Get the Most Out of Your Engine
Are you looking for simple ways to keep your vehicle running long and healthy? Here are some of the most important, yet most overlooked forms of maintenance that are essential to a long lasting engine.
Oil Changes
It is important to remember, just because it’s out of sight does not mean it should be out of mind. Oil changes are easily forgotten unless you have the mileage or date written down of when you need it changed next. Oil is essential to the engine being able to run. By lubricating all of the moving, metal pieces it allows the engine to run smoothly. The engine oil heats up when driving the car and cools down when the car is turned off. Over time, the oil begins to break down causing it to need to be changed frequently.
Debris can also form and get into the engine and clog up the oil filter. As the oil becomes older and dirtier, it does not properly lubricate the moving parts within the engine. Extending your service intervals can cause heavy oil coking. This can create deposits and clog up the engine. Without proper lubrication, the moving parts can wear down. Not only will the engine not run efficiently but it can permanently affect the life of your engine and its components. This can include timing tensioners and camshaft adjusters. Allowing these to become damaged can result in expensive repair costs.
At Kings Cross Automotive, we generally recommend having your Jaguar, Land Rover, or MINI’s oil changed every 5,000-6,000 miles. If you are not sure how long since your last oil change, you can check the oil. If your vehicle has a dipstick, click the link to learn how to check your oil (https://rb.gy/mvordx). (If your car does not have a dipstick or you are not sure, give us a call.) If your oil is below the fill line, it needs to be changed quickly. The color of the oil can also be a good indicator its health. If the level is abnormally high or low, dark black in color or if there are any silver flakes indicating there could be metal shavings, it should be brought in immediately.
Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter is also a very important aspect of your car’s maintenance. The engine needs clean air in order to run properly. The engine air filter’s job is to filter out all of the dirt and debris from getting sucked into the engine. Not changing the air filter can cause the engine to suffocate. It can affect your gas mileage, how well the engine idles, and it can even cause starting problems. All of which can cause permanent damage. It’s a good idea to check the air filter when you change your oil. If you are frequently driving through dirt roads or construction, you may want to have it checked more frequently.
If you are not sure if you need an air filter, you can bring your car into Kings Cross Automotive and we can take a look. Like oil changes, air filters are an inexpensive way to maintain your car but they are essential to getting the longest possible life out of your engine.
Cooling System Flush
Much like your vehicle’s engine oil needs to be clean, your coolant does too. Although, coolant services do not need to be done as frequently as oil changes. They are only necessary about once every 3 years..
Coolant (also known as antifreeze) is important because it absorbs heat from the engine. There are anti- corrosive additives within the coolant that prevent rust and corrosion, but over time they start to diminish. New coolant will break down contaminants as well as provide lubrication for the water pump. Not having a cooling system that works efficiently can quickly cause damage to your car. If the engine gets too hot, it can destroy gaskets within the engine. One possibly being the head gasket which is a labor intensive and expensive repair. It is very important to use coolant and not just water. While there is some water in the coolant, water by itself does not have the anti-corrosive properties to prevent corrosion and lubricate components. Coolant will not boil like water will if the engine gets too hot. Coolant contains freeze preventing additives, to keep your car safe if it gets below freezing in the winter. Only having water in the radiator could cause freezing and possibly crack cooling system components.
Spark Plugs
And last but certainly not least, an engine maintenance that does not need to be done very often, spark plugs! Occasionally, they can fail early and they will affect your gas mileage if they cannot correctly burn fuel. They can also affect how your car starts and even how it runs overall.
If you are noticing reduced fuel economy, misfiring, rough idling, or even a check engine light, it is worth your time to give us a call. We will quickly diagnose the problem and create a plan to resolve any issues with your vehicle. Our goal is to keep you to safe and allow you to get the most life out of your vehicle as possible.