While there’s a chance that you’ll experience a breakdown while driving, you can decrease this likelihood by properly maintaining your vehicle's engine. Learning some preventative maintenance tricks will help you catch car issues before they become bigger problems. Follow these five tips to decrease your chances of waiting for roadside assistance after an engine breakdown.

How to Maintain Your Car's Engine

1. Change the Oil

Oil keeps your engine’s components lubricated and moving smoothly. However, the heat in the engine causes a portion of the oil to naturally burn off; if not addressed over time, the oil can run out entirely. Check your oil levels often and replace it every three months or 3,000 miles.

2. Check the Air Filter

Prevent dust and debris from getting into your engine by making sure to check the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can also make your engine sluggish and result in poor performance by restricting proper airflow. A good rule of thumb is to replace it every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.

3. Replace the Belts

The timing belt keeps the valves in your engine working properly in conjunction with the pistons. A malfunction can result in serious engine damage. The drive belt runs the air conditioning compressor and alternator, and the engine will stop if the belt isn’t working properly.

A worn drive or timing belt can snap while you're driving. To avoid being stranded and in need of roadside assistance, replace the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles and the driving belt when it begins making squeaking noises.

4. Check the Cooling System

Combustion engines produce a lot of heat, and the cooling system regulates it. If this system malfunctions due to a coolant leak or other damage, your engine can overheat, which will eventually cause the vehicle to stop working altogether, in addition to causing heat damage to some of the more sensitive parts.

5. Tuneups

The best way to prevent unwanted vehicle breakdowns is to have your engine regularly serviced by a professional. While you may be able to check the oil, coolant, belts, and air filter at home, some parts need to be checked by an experienced auto repair specialist to ensure that all problems have been caught.

Have your mechanic check the spark plugs, fuel injection system, fuel filter, PVC valves, and any other essential engine components that may need to be changed out after significant wear and tear. They can also address any problems with the engine components discussed above, as well as any other general vehicle issues.

Even the most careful car owners can find themselves in need of roadside assistance. If you experience a breakdown, you can rely on the experts at Turpin's Wrecker Service of Hiawassee, GA, to get you and your car to a safe location. This family-owned towing service is open 24 hours per day and has been serving Towns County for more than 30 years. Schedule emergency car towing by calling (706) 896-4138, or learn more about their services online.