For many drivers like yourself, buying a new or used vehicle is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Unfortunately, as the vehicle ages and accumulates miles, parts wear out faster and more frequently. Although some components are minor and easy to fix, others, like a car engine, can easily break a budget. Fortunately, routine engine service can help your investment last longer, avoid a costly engine replacement, and prevent the dreaded check engine light from popping up. Let’s take a look at why you should keep up with regular engine maintenance and what proper engine maintenance is required:

What Does the Engine of a Car Do?

Your car’s engine is the heart of your vehicle, and keeping it running smoothly should be a top priority. By superheating gasoline, the engine creates enough energy to turn the wheels. A faulty engine puts everyone on the road at risk, including the driver, because the vehicle depends on it for power. In addition, if any part of the system is broken or faulty, the engine will not work correctly, and you could be left stranded on the side of the road or worse. The good news is that with appropriate vehicle maintenance, a good engine will endure years of wear and tear long after a factory warranty has ended.

What Are the Benefits of Maintaining Your Vehicle?

Your vehicle is a machine with many moving parts that must work together to keep the vehicle running. It is easy to procrastinate and overlook routine vehicle maintenance when everything operates as it should. Unfortunately, delaying scheduled maintenance until there is a problem or the check engine light comes on can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. However, avoiding damage is just one of many benefits of keeping up with regular maintenance.

Increased Safety

When your vehicle runs smoothly and is free from dashboard warning lights, you can rest assured that your car is reliable and you can safely make it to your destination without the threat of mechanical breakdowns. Conversely, reduced engine performance due to neglected auto service increases the likelihood of being stranded on the side of the road.

Improved Fuel Economy

Tuning up your car engine can improve your gas mileage by 4% on average and as much as up to 15%, depending on the adjustments made. For example, replacing the air filter removes blockages, allowing air to be pulled in freely without additional effort.

Avoiding Expensive Engine Repairs

Keeping up with preventative engine maintenance allows an ASE Certified technician, repair shop, or dealership to identify minor issues before they become dangerous or expensive engine repairs. When minor repairs go unnoticed or ignored until the check engine light comes on, problems can compound causing engine failure, costing you extra time and money.

Extended Engine Life

When dirt, sediment, and old engine oil build up, it causes your vehicle’s systems to work harder than intended. This additional stress starts a chain reaction, often resulting in the engine and other major components failing prematurely and decreasing the lifespan of your engine.

Higher Resale Value

Well-maintained vehicles are worth more than neglected vehicles. Keeping your car clean and maintained can increase the resale or trade-in value, giving you a higher return on your investment when it comes time to upgrade or change your car.

Warranty Protection

Many factory and extended warranty providers void coverage if drivers fail to follow the required maintenance schedule. While most used car warranties do not include coverage for routine maintenance services like regular oil changes, Endurance Warranty understands the importance of maintenance. Therefore, we offer auto protection plans that cover necessary care to help drivers stay on track.

Engine Maintenance Required

Engine maintenance includes routinely inspecting the vehicle’s systems and parts and performing any necessary car repairs or upgrades. Routine maintenance should include changing filters, fluids, coolant, and spark plugs, as well as replacing any worn belts, such as the timing belt or serpentine belt. Complete care will also include checking the brakes and tires, signal lights, wiper blades, steering, battery, charging components, and exhaust.

As a general rule of thumb, engine service and maintenance should be performed minimally at least once per year or between 10,000 and 12,000 miles. However, if you drive a lot or have a larger vehicle, it is recommended that you perform preventative maintenance every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. Service timing can depend on a variety of factors, including vehicle age, mileage, climate, road conditions, and your driving style. Your automaker may also recommend a different car service schedule. Find how often you should have your engine serviced in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Keep Your Engine Serviced with Endurance Warranty

An essential part of vehicle ownership is taking care of your investment. Through proper care and maintenance, you can avoid seeing the dreaded check engine light, prevent mechanical breakdown, and increase the life of your vehicle. Keeping your car running at its best doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. An extended car warranty can protect you from the unexpected cost associated with vehicle repairs.

If your manufacturer’s warranty has lapsed or your vehicle no longer qualifies for coverage, Endurance Warranty offers comprehensive auto protection plans to suit your specific needs and budget. With Endurance, you can drive confidently, knowing that your engine, transmission, and other major components are covered in a mechanical failure. In addition, all vehicle service contracts include 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption costs, and substitute transportation while your vehicle is being repaired by the ASE Certified technician or auto shop of your choice.

In addition to the perks included with your chosen plan, you’ll be eligible for one year of FREE Elite Benefits after activation (a small fee applies). Elite Benefits grant you access to up to two tire repairs/replacements per year, key fob replacements, and much more. Get started today by requesting a free, no-obligation quote or calling our award-winning customer service team by calling (800) 253-8203 today. You can also find more helpful vehicle resources in our blog, including articles about car pricing, the latest trends, and road trip preparations.