Your car’s engine is the beating metal heart of the machine.
Just like the one pumping blood into your veins, taking care of your car’s engine is a necessity that pays well in long-term reliability.
But this is an intricate piece of technology you’re working with, and messing up tends to generate heavy consequences. To prevent anything like that from happening, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the importance of your car’s engine and how to maintain it.
What Exactly Are You Working With?
Before any grease monkey gets started on tinkering with the engine, they generally have an idea of the type of engine they’re working with. Typically, you’ll find yourself working with a straight engine, a type of internal combustion engine. These are the most common types found in SUVs, cars, and trucks, identifiable by their compact and upright cylinders aligned in a single row. Sure, there are more complex and challenging types like V-style engines with numerous configurations, but modern cars tend to use the prior.
The Power Is in the Cylinders
It might not mean much to those out of the know, but something like a V8 engine is not anything to scoff at when the normal range is either four or six for most car models. The more cylinders your car’s engine has, the more power that baddy is rocking. The cylinders are essential fuel combustors that are able to push them even further with the addition of turbochargers or fuel injectors. If you have street racer genes, you likely have one of those installed already.
Maintaining Your Smooth Rides
Knowing the ins and outs of maintaining your engine is vital in ensuring you aren’t left in the sun with a misfiring engine or a tuft of black smoke above your head. These routine tips are necessary and get more familiar the longer you deal with them.
Oil Changes
Over time, the parts within the inner workings of your engine begin to wear down and rust. That rust gets into the oil, which flows through your car like the blood in your veins. Making sure to replace it guarantees a longer living engine.
Replace Your Air Filters
If your engine can’t breathe, it works harder for the same results. Keeping unhindered airflow eases the operation burden and keeps the engine cool for long drives.
Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
Different leaks have different colors. Knowing how to check your engine fluids is a bonus, but identifying them and knowing when to have their containers replaced should be your top priority.
The engine is by no means an easy beast to tame, and all of this is just a drop in the bucket to get you started properly. But by knowing the importance of your car’s engine and how to maintain it, you’re all set to enjoy the road for the next night with the boys.