HAMBURG: Most cars are still powered by internal combustion engines which need looking after properly if they are to function well and not burden you with repair bills.
Usually, by the time you realise your engine is damaged, it is too late.
Fortunately, you can often avoid major engine failures if you keep an eye on what is happening in your vehicle and pay attention while driving it.
Many car drivers do not treat their engine properly due to ignorance and so cause expensive damage. But with some mechanical sympathy and awareness costly mistakes can be avoided.
Enough oil?
One major problem is a low level of oil in the engine. The oil in your engine lubricates the moving parts so they don't become damaged and overheat due to friction. If your engine doesn't have enough oil, there will be trouble ahead.
So check your oil on a regular basis. Most cars have a so-called dipstick at the engine which shows the correct level - usually between two lines on the metal strip.
If oil is lacking, the car's handbook will tell you which oil to use and how much to add. In some cars, a warning light will indicate a low oil level.
If the oil pressure warning light comes on in while you are under way, stop the engine as soon as it safe to do so. Failure to do this can cause very expensive damage. In many cases a lack of oil will cause un-lubricated surfaces inside the engine to grind against each other and even seize up.
Keep cool
Overheating is another bugbear. The combustion in the engine causes immense heat and your cooling system is what prevents components from warping.
But if your cooling system stops working, pull over and stop driving. If there is too little water in your cooling system, there is a risk that the head gasket, which provides the seal between the engine block and cylinder head, could burn out relatively quickly. This is costly to fix.
The fault can cause engine oil to mix with the cooling water and form an emulsion that no longer lubricates the engine sufficiently so causes engine damage. In any case, a temperature gauge that reaches the red is bad news that needs expert attention.
Timing belt
One hidden problem is a worn timing belt. Many modern engines are interference engines, meaning the pistons and the valves, which let fuel in and exhaust gases out again, occupy some of the same space within the cylinders, though not at the same time.
If the timing belt breaks, the pistons may strike the valves when they're open, destroying them, swiftly leading to massive engine damage.
Unfortunately, your car will not fix itself although many drivers seem to think it might. Too often people just ignore unusual noises or warning lights even if they show red.
This is a big mistake, because warning lamps rarely light up for no reason. If the light saying check the engine comes on while the engine is running, there is usually something wrong with the combustion, the engine could be misfiring or is drawing too much air.
Sometimes, you may see a light on your dashboard due to a defective lambda sensor on the catalytic converter. In any case, you need to identify the fault as quickly as possible, as these faults can cause the mixing ratio between air and fuel to be incorrect.
If too much fuel is burned and it washes the oil film off the cylinder walls, it can lead to higher wear - at least in the case of the petrol engine.
If too much air is added, then the engine can overheat, or pistons or valves burn away.
The right temperature
Just like in sport, when competitive athletes warm up slowly, your engine also needs a certain amount of time to reach the right operating temperature.
If your engine is still cold, the engine oil is much more viscous or thick than when it is at operating temperature. So never drive fast when the engine is cold, but warm it up carefully. If the oil is still viscous, there is a risk that its film will break off and the engine will wear out much faster.
Also, when an engine has been switched off, all the oil collects in the lower oil pan. Consequently, an engine needs some time to build up oil pressure to be able to lubricate properly.
One trick is to first start the engine, then buckle up and only then drive off gently. That short amount of time should be enough to build up the oil pressure.
Another deadly sin that many drivers commit, especially after fast journeys is turning off a hot engine immediately. Especially after fast trips on a highway or driving under heavy load, leave your engine running for a short time at a standstill to cool down a bit.
Otherwise, if you turn off a hot engine, the cylinder head can warp, even when it has sufficient cooling water. This applies especially to the turbocharged engines fitted to many modern cars.
