Maintenance of vehicle engine is almost inevitable and it has numerous benefits. Some of us always call a mechanic whenever the car engine develops even the slightest problem. What you should know is that you can save a substantial amount of money and time by learning a few tips on how to maintain a vehicle engine. These tips are easy and you can use them to identify potential problems of vehicle engine and rectify them before they become actual problems. The basic and most important maintenance tips for vehicle engine are as follows
Tips for vehicle engine maintenance
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Check your engine oil level
This is a simple and quick task that can be done by almost anyone. Too low or too high engine oil level is problematic. The check is done manually and takes a few minutes. Just park your car on a level ground then wait the engine to cool down. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it using a clean rag, push it in the dip tube until it touches the base, wait a moment and pull it out. Examine the engine oil level on the dipstick. The engine oil level is okay if it is between the low and high marks, if not then do the necessary to keep the level between these two marks.
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Change engine oil regularly
The main function of the engine oil is to lubricate the numerous rotating and moving parts thus protecting them against damages. The engine oil loses its lubricating properties and gets carbonized under extreme temperatures. This kind of oil increases friction which results into mechanical wear and tear of the engine and other rotating and moving parts. The frequency of changing the engine oil varies so change your manufacturer’s recommendations. When changing the engine oil, you should also replace the oil filter. You should also use the right engine oil (synthetic or conventional oil) depending on your car manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Check the coolant level
Coolant is a very important component of a car that enhances engine performance. The coolant usually has two markings: low and high. Always check to ensure that the coolant level is in between these two marks. The coolant keeps the engine cool thus enabling it to perform at maximum efficiency. The coolant is part of the car’s cooling system that also comprises of the water pump, thermostat and radiator.
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Check for leaks
Any leakage in the engine hood is disastrous both to your safety and engine performance. Check inside the engine hoof to identify if there is any leakage. The temperature and pressure inside the engine are usually high and can cause the engine hoses to start leaking. Other potential parts for leakages are joints.