Most car engines can last up to 300,000 miles or more, with properly maintained ones lasting a lifetime. However, factors like driving habits could shorten an engine’s lifespan, as they could accumulate wear and damage.
Engine replacement is no joke, as it could set you back $10,000 or more. A good way to sidestep that cost is to inspect and replace the crucial components once they show signs of wear.
While all engine parts serve a crucial role, keep a close eye on the ones below. If these components fail or malfunction, they can significantly affect engine operation and even reduce its service life.
The timing belt (or cambelt) synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft to ensure the engine’s valves open and close at the right time during the cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes.
Timing belts usually last up to 10 years, but they could face issues earlier due to natural wear. If this happens, the pistons and valves could collide due to the loss of synchronization.
Many engines, however, aren’t damaged when the timing belt fails, but it’s always best to choose when the timing belt is replaced rather than letting the timing belt choose for you. It won’t ever choose a good time to fail. Some timing belts are easier to replace than others, and most people will hire the belt replaced rather than doing it themselves unless they’re dedicated DIY folks.
Spark plugs play a pivotal role in igniting the air and fuel mixture within the engine’s cylinders. They deliver extreme high voltage from the ignition system to the spark plug gap in the combustion chamber to ignite the mixture.
Additionally, worn plugs often contribute to engine issues, as they can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, increased emissions, or decreased fuel economy. Engine knocking, which occurs when the air and fuel mixture detonates prematurely, can also happen. This can damage the pistons and other engine components.
A set of replacement spark plugs can cost as little as $30 but some sets of plugs can cost over $100.
An oil filter removes contaminants from the engine oil to ensure only clean oil circulates through the engine. It does so by trapping dirt, metal shavings, and other debris that can accumulate in the oil. This prevents the debris from wearing down the engine components.
Replacement oil filters are relatively cheap, as they typically cost less than $10.
Air filters help maintain engine health by ensuring clean air enters the vehicle. Without the filter, dust and dirt will enter the engine bay, and cause abrasive wear on engine components like the cylinders and pistons.
Luckily, air filters are relatively easy to replace and are affordable, as you can get one for slightly above $10. But it’s probably best to get a good one instead of a cheap one. Make sure it fits right, and don’t try to duct tape the filter housing if it’s cracked; always replace it.
Pistons convert the energy generated by the combustion of air and fuel into mechanical work. The process is simple:
Damaged pistons can lead to issues like misfires, excess oil consumption, and knocking. As mentioned, knocking can damage other engine components. If you have an issue with a piston or a valve on a cylinder, it usually calls for engine overhaul or replacement.
A crankshaft converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotation motion to drive the wheels. This conversion of reciprocating motion into rotation motion is crucial for powering the vehicle, as the engine won’t convert the energy from the combustion into mechanical work. The journals spin inside bearings that can wear out, losing oil pressure and allowing the crank journals to wear. As with piston problems, a crankshaft problem usually means an overhaul or engine replacement.
Some tips to prolong your engine’s lifespan include following regular maintenance, maintaining proper fluid levels, driving smoothly, and addressing issues right away.
Ensure you follow your owner’s manual regarding the proper engine maintenance interval. Doing so can extend the engine’s lifespan, as regular maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups keep the engine running efficiently.
Additionally, inspections can help identify potential issues before they become head-scratching problems. For example, checking and replacing worn belts and hoses prevents breakdowns and costly repairs.
Engine check-ups cost around $250, depending on the engine type. While it might seem expensive, it’s a preventive measure to ensure you don’t spend more on repairs.
The fluid levels you should monitor are the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Keeping these at their proper levels can prolong your engine’s lifespan. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to check and what the correct level is.
Numerous poor driving habits can damage the engine and reduce its lifespan. For example, over-revving and continuously driving at high RPMs puts excessive strain on the engine components since they need to work harder to accommodate the power.
As such, it’s crucial to practice proper driving habits. Easy ones you can do include properly warming up on cold days, avoiding overspeeding, and properly shifting gear. These habits will make it easier for your engine to start, and it won’t need to work as hard.
Lastly, it’s crucial to address issues promptly to prevent significant damage to the engine. For example, you should have your car checked if you notice excessive vibrations or hear knocking, as they’re signs of potential engine damage or its components.
Immediately addressing the issues will also prevent costly repairs in the future. After all, some problems could lead to others, like how damaged pistons usually result in excessive fuel consumption.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.