Archive for category Engine Maintenance
Car Maintenance Basics
Posted by in Engine Maintenance on November 3, 2011
All car engines experience normal wear and tear due to friction. And while it’s true that some car engines will give you several hundred thousand miles of carefree driving with minimal maintenance, other cars can be riddled with problems from the very day you drove it off the lot. Regardless of how old your car is, basic car maintenance, which includes regular oil changes and air filter replacement, will add years to the life of your engine.
Regular oil changes are the most essential aspect of car maintenance. Failure to change the oil, and the oil filter, at regular intervals will result in excessive wear and tear as the oil becomes increasingly dirtier and loses its lubricity. Dirty oil is sticky and abrasive, and if left unchecked, the dirty oil will cease to lubricate and eventually cause engine failure. Oil changes are best done by an oil change service center, like Jiffy Lube, for example. Reputable oil change service centers often offer free inspections as part of their service, checking your air filters, fluid levels, battery, wipers, tires and lights as well as changing your oil and oil filter.
Replacing your engine air filter is another essential aspect of car maintenance. This filter is designed to prevent dust, debris and other airborne contaminants from entering and causing damage to your engine. Neglecting to change your air filter will cause it to become clogged with dirt, dust and contaminants, significantly reducing air flow into the combustion chambers. Without enough air, your engine will use more gas, run roughly and lose power. You’ll also notice a decrease in gas mileage, and if left unattended, a dirty filter may cause your engine to stop running altogether.
The cabin air filter, while not part of engine maintenance, is often overlooked and many car owners are unaware that their cars come equipped with one. This filter is designed to prevent bugs, leaves, dust and other debris from entering your car interior through its HVAC (heating, air conditioning and defrost) system. A dirty cabin filter will negatively impact the operation of your HVAC system and possibly cause it to shut down. Read the rest of this entry »
Car Engine Maintenance – Keep Your Car Brand New
Posted by in Engine Maintenance on September 3, 2011
Every one who buys a new car intends to keep it that way. But cars, among other things, wear out owing to daily use, pollution, traffic and other factors. This is why maintenance of the car, especially its engine is very important.
To keep your car looking as good as new, you must wash it every weekend, and scrub it every day. But more than the exterior, it is what inside the car that matters most. Car engines are the most crucial part of the vehicle. The engine is as important as the heart is to our body. Therefore, it matters a lot how you treat your car and what you ‘feed’ it, for its proper functioning.
Car engine maintenance requires that the oil is changed every 3000-5000 miles. This will ensure your car gives you better mileage, even if it is 5 years old. Synthetic oil is known to be a good lubricator for the engine as it breaks down slowly. There are many oils that use synthetic technology such as Castrol, Mobil and others.
Get your car serviced regularly, from authorized service centres. Make sure you get your oil filter changed periodically, but don’t change the type of oil filter. Also keep a check on the oil levels. It should be bent towards ‘F’ or full. Do not overfill it. If the oil level remains low, it might be because of a potential oil leak in the car engine area. It should be reasonably damp but not too wet. Also check to see if your car is leaving a trail of oil. If it is, rush it to your service centre for repair.
Do a dipstick oil test regularly. Once you put the dipstick in the oil filter, notice the color. Well maintained car engines have a golden, honey-colored tone. If it is black, it is a sign of carbon deposits on the filter. It means your car consumes more oil than required and needs to be serviced. Read the rest of this entry »