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Drivers must know how to maintain their car’s engine for peak performance. Doing so is an investment in the long-term health of your vehicle and will help minimize costly repairs down the line.
If you’re new to driving, be sure not to rev your engine too quickly. Doing so puts too much strain on the engine and may cause it to malfunction prematurely.
Oil Change
To guarantee optimal performance from your car’s engine, it is essential to regularly perform oil changes. This also includes maintaining its temperature settings properly.
Motor oil is an integral part of an internal combustion engine, as it helps to lubricate, cool and seal various parts within the engine. Furthermore, motor oil prevents corrosion and minimizes wear-and-tear on components.
When changing engine oil, whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to a shop, make sure the quality is suitable for your car and that the oil filter is replaced too. Using an inadequate type or grade of oil can result in premature wear and breakdown.
Coolant Change
Your car’s engine requires coolant to transfer and disperse heat. However, this fluid deteriorates over time, so it must be changed at certain intervals for optimal performance.
When it comes to coolant changes, the frequency depends on a number of factors including the vehicle’s manufacturer, age and mileage. Ideally, it should be changed after 60,000 miles and then every 30,000 or so thereafter.
Altering coolant also helps minimize the risk of corrosion within the cooling system, which could cause serious issues and be costly to repair.
Change coolant involves taking off the radiator cap, draining out some of the old fluid and replacing it with fresh coolant. This process should be performed by a qualified mechanic who can flush out all remnants of coolant and add fresh ones at the same time.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are one of the most essential elements in your car’s engine, and their spark directly impacts performance. Without proper spark plugs, your car’s engine could suffer significantly.
Spark plugs draw their electricity from an ignition coil under your car’s hood, then use that current to create a spark between two electrodes of the plug.
Once ignited, this ignites the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinder and helps your car’s engine run more smoothly until you reach your destination.
Spark plugs come in a range of heat ranges, so it’s essential to select the one suitable for your particular application. Cold plugs work best for high-horsepower engines with high compression while hot ones perform better on cars with lower horsepower and compression levels.
Air Filter
Your car’s engine requires a steady supply of fresh air to run efficiently. Without it, your engine could experience performance issues and require costly repairs.
An air filter works to trap dust, sand, and other particles before they enter your engine. Doing this prevents fuel from mixing with air in the combustion chambers or damaging engine components like cylinder walls and piston rings.
According to most vehicle owners, you should replace your filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions. As a general guideline, most cars require this level of maintenance; however, for further information you may consult either your owner’s manual or online resources for more specific recommendations.
Tires
Tires are essential to ensure your car’s engine runs efficiently. Unfortunately, they’re exposed to constant use and can become severely worn out if not regularly maintained.
Your car’s tires are composed of a complex mixture of rubber, textiles and fillers designed for optimal performance in various driving conditions. They may include nylon chords, carbon black, silica and other additives as needed.
The main structure of a tire is composed of body plies (also known as tread plies). These are composed of polyester, rayon and nylon cords bonded within an inner rubber layer.
The tire’s tread pattern is an important factor in grip, abrasion resistance, traction and wear. Tread wear – a numerical value measuring the depth of grooves within its tread – is one important indicator for how long a tire’s tread will last.
