Is Engine Maintenance Necessary?
2 Answers
It is necessary. The wiring of a car engine requires maintenance; neglecting it can accelerate wire aging or increase the risk of short circuits. Wire harness aging: Common engine wire harnesses are typically composed of multiple strands of copper wires, wrapped externally with plastic. During daily driving, the engine compartment temperature can become very high. The plastic coating on the wire harness releases plasticizers and other chemicals when heated, which react with the copper wires inside, reducing the plastic's strength and increasing the resistance of the copper wires. This ultimately raises the risk of short circuits due to wire harness aging. The rubber hoses in the engine compartment are made of unsaturated hydrocarbon polymers, which are prone to oxidation as they age, potentially leading to vehicle self-ignition. Extending service life: Over time, issues such as aging, oil contamination, moisture, oxidation, and short circuits can arise. These problems significantly affect the engine's performance and efficiency, leading to abnormal vibrations, increased noise, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy. Such issues can drastically shorten the vehicle's lifespan. Therefore, both the engine and electrical circuits of older vehicles require regular maintenance to extend their service life as much as possible.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I believe engine maintenance is absolutely essential. Neglecting it, like I did with my old car, led to severe carbon buildup causing sluggish acceleration and skyrocketing fuel consumption, eventually requiring a costly major repair costing several thousand dollars. Simple routines like timely oil changes, checking coolant levels, and replacing air filters keep the engine running smoother, reducing wear and extending its lifespan. Don’t underestimate these small tasks—they prevent overheating or knocking issues, ensuring safer drives. Performing them every 5,000 km or six months is low-cost but saves you from potential risks. This becomes especially crucial during extreme temperature shifts to ensure the ignition system functions properly, avoiding sudden breakdowns mid-journey. Once it becomes a habit, driving becomes more worry-free, the engine responds better, and emissions stay eco-compliant.
