Reviewing The Dangers of Poor Engine Maintenance

The engine is the most important component in any gas-powered vehicle, so keeping up with routine maintenance is critical. Neglecting to change your windshield wipers, cabin air filter, and even tires will result in less-than-ideal performance and comfort, but it’s unlikely to lead to a total breakdown or the sort of repair bill that all drivers dread. The same can’t be said for the engine. Most drivers know how important it is to keep up with regular oil changes, but few realize just how much TLC an engine needs to deliver consistent long-term performance. From installing new air filters, ignition coils, and spark plugs to swapping out the drive belts, performing a coolant flush, and promptly addressing an illuminated check engine light, regular visits to your local Ford service center can help drivers avoid some of the worst outcomes the automotive world has to offer. What are the repercussions of poor engine maintenance? We’ll take you through some worst-case scenarios as we explore some of the downsides of delaying your engine upkeep.

Poor Resale Value

From the moment you sign on the dotted line at your local dealership, you should be thinking about the day when your vehicle will pass into new hands. Whether you’re aiming to trade in your existing vehicle to finance your next ride or looking at the private market, resale value is one of the most compelling reasons to keep your engine in tip-top shape. Today’s used vehicle prices are at a historic high, but it’s easy to leave some money on the table if you can’t provide a buyer with a detailed service history that shows you’ve been keeping up on basic maintenance tasks. Being able to prove that a vehicle has been treated to regular oil changes, as well as fresh spark plugs, belts, and air filters, can be an important negotiating tool when it’s time to talk turkey, especially if you can provide receipts. A complete vehicle history report is an even better bargaining chip, though you will have to have the maintenance performed by a dealership or reputable mechanic that works with a vehicle history analysis service like Carfax.

Poor Fuel Economy

Routine engine maintenance can be one of the easiest ways to save a little money at the pump. When an engine isn’t at its best, it needs to work a little harder to move your vehicle down the road. This extra effort comes at the cost of fuel economy. You can avoid this problem by keeping up with your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. Fresh oil improves lubrication, allowing an engine to do its thing while reducing the resistance that can rob you of some precious MPG. The same goes for spark plugs and ignition coils. These two components ensure efficient combustion and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought if you want to get the most out of your engine. Engine maintenance isn’t the only way to improve fuel economy, as proper tire pressure and balance, limited AC usage, and good driving habits also play a part. However, keeping your engine in tune is certainly one of the most important ways and has the potential to improve overall fuel economy by as much as four percent.

Overheating

Today’s engines are designed to operate at a pretty specific temperature. If it’s too cold, your engine won’t be able to deliver the fuel economy it was designed to provide. However, the real risks come at the other end of the temperature spectrum. An overheated engine is also less efficient, but it’s the potential for long-term damage that should raise the most concern. From clogged air filters and malfunctioning thermostats to broken water pumps or leaks in the cooling system or radiator, there is no shortage of factors that can land your engine temperature gauge in the danger zone.

That said, one of the easiest ways to avoid an overheated engine is to perform regular oil changes. As oil begins to wear out, it loses some of the cooling properties that allow it to do its job. Older oil can start forming a gunky sludge inside your engine, preventing oil from flowing where needed and increasing the friction and heat within the system.

Decreased Performance

You might have picked your car, truck, or SUV based on its horsepower, but falling behind on basic engine maintenance can significantly impact performance. Oil changes are an important part of the equation when trying to achieve maximum horsepower, but if there were one area to focus on, it would have to be the air intake system. In order to deliver the peak performance, an engine needs a steady supply of fresh air. A clogged air filter can make it difficult for an engine to achieve the precise air/fuel ratio it needs to work its best, resulting in a less efficient internal combustion process that robs you of precious ponies. The mass airflow sensor (MAF), which is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine, can also play a role in performance. When the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it’s tough for a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) to gauge the proper air/fuel mixture. Swapping out your engine air filter or hitting your MAF with a quick spray of cleaner can go a long way toward ensuring peak performance.

Total Failure

The average engine should last as long as 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. That number can be as high as 300,000 for some pickup trucks and heavy-duty vehicles designed to withstand more wear and tear. But you’re never going to reach those sorts of literal milestones if you neglect proper engine maintenance. Whether it be overheating caused by old oil, malfunctioning cooling systems, broken timing belts, damaged oxygen sensors, or worn-out spark plugs, it can be surprisingly easy to damage an engine beyond repair. Our increasingly sophisticated vehicles with all their warning lights and engine oil life monitors mean that drivers will typically be able to spot such issues before they reach the point of no return, but that’s not always the case. It’s easy to become accustomed to a strange noise, smell, or rumbling sensation under the hood, but this complacency can spell doom for your engine’s service life. If something seems amiss, don’t wait until it escalates to the point where a dashboard light or diagnostic trouble code is activated. Investigate the issue and deal with the problem before it balloons into a big-ticket repair.

Most of these basic engine maintenance engine tasks are well within the reach of the average DIY mechanic, though some require some specialized tools and techniques. Swapping out an engine air filter, changing your oil, and even replacing your spark plugs aren’t that complicated with enough patience and a little research, but replacing a drive belt or performing a coolant flush might be a little ambitious for some drivers.There’s nothing wrong with outsourcing some of the labor to a qualified professional who knows their way around a vehicle, especially when you’re talking about the engine. Your local Ford service center is not only staffed by qualified, trained automotive technicians; they’re also more likely to understand the unique demands of your Ford car, truck or SUV. From using factory-quality OEM parts to following the latest procedures and keeping up with relevant recalls, McCluskey Chevrolet’s service team is here to give your vehicle exactly the kind of care it deserves. Stop by today and see what a difference proper engine maintenance can make when it comes to improving the overall driving experience.