Engine failure is one of the most common and costly car repairs. It can even lead to the death of your car which is best to avoid if your can.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent that from happening.
In this blog post, we’ll share the top 5 ways to prevent engine failure. Make sure you are doing the following to keep your car happy.
1. Check Your Oil Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to prevent engine failure is to check your oil regularly.
Your car’s oil helps lubricate the engine and keep it cool. If your oil level gets too low, it can cause the engine to overheat and fail.
Checking your oil level is easy to do yourself:
- Just pop the hood and find the dipstick.
- Pull the dipstick and wipe it clean before taking a reading.
- Then put the dipstick back in and out it out.
- You want to see the oil line in the recommended range.
- If there is not enough, you will need to add some.
- If you have added too much, you will need to drain some.
Make sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to check and add oil to your vehicle.
2. Keep Your Cooling System in Good Working Order
Along with the oil, your car’s cooling system is responsible for keeping the engine from overheating.
Overheating is one of the most common causes of engine failure, so it’s important to make sure your cooling system is in good working order.
You should have the radiator and cooling system flushed and refilled every two years or so. This will help remove any build-up of rust or debris that could cause problems.
You should also check the hoses and clamps periodically to make sure they’re tight and without leaks.
3. Change Your Spark Plugs On Schedule
Spark plugs are an essential part of your car’s ignition system. They create the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, which in turn powers the engine.
Over time, spark plugs can become fouled with carbon deposits. This can cause misfires and other problems.
As such, it’s important to change your spark plugs on schedule to prevent these problems.
Check your spark plugs as each one is different. Depending on the brand and quality you may need to change somewhere between every 50,000-150,000km
4. Keep An Eye On Your Belts & Hoses
Your car’s belts and hoses are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the various components of the vehicle like the alternator, water pump, etc.
These components are under a lot of stress and can fail if they’re not in good condition. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your belts and hoses.
If you notice any cracks or fraying, have them replaced as soon as possible. Waiting until a belt breaks or a hose cracks and leaks can be game over for your engine.
5. Get Regular Tune-Ups
Tune-ups help keep your car’s engine running smoothly by ensuring all of its systems are properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
During a tune-up, a mechanic will usually replace the air filter, fuel filter, and other worn items as necessary.
They’ll also perform a thorough inspection of all systems to identify any potential problems before they become serious issues. This includes checking brake pads, tyre wear and exhaust systems.
Getting a tune-up every 10,000 km or so is a good way to help prevent engine failure down the road.
Summary
Engine failure can be a costly repair or even result in the end-of-life of your vehicle.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent it from happening in the first place.
By following the tips above, including checking your oil regularly, keeping your cooling system in good working order, and changing your spark plugs on schedule, you can help keep your car’s engine running smoothly for years to come.
