Photo: vanguardauto.net

Change the Oil Regularly: This is the most important. Oil keeps your engine running smoothly. Over time, like everything, it loses its quality. Change it at least once a year, or every 15,000 km if you don't drive very much.
Avoid Overheating: When your engine gets too hot, the parts soften and wear out, causing damage. Always check your radiator fluid, or coolant. As with oil, it’s best to do this when the engine is cold.

Check for Leaks: If you check the oil and water often, and find you have to keep topping them up, it might mean you have a leak. Look under your hood to smell and look for leaks. Also look under your car to see if anything is leaking onto the ground.

Pay Attention to the Engine Warning Light: Sometimes there is no problem, it’s just a faulty gauge. But if you don't know the reason, you shouldn’t ignore it. The same applies to the temperature gauge, battery light and oil light. Treat them the same way you would treat a strange noise: go to your regular mechanic and get an opinion. If you leave it alone, you might have a much more expensive problem later on.

Replace the Fuel Filter: Over time, harmful particles can build up in the fuel and get into the engine. The fuel filter keeps them out of the engine, but that only traps them in the filter, so it’s important to replace the filter every so often.

Don't Run Your Fuel Tank Too Low: There is sediment in petrol that collects at the bottom of your fuel tank. If you let your fuel get too low, the sediment will be  pulled into the engine. Experts recommend refilling your tank when it drops to a quarter full. Waiting for fuel prices to drop a little won't save you much money. In fact, it will cost you more if you end up with engine damage.

Replace the Air Filter When Necessary: Cars also have an air filter, to keep clean air flowing and to filter out dirt. Just like the fuel filter, this filter traps the dirt and then it can't do its job properly. If it looks dirty, see about changing it.

Check Your Belts: Belts in the engine run the alternator, water pump, and fan. They are made to last a long time, but nothing lasts forever. Look at them carefully and see if they show signs of fraying or cracking. Gently pull at them with your finger to see if they are loose. If they squeal or make a flapping noise when you are driving, this means they are just about ready to break.

Practise Driving at Even Speeds: Don't try to keep up with the speed limit all the time. Look at what the other traffic is doing. Heavy traffic might limit your speed to only 50. Many drivers go as fast as they can, then slow down quickly for cars ahead or traffic lights. This jerky stopping and starting wears your engine faster, and also strains your filters. Match your speed to other traffic, with only slight acceleration and deceleration, stopping only when you have to. Not only will you keep your engine in better condition, your fuel use will also be more efficient.

Change the Spark Plugs and Wires: Spark plugs produce sparks which burn fuel to make your engine run. When spark plugs get too old, they don't spark properly, and this causes your engine to run rough. Manufacturers recommend that you replace the spark plugs every 48,000 kilometres.

Many of these things should be done by your mechanic in a regular service. In that case, their invoice should list what they have done. But if you spend a little time and attention on your car, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. 

Span Hanna