How To Look After Your Car Engine

Your engine is the beating heart of your car. Without it working properly, you wouldn’t get far on the road. But how can you take care of it? Whether you want to prolong your engine’s lifespan, avoid breakdowns or just be a responsible car owner, we’re here to help! This guide is detailing the key steps you can take to look after your car engine.

Get a regular service

Getting a regular car service will help you. Essential checks during a car service can include the engine oil, oil filter and coolant levels. All of these help prevent your engine from overheating and keep all the parts moving as they should.

DIY engine checks

Many of the engine-related checks that are covered by a car service should also be completed by you. Especially if you’re about to head off on a long journey, you should check that your engine oil levels are acceptable.

Top up your engine oil

The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum level on the dipstick. This check takes less than five minutes and could save you a lot of time and money from a potential breakdown. If you drive long distances regularly, you should check every couple of weeks.

Check your coolant level too!

The coolant fluid protects your engine from overheating. Making sure this is topped up to a suitable level will prevent the headache of a breakdown.

Dashboard warning lights to watch out for

There are a number of engine-specific dashboard warning lights to look out for. These include the following:

• Engine temperature warning light
• Engine oil warning light
• Engine management light

Investigate oil leaks

If there’s a peculiar smell coming from your car’s engine, there may be an oil leak. This should be checked straight away. Also, if you hear any strange noises or experience judders coming from the engine, get in touch with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Double-check before topping up on fuel

Let’s say you’ve just switched from a petrol to a diesel car. It would be easy to go into autopilot and top up with the wrong type of fuel! However, this can be bad news for your engine. If you realise before driving away that you’ve added the wrong fuel, don’t switch your car on. It’s best to call your breakdown cover so they can remove the fuel.

If you’re worried you’ll forget, it could be worth adding a sticker to your fuel cap.

Contact the team at Vital Vehicle Care today to get a free quote for your full car service in Peterborough. We have 20 years’ experience with performing car services. Approved by Trust My Garage, we are a trusted, local business.