intervals to avoid emergencies, surprises, and extensive damage to your engine. Consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s specifications on when to schedule maintenance as well as the proper parts to be used. GasolineGasoline makes your engine go. To determine rather you should use low, medium, or premium-grade gasoline in your car, simply revert to your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which will alert you to the correct gasoline grade to use for the best performance of your engine. Engine CoolantAntifreeze is vital to maintaining your engine. It helps keep your engine cool and the engine block from freezing in the winter. However, all antifreeze is not made for every car. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct antifreeze for your car as well as how often it should be changed. Antifreeze can be purchased at any auto parts store such as AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts