Knowing what might be wrong with your car can mean knowing early on when a problem develops, or having an edge in knowing how far your car can go before it needs to see a mechanic. That is why it is so important for all drivers to spend a little bit of time learning about some of the key engine components that keep their vehicles running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Battery
Many people don’t realize just how quickly a car battery can die, and that part of your engine might only last for a year or two in certain conditions without proper care. Some of the most common signs of a dead battery include a slower start, not being able to start the car at all, unusual smells around the battery, and a radio that won’t work.
Looking under the hood, you can tell a battery is old or corroded if you see white, green, or blue gunk covering the battery posts. If you think that your battery is nearing the end of its life, then you should take it to a mechanic right away so that it can be tested and then replaced.
Radiator
Your vehicle’s engine produces a tremendous amount of heat, and that heat would eventually damage many different parts under your hood if you didn’t have a radiator.
The radiator uses special fluid, either coolant or antifreeze, to cool various parts of the engine and improve their efficiency.
The most common sign of a damaged radiator is greenish fluid dripping onto the ground below your vehicle, but you might also have a warning light pop up on your dashboard that will tell you if your radiator isn’t working and the engine is too hot.
Filter
One simple maintenance step that all drivers can carry out to extend the lifespan of their vehicles is to regularly change their engine’s air filters.
The air filters keep harmful contaminants from entering the engine and possibly damaging it.
Strange noises from the engine, low gas mileage, or a strong fuel smell are all signs that the filter needs to be replaced. In fact, by just checking the filter every once in a while you’ll be able to see when it needs to be replaced, as the filter will appear dirty.
That component can usually be changed with absolutely no tools, and yet it could have a big impact on your vehicle’s efficiency. Regularly changing the air filter will also extend the lifespan of other mechanical parts since you’ll have clean, filtered air keeping them cool.
Fuel Injectors
The fuel injection system inside your vehicle is a complex group of parts, and it can be difficult for the average driver to inspect and repair that area of the engine.
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Unfortunately, many different parts of the fuel injection system can become damaged, and that includes everything from the common rail injector to the various filters. That is why you must have your vehicle regularly inspected and serviced at least once every few thousand miles.
Changing out windshield wiper blades, adding air to the tires, and other simple maintenance tasks can easily be carried out on your own, but serious repairs should always be left to the professionals.
When it comes to your safety and the condition of your vehicle, you should always make sure that you leave bigger projects to certified and reputable mechanics.
Image Credit: parts of your car engine to look after by twenty20.com
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