Engine repairs are some of the most expensive repairs your car can need. You don’t have to worry about this insanely costly expense if your car undergoes regular maintenance and oil changes.
To better equip you with preventive engine failure knowledge, here are some ways your engine can sustain major damage.
1. Incorrect Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of your car engine. Proper oil changes are vital to your engine’s power and longevity. If you use the wrong oil for your car’s make and model, you run the risk of ruining your engine.
It’s important to know what kind of oil is best for your vehicle. If you have an older car that calls for an SAE 20 oil, using an SAE 10 oil will likely cause engine failure sooner than later.
2. Not Replacing the Fuel Filter
The fuel filter starts the car’s engine by channeling fuel to the engine’s injectors, where it is then ignited. The fuel filter is a vital component of your car because it keeps contaminants like dirt and rust out of your engine. The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it enters the car’s engine.
Using contaminated fuel is a frequent cause of engine failure in older cars. This is why you must change your fuel filter every time you change your fuel. Otherwise, you’ll be sending a stream of impurities directly into your engine.
3. Using the Wrong Engine Oil
Every car requires a specific type of engine oil. If you use the wrong one, you could be at risk of engine failure. So, you can’t use engine oil designed for a larger car in a smaller car. If you do, your car won’t perform as well, and your engine won’t last as long.
Furthermore, you also can’t just buy the cheapest oil, either. Your oil must meet the car manufacturer’s standard for viscosity. If it does not, you are at risk of engine failure. For example, if you use thin oil in a car that requires thick oil, your oil will blow out, causing engine failure.
4. Following a Poor Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your car on the road for years to come. A good maintenance plan can significantly extend the life of your car’s engine. It’s common for an engine to last for over 100,000 miles when regularly maintained.
A proper maintenance schedule is crucial for keeping your car’s engine in good condition. If you follow the manufacturer-recommended schedule, you can ensure that you have a well-tuned engine.
Typically, taking your car for routine checks twice a year is good practice. You can also bring your vehicle for routine maintenance when your mileage reaches 5,000 miles.
5. Not Replacing Spark Plugs
When your spark plugs expire, they can cause major damage. Spark plugs enable the fuel mixture to combust by sending the appropriate electrical charge to the fuel. When your spark plugs are too old, they can cause misfiring, which will destroy your engine.
Spark plugs need to be changed every 30,000 miles. If you don’t keep track of your mileage and change your spark plugs when they expire, you could be looking at some serious engine problems.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent you from paying for expensive engine repairs. Have your engines checked when it’s time to do so, change the oil and filters regularly, and replace your spark plugs when they expire. When you do these things, you will have no worries about your car’s engine.
If you experience engine failure, the best thing you can do is take your car to a certified mechanic. They will be able to tell you what the problem is and what you need to do to fix it.
Are you looking for a reliable auto shop that offers expert engine repairs in Hoover, AL? Look no further than Hoover Automotive. We are a BBB-accredited business that provides top-notch auto services, from routine maintenance and oil changes to engine and brake repairs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!