Maintaining New Car's Engine Compartment

Your new car’s engine compartment is as important as the smooth appearance of your exterior. Make sure to regularly maintain the engine compartment to avoid costly repairs and replacements, and be assured of a longer engine life and an excellent performing car.

Modern cars have cooling system components that are being forced to do more than the older ones. This is because of the trend to downsize car parts in order to minimize space and weight. To maintain your cooling system’s peak of efficiency, the most appropriate thing to do is to alter the coolant once every two years. Remember that anti-freeze does not wear out. Also, by altering the coolant, you are ensured that the corrosion inhibitors are fresh and doing the job they are supposed to. By maintaining your car’s cooling system, you are assured of less scale and corrosion that builds up inside the radiator when coolant is left in too long. Of course, you can also definitely avoid the high cost of radiator repair or replacement.

The brake fluid is the most important engine component. It is not a petroleum-based product; as a matter of fact, it is made up of cashew shells. They absorb moisture from the air. As a result, it minimizes braking performance. A substance also builds up over a period of time. In effect, this blocks the valves inside ABS units. The end result is no less than costly repairs or replacement. This blocking substance also causes calipers and wheel cylinders to leak. Thus, it results in repairs or replacement. So better flush the brake fluid and have it refilled every two years or 60,000 miles. Power steering fluid also needs to be flushed and refilled once every two years or 60,000 miles.

Another fluid, the transmission fluid, requires regular replacement so that it is kept in a tip top shape. Lack of maintenance is the main cause of transmission failures. To prevent costly repair and replacement, make you work done regularly.

Air and fuel filters prevent dirt from your engine. But their function does not mean they do not require cleaning anymore. Junky air and fuel filters result to several driving problems such as hesitation and rough idle stem. To avoid problems like those, replace the filter every 15,000 miles. The carbon canister filter, which is a very vital component of the emission control system and filters the in coming air, should be replaced. The emission controls are integral parts of modern engine management system. Keep in mind that a blocked canister filter will also result to drivability problems.

A PVC filter is only common to some cars. It is also known as a breather element. The air for the PCV system is filtered by this engine part. The dirt from the engine crankcase is also kept out by this PVC filter. It needs to be replaced at 15,000 mile intervals.

While checking your PCV filter, also check the PCV valve and replace it regularly. When a new PCV filter is installed, a new PCV valve must also be installed.

Also include the oxygen sensor in maintenance. It measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analyzed. Usually made with zirconium ceramic bulb coated on both sides with a thin layer of platinum, this sensing element comes in both heated and unheated forms. Its main task is to measure the performance of internal combustion engines in automobiles and other modes of transportation. If you see any damage in your Dodge car’s Dodge oxygen sensor, consult the owner’s manual to prevent further vehicle damage.

The spark plugs together with the other ignition parts are engine components have become much more reliable since the age of high technology began. Most modern engines use a DIS or Direct Ignition System. This system mounts one ignition coil on each spark plug. This minimizes the need of a distributor. Also, the PCM controls the firing of each coil.

Nonetheless, distributors still exist in some engines. On engines that still use a distributor, replace the distributor cap, distributor rotor and ignition wires every 30,000 miles.

On a regular basis, replace the spark plugs. In the auto shops are platinum plugs, split fire plugs, multi-electrode plugs, red ones, green ones and blue ones. But you must only opt for the recommended one of your manufacturer. Usually, spark plug information is located on the engine decal under the hood.

The most crucial part of the engine is the timing belt. It is so crucial that it needs to be replaced before it breaks. If your vehicle has an engine whose valves and pistons are located in the same place in the combustion chamber at different times, it implies engine damage. If your car uses a non-interference engine, you might experience a car breakdown. So to avoid this, replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles.

Each engine part is essential for your engine, in particular, and your car, in general. Never take even one part for granted. This is to avoid untoward car breakdown. Moreover, the engine is the one that makes you car work. Your new car’s engine compartment is must at all times work properly because that is the heart of your vehicle. Well maintained engine parts will give you your desired car performance.