What is the best way to keep your car engine working for years as good as new?

Answer 1

Change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles & use a good oil filter. If the car is used for intensive city driving (lots of stop & go) then 3,000 miles is best. For freeway driving, 5,000 miles is okay.

Don't let the car warm up. With today's fuel injection systems, it is just a waste of gas & puts unnecessary wear & tear on the engine.

Answer 2

Proper preventive maintenance, Which should include using synthetic oils in not only the engine but all the rears ends and transmission. Maintenance based on your driving and not the book, If you drive in town or city every day with stop and go traffic you need to change oil every 5000 miles. ( keep in mind we are using all synthetic oils) Flush and clean the engine and radiator yearly. if you are pulling at trailer then cahnging transmission fluid and filter bi-anually. Brake should be replaced every 30k. Air filters should be replaced every other oil change along with fuel filters.
Greasing components once between oil changes. Tune ups, changing plugs and wires at 70k then replacing components before they fail like water pumps, alternators, Belts, hoses, vacuum line, etc.
Making sure that proper valve lash is maintained and checked every 90k. the replacment of injectors @ 150K alongf with coils or coil packs.
The list goes on, But if you where to actualy do true preventive maintenance on a vehicle it's 90% less likely to have a component failure and leave you stranded some where plus you extend the miles you can get out of it.
I have a 1995 Buick Regal with a V6 with 336,000 miles on the original motor and Transmission using these techniques. I don't have any more money invested in the car then I would if I had done the manufaturers scheduled maintenance and had to make major component replacments or overhauls.
So if you just use a little common sense about the kinds of driving you do, and where it's done, then change your maintenance schedule to match it using higher quality lubricants and OEM parts you too will see a ROI in you vehicle.

Answer 3

Despite what everyone may tell you about how unnecessary it is to maintain your vehicle per the vehicle owner's manual, if you do it the way it says then your car will last a good long while.

I had a 1988 Chevy Spectrum which I bought new off the lot, and it was my very first new car. I maintained that car PER the MAINTENANCE GUIDE, and I never got the "cheaper" parts for it. I was told by two separate mechanics that this car was a "throw away" car, meaning it wasn't meant to last past 100,000 miles.

Let me tell you something: I regret selling that car when it reached 164,000 miles, especially considering the "trade up" I would be getting. My Spectrum was a beautiful, well-maintained, well-cared for, always impecibly clean sporty car.

The new owner of my Spectrum totalled that car by rolling it in an accident sometime before within three weeks of purchasing it.

Answer 4

At the very least use the best oil at the correct weight and the best oil filters. Change your oil according to 'severe service' interval or even more frequently if you can afford to. Oh and your dealership won't be using the 'best' oil. Take it easy on the engine for at least the first 10-15mins after cold startup. Allow your car to operate at constantly for at least 30 minutes once a week. Allow the engine to rev high once in a while eg highway driving. Frequently replace or clean your crankcase breathing apparatus - tubes and PCV valve etc. Use a decent brand of gasoline not cheap supermarket stuff. Change your air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs at the appropriate intervals for 'severe service'.

Answer 5

Give your car a regular service and keep the brake fluid, oil, radiator water topped up. Every 100,000 kms replace the timing belt

Answer 6

Change your oil often, if possible use full synthetic oils. Use good oil filters. Keep up with scheduled maintanance. Use a fuel injector and valve cleaner once a month.

Answer 7

Change your fluids!