You've invested a considerable amount of money in your car or truck, and it only makes good financial sense to do what it takes to keep it running as long as possible. To help you do that, we at Fort Mitchell Garage in Covington, KY offer some valuable engine maintenance tips below. This information should help you keep the engine healthy and your vehicle running well for years.

5 Engine Maintenance Tips to Prolong Your Vehicle's Life

1. Schedule Regular Oil Changes

Engine oil is your vehicle's lifeblood, and it must be checked and changed regularly. Follow your car's maintenance schedule, or, if you don't have access to the owner’s manual, have the oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Do it more frequently if your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it.

2. Address Engine Problems ASAP

Minor problems tend to become major problems quickly, so address any issues immediately. For instance, if you hear any unusual noises or smell unusual odors from under the hood, have the car looked at as quickly as possible.

3.  Warm the Car Up on Cold Days

Oil tends to thicken in cold weather and needs time to warm up before it can properly lubricate the engine. On cold days, let the car engine warm up for a minute or so before shifting into Drive. This gives the oil time to circulate before putting pressure on the engine.

4.  Drive at Reasonable Rates

Operating at high RPMs—characterized by a loud, high-pitched engine whine—puts unnecessary wear and tear on the engine. To prevent this, avoid gunning your engine and never slam the pedal to the metal. Accelerate slowly, manually downshift only after braking firmly to slow the vehicle, and try to keep your speed within legal limits.

5. Clean the Engine Annually

A layer of dirt, grease, and grime on your engine tends to act as insulation and prevents heat from dissipating properly. This can lead to excessive wear and tear and potential overheating. Have the engine scrubbed yearly to rid it of this layer of grime and enable it to keep itself cool.

The engine maintenance tips above should help you prolong your car's engine life and keep it running economically for as long as possible. For professional assistance, contact Fort Mitchell Garage. We are the premier transmission repair and body shop in Kenton County. We’ve been serving the region for more than 100 years and specialize in both mechanical and collision repair. Visit our website or call (859) 431-3326 to request an appointment.