How to Maintain an Engine?
4 Answers
Engine maintenance involves replacing wear-prone components such as engine oil, oil filters, belts, spark plugs, and ignition coils, as well as cleaning carbon deposits inside the engine. Carbon deposits can cause significant harm to the engine, so it is recommended that car owners regularly clean the internal carbon buildup. Many engines are equipped with direct fuel injection technology, which makes them more prone to carbon deposits. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy. It can refer to either a power-generating device or the entire machine, including the power unit, such as gasoline engines and aircraft engines. Types of engines include internal combustion engines (e.g., gasoline engines), external combustion engines (e.g., Stirling engines, steam engines), and electric motors.
Maintaining the engine is actually quite simple, and I usually pay special attention to these habits. Every morning after a cold start, don’t immediately step on the gas—let the oil circulate for half a minute before moving. When driving, try to avoid slamming the accelerator and keep the RPM below 3,000. In city traffic jams, try not to let the water temperature stay too high for long periods. Short trips are especially hard on the car; if you drive less than 10 kilometers, it’s best to take a highway run once a week to clear out carbon deposits. Before turning off the engine, turn off the AC and electrical devices to reduce voltage fluctuations during startup. I usually change the oil and oil filter every 7,500 kilometers—don’t skimp and use off-brand oil; the viscosity recommended in the manufacturer’s manual is the most reliable. I change the air filter myself and blow out the dust with an air gun every six months—this directly affects fuel consumption. Last year at the repair shop, I saw a car with uncleaned intake pipes—the carbon deposits were as hard as cement, and the repair cost thousands.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I can tell you that the key to engine maintenance is regular checks. In the morning, pop the hood and check the oil dipstick—the oil level should be right in the middle of the markings. Don’t wait for the coolant warning light to come on; check the level and color every six months—if it’s cloudy, it’s time for a change. Press the belts with your fingers to check for cracks; if they’re worn, replace them immediately, or you risk a breakdown. Never exceed 10,000 km between oil changes—mineral oil needs changing every 5,000 km, while full synthetic can last up to 7,500 km. Replace spark plugs every 30,000 km, or you’ll face poor ignition and higher fuel consumption. Once, I encountered an engine idling rough—turns out carbon buildup clogged the fuel injectors, and a thorough cleaning cost me 600 bucks. Get into the habit of listening for unusual sounds; address any odd noises right away. Small issues left unchecked can turn into costly overhauls.
Engine maintenance boils down to two key things: timely oil changes and avoiding overheating. I stick to changing oil and oil filter every 5,000 km - buying materials myself and having a small shop do it costs just 200 yuan. The cooling system is crucial; clean the radiator and condenser mesh every season, especially in spring when willow catkins easily clog air intakes. Replace the fuel filter every 30,000 km due to impurities in domestic fuel. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge while driving - anything above 90°C requires inspection. Break the habit of turning off the engine immediately after parking; turbocharged cars should idle for dozens of seconds before shutdown. Always refuel at reputable gas stations, and consider adding a bottle of cleaner every two tankfuls to prevent carbon buildup if possible. Remember to regularly check the exhaust pipe's water drainage - proper combustion always produces water discharge.
