1. Change the Spark Plugs and Wires
One simple way to proactively protect your engine is by changing the spark plugs and wires. The wires running from your distributor send an electrical current to the spark plugs which then generate a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in your cylinders. They get a lot of use and they can cause your engine to run really rough if they get too old.
2. Go Easy on the Start and Stop Driving
Your engine is built to run, but it runs much better and tends to last longer when it's run at a continuous speed.
f it all possible, stick to the highway and keep your speed and RPMs at a consistent level. You'll notice better gas mileage and your engine will likely last longer if your driving habits allow it to run at a fairly consistent rate. The more stops and starts you throw into the mix the more your engine has to work.
3.Replace the Fuel Filter
A new fuel filter will keep the gas flowing into your engine clean. Your engine will have less build-up inside of it and will last longer if it's not working as hard to burn the fuel it's getting.
4.Follow-Up When Automotive Warning Lights Come On
In addition to the typical check engine light, many cars have several other lights that come on to indicate a problem. They can warn about problems with the alternator, battery, engine temperature or other areas surrounding the engine that are monitored. To protect your engine, either run a diagnostics check when the light comes on and then fix the problem yourself, or take it to a mechanic so they can run the test and perform the work. If you wait too long after the light comes on you could allow a small problem to develop into a big one.
5.Keep Your Belts On
The function of a belt can vary from car to car, but some of their main responsibilities are running the fan, water pump, alternator and air conditioner. You don't need to know what all those things are, but you do need to know that the belts on your engine run at least some of them. If your engine is on then your belts are running. In other words, they get a lot of use. They typically last a very long time, but eventually they will start to show signs of wear and begin to crack. 6.Fill Up Your Gas Tank Before It Gets Too Low
Gasoline has a certain amount of sediment in it that settles to the bottom of your gas tank. After years of driving around and many fill-ups, there can actually be a fair amount of junk at the bottom of your fuel tank. Your fuel filter will catch a lot of this sediment and keep it out of your car's fuel lines and your engine. However, if you consistently run your car all the way down to empty, you're pulling from the bottom-of-the-barrel and all the extra junk that's accumulated there.
7.Check for Leaks
Intense heat and pressure will eventually cause engine hoses to fail. It's a good idea to check under your hood to see if you see or smell anything leaking from the engine. When you park your car, occasionally check under the car to see if anything is leaking onto the pavement below. If you can stay ahead of a minor leak and have it taken care of before it turns into a major problem you could save yourself a big headache later on.
8.Keep the Engine Breathing
Cars need a constant flow of air just like we do. Aside from fuel, air is the next essential ingredient in keeping your engine running. The air needs to be coming into the engine continually, without restriction and without debris.When you change your oil, take a look at your air filter and see if it looks clean. Replace it if necessary to keep that engine running smoothly and protect it against the all those bugs and other road debris that ends up on your front bumper.9.Keep the Cooling System Working
The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is by making sure you have the proper amount of coolant (radiator fluid) circulating throughout your engine. In addition to changing the oil, there's another part of keeping the engine cool that you can't overlook -- the cooling system itself. The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump and coolant. The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is by making sure you have the proper amount of coolant (radiator fluid) circulating throughout your engine.
10.Change the Oil Regularl
Oil keeps vital engine parts well lubricated so that they won't overheat.We can't mention changing the oil without also stressing that the oil filter needs to be replaced at the same time. The oil filter catches all the dirt and debris floating around inside of your engine and keeps the junk from circulating back through engine. With a new filter and new oil, your engine will run smoothly, and most importantly, it'll keep all the internal parts of the engine cool and well lubricated.
by Christopher Neiger
Spark Plug
