Maybe this is obvious, but the engine is the most important part of your car or truck. Without a properly functioning engine, your vehicle is basically a giant hunk of junk. When it comes to keeping your engine running well, preventative maintenance is absolutely key. You can keep your engine running for a long time if you are working proactively rather than reactively.

Besides ensuring engine longevity, engine maintenance is also a safety concern. Keeping the engine properly maintained can help to make sure your engine won’t overheat, suddenly catch fire, or stop unexpectedly at an intersection.

There are many different parts of the engine, all working together in harmony. We recommend regular engine maintenance to prevent unforeseen engine issues which can be frustrating. Also, keeping your engine well maintained can save you some money in the long run.

Keep It Clean

The engine has a propensity to get dirty. You would know this if you’ve ever looked at one, or even just laid eyes on a mechanic’s fingernails. It’s important to clean your engine from time to time with the goal of preventing the accumulation of dust, debris, and grime. Air filters may become blocked over time, decreasing engine performance. An engine that is caked in grease may develop issues with overheating.

Fortunately, a car’s engine is designed to keep most of the dirt and grime away from the really important bits to prevent them from interfering with the engines’ critical components. However, if you notice any horrible noises or gastly smells, call a mechanic right away to get it checked out.

Keep It Lubed

The main function of a vehicle, essentially, is to move. So, naturally it follows that your vehicle has quite a few moving parts. All of those parts are rubbing against each other all of the time. When things rub together they create friction, which creates heat. Too much heat is bad for engines. The best way to keep down the heat is through the use of proper lubrication. 

Keep It Sparky

Keeping your spark plugs clean and shiny is an easy way to keep dirt and grime out of the engine’s combustion chamber. Simply remove the wire leading to the plug, then remove plug itself, and use a simple degreaser solution and cloth to wipe away any grime or debris. It’s a very rudimentary task, but can make a huge difference when it comes to improving the overall performance of your internal combustion engine. If not done routinely, you could trigger the check engine light.

Keep Changing That Oil

Keeping up your oil changes is probably one the easiest things you can do to keep your engine running at its best. It’s such an easy procedure, but all too often it’s ignored. The purpose of the oil is to lubricate the pistons inside the cylinders. Over time, the oil can become gritty and sticky, reducing its ability to lubricate properly. If you go too long without changing your oil, it can damage your engine irreparably. It’s recommended that you change your oil every 3 months or 3 thousand miles to maintain peak performance. If you aren’t sure if you need to have your oil changed, check with a specialist at Inland Mobile Mechanic.

When it comes to keeping your engine running at its best, preventative maintenance is the best approach. After regular preventative maintenance, if you think you have an issue, it’s best to get it looked at right away to keep from exacerbating any issues.

If you live or commute in Spokane, and you have any questions about engine maintenance or auto repair, don’t hesitate to call! Learn more about how to take good care of your vehicle by reading more on our blog, or schedule a consultation with one of our certified technicians.