Regardless of who you are, you want to get the most out of your car engine. It should be in peak condition at all times to perform to the best of its abilities. Therefore, you need to have a stellar maintenance routine to keep everything tip-top shape. Then maybe parts won’t malfunction at unexpected times and leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Not to mention, some car engine maintenance can help with gas mileage. Have you seen the prices at the gas pumps these days? They’re pretty high, to say the very least. So, if you can make your car more fuel-efficient, why wouldn’t you? Of course, people have different reasons for maintaining their vehicles properly, but despite what yours is, hopefully, these car engine maintenance tips will make the venture a little easier.
Check the Oil
Part of any car engine maintenance routine should always involve checking the oil. The substance lubricates internal components. However, parts can lock up and cease if the oil level gets too low. Pull the dipstick out of the holder under the hood to check your oil level. If it indicates the level is down, you will need to top it off. Be sure to use the correct oil for your car. This information can be found in your owner’s manual.
Also, as oil ages and runs through the motor, it degrades. The substance turns thick and sludge-like. As a result, it won’t circulate through the engine appropriately, and problems can arise. That’s why your car engine maintenance routine should also include regular oil changes. How often will vary between make and models, so refer to your owner’s manual to determine when oil changes need to occur. But as a rule of thumb, remember that oil changes typically happen at 3,000 or 5,000-mile intervals.
Replenish the Coolant
You also need to make it a point to check the coolant in your vehicle as part of your car engine maintenance routine. Just be sure never to remove the radiator cap while the motor is hot because you could get burned. If the antifreeze is low, refill the reservoir or radiator. Now, the question is, “Where did the coolant go?” Check for green, orange, pink, or blue pools under your vehicle. Antifreeze is usually one of those colors, so if you find a puddle, it’s time to take action. After all, you don’t need your engine overheating and breaking.
Replace the Air Filter
Riding around with a clogged air filter might not sound like a very big deal, but it can be. If your engine doesn’t get the proper airflow, it will perform sluggishly. As a result, the powertrain won’t give you the power that you crave. In addition, as an air filter ages, it can start to deteriorate, sending debris down inside your motor, which can cause issues. A clogged air filter can hurt your fuel economy as well. With all that being said, it’s easy to see why having a clean air filter is so vital. Replace your unit at 15,000 to 20,000 miles or as directed by your owner’s manual.
Is your powertrain not quite purring like a kitten, like it once did? Instead, is it spitting, sputtering, and barely getting around? Jiffy Lube offers car engine maintenance and diagnostic services. So, if you answered yes to either of those questions, don’t just live with the matter until your motor goes kaput. Rather, visit your local Jiffy Lube location to see what’s wrong with your ride and get it fixed.
