Maintaining your vehicle reduces your car budget. Regular engine maintenance can also maximize its value and prolonge its wear life.
Take good care of your car and the engine maintenance
Taking good care of your car, especially its engine, reduces the risks of breakdown and accidents as a well-serviced vehicle will respond better on the road. It is also a way to save money as the residual value of your car will be higher if it is in good shape.
Our first recommendation is to check the level of oil quite often. Once a week behind a good frequency. To do so, the car must be stationary and horizontal with the engine having been stopped for at least 15 minutes. On the gauge, the ideal level is as close to the maximum as possible without ever being above it.
For some types of vehicles, burning a slight amount of oil when driving is normal. However, a steep decrease in the level is the sign of a problem. You have to keep in mind that an engine’s lifespan depends strongly on the frequency of the oil changes. Following the car maker’s recommendation is crucial. These information being to be found in the user manual of your car. On average, an oil change must happen every 7,500, 10,000 or 15,000 kilometres, depending on the car brand. The oil filter must be changed as well, either at every oil change (for diesel cars) or every two oil changes.
Back to checking and filling the oil. You must pay attention to the following two points:
Firstly, when opening the plug (careful if it is still hot) ensure that it is clean on the inside and not covered with goo. This would otherwise signal humidity or a leak of some liquid inside the engine.
The second point, when pouring the oil, make sure to ensure that it is compatible with the “old” one. Also, do not pour everything in one go as it may take a bit of time for the lubricant to go down the pipe.
As an extra piece of advice, if you do not feel comfortable doing so, just book a service at a garage. A little spending now may help you save later.
(Source article via Automobile Club Association – https://www.automobile-club.org )
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