3 Things That Can Potentially Ruin Your Engine
Posted on: 7 January 2016
The engine is the heart of your car and you want to make sure that you keep it in good condition. All engines wear down eventually, but poor treatment can speed up the process. Replacing an engine is a time-consuming and expensive procedure that should be avoided for as long as possible. How you treat your engine goes a long way to preventing major repairs and replacement. Here are three things that can ruin your engine prematurely.
Not breaking in your engine:
If you have a new car, it's important to break in your engine gently to allow for the newly installed piston rings to "settle in" and work efficiently. The main thing to do when breaking in your engine is not to rev it into the red zone (usually over 4500 RPMs) during the first thousand miles. The exact mileage varies from model to model and is usually listed in the owner's manual. Though a car can still run efficiently if it's not broken in correctly, it will not last as long as those that were broken in the right way.
Neglecting regular maintenance:
Regular oil and coolant changes help keep the car lubricated and prevent it from overheating. Changing the air filter helps to make sure that your car is getting an ample supply of fresh, clean air for efficient fuel combustion. Having your fuel system checked and cleaned reduces fuel waste and can improve your car's performance. In some cars, ignoring the recommended mileage for changing your timing belt can result in a total engine failure. Consult your owner's manual, or check with your mechanic, to find out what maintenance is required for your vehicle and at what intervals.
Ignoring warning lights:
Most modern cars have a "check engine" light that is tied to various sensors in your vehicle which regulate emission components. Though your car may continue to run with the warning light on, and you may not notice any change in how your car is running, you could still be ruining your engine. Your engine was designed to run with all those components in good working order. Failing to promptly attend to these problems may result in damage to expensive parts such as the catalytic converter. It can also cause you to fail a smog inspection.
Taking care of any of these three issues will help extend the life of your car's engine and keep it running efficiently for many miles. Proper maintenance will also save you money in the long run. Talk to your mechanic (like Arringdale's Engine Rebuilding & Auto Repair) about specific maintenance and their intervals for your make and model.
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