One of the causes of road accidents is the lack of dedication to auto maintenance. And this has caused a lot of harm. Therefore, you shouldn’t take it with levity. One very important part of auto maintenance is engine maintenance. It is the process of frequent observation of the components of a car engine. And executing the necessary repairs to keep the engine in good condition for use.
Types of Engine Maintenance?
All machines are not the same, even though they work for the same purpose. Different machines break down in several ways. Hence, they need diverse maintenance strategies. There are six various kinds of engine maintenance strategies which all have their pros and cons. They include:
- Predetermined maintenance
- Preventive maintenance
- Reactive(run-to-failure) maintenance
- Predictive maintenance
- Corrective maintenance
- Condition-based maintenance
8 Engine Maintenance Tips Every Acura Owner Should Know.
Your Mechanic confirms that the Acura model ranks 11th on the list of the least expensive cars to maintain. Repairpal also notes that the average Acura visit to a repair shop is about 0.4 times per year for unscheduled maintenance. These statistics show that your Acura model isn’t difficult to maintain. And your Acura maintenance cost is relatively low as well.
As a car owner, you should be familiar with engine maintenance and updates. But, if you aren’t, here are eight engine maintenance tips to know;
Frequently Check On The Cooling System
The car cooling system is one of the critical components of the vehicle. It rotates coolant from the radiator through the engine to sustain a stable temperature. A faulty cooling system causes a significant malfunction of the engine. Therefore, to prevent major engine problems, you must be aware of some warning signs of a faulty cooling system. They are;
- Poor Quality Coolant
- Coolant Leak
- Overheating Engine
- Seized up engine
- Warning Lights
- Low fluid level
When you start observing these signs, it’s a warning that you need to fix your cooling system to prevent total engine breakdown.
Replace The Engine Oil At The Right Time
Lubricating your vehicle optimizes its performance. This procedure is quick and does not require much stress. Good, fresh oil extends the engine’s durability but with time, it breaks down and loses its lubricating properties. This is why changing it at required intervals is necessary.
There are some common signs your engine exhibits when it requires new engine oil. And they are important to watch if you want to keep your engine in good shape.They include;
- Strange Engine Noise
- Dark Oil
- Excessive Mileage
- Smoke Exhaust
- Burning smell
Always Look Out For Leaks
Various factors can cause oil leaks. While you may find it easy to ignore a few oil drops from your engine, it Isn’t a good idea. Unattended small oil leaks can escalate to a bigger problem for drivers and pedestrians. Some causes of oil leaks are;
- A broken Gasket
- A loose filler cap
- Overfilled oil
- A worn-out filter
If you perceive an oil leak, go to a repair shop immediately and fix it to prevent a hazardous situation.
Clean Your Car Engine When Needed
As humans can’t live without oxygen, cars can’t function without their engine. As stated earlier, you must replace your engine oil with fresh, clean oil. You should also clean your engine at all times. Regular cleaning of the engine helps to identify problems, if there are any.
Many car dealers advise using an engine cleaner every 3,000 to 8,000 miles. However, for modern engines, you could clean at 35,000 miles.
Inspect Your Belt Well
The rubber belt, also known as a timing belt, opens and closes the engine valves in proper rhythm with the pistons. It is a modern replacement for a timing chain. Rubber belts are necessary to keep everything in check when the engine is functioning. Always check your belt for cracks or worn-out looks and change immediately. Otherwise, the belt can be cut while the engine is in use, thereby causing the engine parts to be severely damaged.
Don’t Keep Driving on Reserve Fuel
Driving on reserve fuel is a dangerous risk to take. It can cause a high maintenance cost if it goes sideways. Here are some more consequences attached to it;
- Sometimes, it makes you panic and make mistakes.
- Exposes you to danger
- Damages your engine
- Your car may be unable to handle it, especially if it’s a modern car. Modern cars have a low tolerance to issues and are sensitive to stress.
- Damages the fuel pump. The fuel acts as a lubricant for the fuel pump. Therefore, using the fuel till it dries leaves the pump with nothing to rely on.
Replace Spark Plugs and Burnt Wires
Spark plugs are electricity energies that generate the combustion needed to start a vehicle. They are designed with high leveled durability. Generally, spark plugs should be replaced after about 80,000 to 100,000 miles. However, for an Acura model, it is required that you change your spark plug every 30,000 miles. This applies to both new and used vehicles.
Here are some signs that your spark plug needs to be changed:
- Engines misfire.
- Your fuel consumption becomes higher than usual.
- Acceleration is slower.
- Rough vehicle starting
- Your car engine surges
These are signs that you need to replace your spark plugs. Burnt wires also affect the proper use of an engine. Rather than patching them up, change them completely.
Change Your Fuel Filter
A fuel filter removes dirt particles from the fuel. It is similar to an oil filter. It is advisable to replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles or every two years. Here are some common signs that shows you need to change your fuel filter;
- Loud, harsh noises from the fuel pump
- Misfire
- The vehicle becomes difficult to start
- The fuel system component fails to function.
Conclusion
Following these maintenance tips would keep your engine in good use for an extended period, help you save more on maintenance costs, and avert auto accidents. If you notice any engine problems, immediately visit an Acura auto repair. Also, you can get your new or used Acura cars from Acura of Tempe. Our Acura services and cars are of the highest quality. To get started, check out our Acura cars inventory here.
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