Learning All About Auto Body Restoration

3 Maintenance Tasks And How They Prolong Your Car's Life

8 August 2015

Cody Wade

You've made a big investment in your vehicle, so why not do all you can to extend your car's life and get out of it what you paid? Below are three common car maintenance tasks that may not seem all that important until you understand how they play a role in your car's health and longevity.

Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine. Without oil, your engine would cease to function and your car would cease to be of any use to you.

Oil changes keep the engine running smoothly by not only lubricating it as it flows throughout, but by also cooling it as it runs. Over time, as the oil becomes overused and less pure, these lubricating and cooling effects wear off, causing your engine to function less optimally, and ultimately damaging your car. Your vehicle's manufacturer as well as mechanic should be able to give you a good guideline as to when to change the oil, as the 3,000-mile rule is no longer considered absolute truth.

Radiator Flushes

Your vehicle's radiator allows your engine, and therefore your car, to run at its optimal temperature. You may have added antifreeze to your car before, but you may not have known that there's such a thing as a radiator flush or how it can help your car function properly.

As antifreeze flows throughout the pipes, it may pick up a few contaminants, such as dust, rust, and even bugs. Over time, these contaminants can begin to collect and affect the work of the radiator, which in turn affects your engine and car's performance. Regular radiator flushes can ensure your radiator stays free of contaminants and works as it should.  

Spark Plug Changes

Spark plugs allow that initial jolt which gets your engine running and gets you where you need to be. Spark plugs that aren't changed as needed can result in poor vehicle performance and can cause damage to the engine over time.

Signs of spark plugs that need cleaning or changing include problems with starting the engine, a loud and vibrating engine when idling, excess fuel consumption, and poor acceleration. If any of these problems occur, it's best to get your spark plugs changed to avoid further issues and ensure your car runs smoothly.

While car maintenance may not be your most favorite thing, it's vital to the health and life of your car. To learn more about the different ways that regular maintenance can help your car, schedule a maintenance appointment with your mechanic and they'll be happy to answer all of your questions. 

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