The engine is the heart of your vehicle and needs to be in good working order to keep your car running smoothly. Unfortunately, engine repairs can be expensive, but the best way to avoid them is through preventive maintenance.
To help you avoid costly engine repairs, our expert technicians at Berube’s Complete Auto Care in Lewiston, Maine, recommend following these 5 tips:
Check The Coolant Levels Regularly
Coolant helps keep your engine at the ideal operating temperature and also protects it from corrosion. Over time, the coolant level can drop, which can cause the engine to overheat and sustain damage.
To avoid this, ensure that there is ample coolant by checking the levels regularly, about every 3-6 months. Keep an eye on the high-temperature gauge on your dashboard too. If it starts to creep into the hot zone, that’s an indication that your engine is overheating.
Don’t Skip Your Routine Oil Changes
Routine oil changes are essential to the health of your engine. Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the engine components and flushing out the dirt and sediment. This causes it to work harder, leading to increased wear and tear and inevitable engine repair.
To avoid this, make sure you get your oil changed at the recommended intervals specified in your owner’s manual and the recommendations of your mechanic.
Get Your Air Filter Cleaned or Changed as Needed
The air filter keeps the engine clean by trapping dirt and debris before they can enter. Over time, filters can become dirty and clogged, restricting airflow to the engine, causing it to run less efficiently, reducing mileage, and increasing emissions. To avoid this, make sure you get your air filter cleaned or changed as part of your routine maintenance checks.
Clean or Replace Your Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are among the most important engine components as they act as a firestarter, helping to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders. Over time, spark plugs can become dirty, worn, or damaged, which can cause engine misfires and decreased performance. To avoid this, replace your spark plugs at the recommended intervals or have them cleaned to remove the accumulated soot.
Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
The check engine light will alert you when there are issues with your engine, so if it comes on, don’t ignore it. Nearly 65% of drivers have admitted to ignoring their check engine light for at least a week, but the longer you wait to get it checked out, the more damage it could be doing to your engine. When the light comes on, take your car to a trusted mechanic to have the issue diagnosed and repaired before it turns into something more serious.
Engine Repair in Lewiston, Maine
Following these tips can help keep your car healthy and avoid costly engine repairs down the road. However, engine problems can still happen even with the best preventive maintenance.
If you find yourself in need of engine repair in Lewiston, Maine, bring your car to Berube’s Complete Auto Care. Our technicians will diagnose and repair your engine quickly and efficiently so you can get back on the road.