Your vehicle’s engine is the heart of its mechanical system, and proper maintenance is key. Yet, most of us don’t know how to properly take care of it. With proper care, your engine can last 50% more than usual while providing excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
So, what are the engine maintenance tips? Change the oil and air filters regularly. Clean the battery terminals, engine bay, and the fuel system. Lastly, replace spark plugs when worn out and maintain proper tire inflation.
Nevertheless, the question of when to perform these maintenance tips always comes up. Don’t worry, we will cover everything here. Let’s go ahead and begin.
7 Engine Maintenance Tips For A Superior Engine
I can go on forever about engine maintenance. But these are the 7 that will cover 80% of your problems.
1. Change Oil Regularly
You should change your engine oil every 3000 miles to keep your engine healthy. Engine oil plays a crucial role in keeping the overall system lubricated.
So when you don’t change it regularly, engine components such as pistons are not lubricated. As a result, friction between these components increases and causes damage.
2. Change Air Filters As Per Manufacturer’s Recommendation
On average, you should change it every 15,000 miles. However, the frequency of air filter changes depends on various factors, including the type of air filter, and your driving conditions. Thus, we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines that are found in your vehicle’s manual.
On the other hand, you can also rely on your visual inspection. Regularly check the air filter for dirt accumulation and replace it when there’s excessive dirt.
3. Regular Battery Maintenance
If the battery level is low, then it’s a good idea to replace it immediately. It’s usually considered low when it’s under 50% or 12.2 volts. Fortunately, there are devices such as a multimeter to check the battery level.
However, if your battery level is fine, then all you need to do is clean the battery terminals once a year. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to ensure the battery is securely fastened to prevent vibration damage.
Here’s a video that should help you with checking the battery level;
4. Clean The Fuel System
The fuel system plays a pivotal role in delivering the correct amount of clean fuel to the engine for combustion. So, you must keep the fuel system clean by using fuel injector cleaners and changing fuel filters regularly.
In general, every 30000 miles should be a milestone for cleaning the fuel system and 5000 miles for changing oil filters.
On the other hand, using high-quality fuel also falls under fuel system maintenance. Thus, always opt for a reputable fuel station to refill your fuel.
5. Clean The Engine Bay Regularly
Cleaning the engine bay is mandatory to prevent dirt and debris buildup, which can cause damage to engine components. On average, you should clean the engine bay every 3-6 months to receive optimal performance.
6. Inspect and Replace Spark Plug
Worn-out spark plugs can cause poor engine performance. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
7. Maintain Proper Tire Inflation
When tires are at the correct pressure, the engine doesn’t have to exert additional effort to overcome the drag caused by underinflated tires. While the average optimal tire pressure is between 30-35 PSI, it varies significantly between vehicles. So check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended level.
Nevertheless, you should do this check-up every month.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding engine maintenance tips;
Is it necessary to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
It is recommended that you do but it’s certainly not mandatory. If you feel that the oil filter is in good condition, you can use the old one.
How often should I take my car for a professional checkup?
The rule of thumb is to schedule a professional checkup at least once a year. Similarly, you can also use 15,000 miles as an indication that your vehicle needs a checkup. Contrarily, if you drive under severe conditions, then scheduling a checkup every 4 months is a good idea.
Can engine maintenance help improve fuel efficiency?
Yes, engine maintenance is directly related to fuel efficiency. With regular oil and filter changes, it can significantly increase fuel efficiency.
Overall, these 7 engine maintenance tips are the easiest and most effective ones to follow. Simply cleaning the engine bay, battery terminals, and fuel system can add a lot to your engine’s lifespan.
Similarly, regularly changing the oil and air filter ensures the oil that gets in the engine is free of contamination. So don’t wait any longer and apply these tips for a superior engine.