Want Your Engine To Last Forever(ish)? - It Will If You Do This...

Summary

This video provides key tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your car's engine through proper maintenance. It emphasizes regular oil changes, using the correct grade and formulation of oil, and developing mechanical sympathy, such as avoiding high RPMs on cold engines. The video also touches on the importance of observing manufacturer-recommended service intervals and identifying potential engine issues early. By following these practices, you can extend the reliability and life of your car's engine and avoid costly repairs.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Regular maintenance, especially oil changes, is key to extending the life of your car’s engine.
• 🛢️ Use the correct grade and type of oil with the proper additive package to avoid engine damage and wear.
• 📅 Service intervals vary by manufacturer, but it’s often beneficial to change the oil more frequently than recommended, especially for short trips.
• 🚗 Avoid cold starts by warming up the engine gradually, and avoid hard acceleration when the engine is cold to reduce wear.
• 💡 Mechanical sympathy, such as choosing the right gear and avoiding low RPM under load, can prevent engine strain and damage.
• 🔥 Cooling down the engine after high-speed driving helps reduce stress from sudden temperature changes.
• 🔧 Keeping an eye on unusual sounds, smells, or fluid leaks helps catch problems early, before they escalate.
• 📊 Regularly use diagnostic tools like OBD2 to monitor and identify engine issues before they become major problems.
• 🔄 Varying the RPM range during driving is healthier for the engine than consistently running at low or high RPMs.
• 🚨 Manufacturers design engines to tolerate some driver abuse, but good driving habits can significantly extend engine life.

Q & A

What is the main reason people sell or trade their cars for newer models?

The main reason people sell or trade their cars is due to the vehicle becoming unreliable, starting to break down, or accumulating high repair costs.

What is the key factor in prolonging the lifespan and reliability of a car engine?

The key factor in prolonging the lifespan and reliability of a car engine is regular maintenance, especially frequent oil changes, and using the correct oil with the proper additive package.

Why is it important to use the correct grade of oil for your car?

Using the correct grade of oil is important because modern engines are designed to work with specific formulations, and using the wrong oil can cause problems with components like the catalytic converter, particulate filter, and the general wear protection of the engine.

What are the two types of car services typically specified by manufacturers?

Manufacturers typically specify two types of services: an oil service, which involves a basic oil change, and an inspection service, which is more thorough and includes checking filters and inspecting engine components.

Why is changing the oil frequently recommended even if the manufacturer's schedule suggests longer intervals?

Changing the oil frequently is recommended because oil can degrade faster in certain driving conditions, such as short trips, leading to the buildup of wear metals in the engine. More frequent changes help reduce engine wear and prolong its life.

What should a driver do to prevent engine damage during cold starts?

During cold starts, drivers should avoid putting stress on the engine by driving too hard before the engine has warmed up, as cold engines have metal components that haven’t reached optimal clearances, leading to risks like poor lubrication and piston slap.

What is the benefit of allowing the engine to cool down after driving on a fast road?

Allowing the engine to cool down gradually after driving on a fast road helps avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause stress on engine components. Reducing speed and using a higher gear towards the end of the journey can help with this.

How can driving sympathetically help extend the life of an engine?

Driving sympathetically helps extend the life of an engine by avoiding unnecessary strain, such as lugging the engine at low RPMs or consistently driving at high RPMs. Varying the rev range and using the correct gear for the driving situation helps keep the engine healthy.

Why is it important to pay attention to unusual noises, smells, or fluids coming from the car?

Paying attention to unusual noises, smells, or fluids is important because they can indicate potential problems with the engine or other components. Addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating into larger, more expensive repairs.

What should drivers do if they experience power surges, flat spots, or other performance issues?

If drivers experience power surges, flat spots, or other performance issues, they should use a diagnostic tool to check the error codes from the car's OBD2 port. Identifying and fixing issues early helps maintain engine reliability and performance.