The different components in your car perform different functions and they are all important, but your engine assembly is the most expensive and perhaps the most important component of your car. As a proud car owner, you will want to avoid the need for engine repairs because they can be quite costly. Many car owners end up needing engine repairs because they do not know how to take good care of their engine. 

Here are some things you should avoid if you want to keep your engine running properly and thus minimise the need for costly engine repairs.

Poor lubrication

Your car's engine comprises many different moving components, including the bearings, pistons, crankshaft, and valves that need to be well-lubricated at all times when the vehicle is being used. Improper lubrication of these parts results in increased metal-to-metal contact, which leads to premature wear and tear of the parts and overheating of the engine due to internal friction. 

Overly worn moving parts will need to be replaced when engine repairs are being carried out, and this can increase car operation costs quite significantly.

Cooling system failure

Every car engine has a cooling system designed to keep the engine cool while it is running. When coolant leak takes place from the system, the engine will run at high temperatures, which results in overheating. Overheating may also occur due to faulty cooling system parts like the thermostat, the cooling fan or the water pump. 

To prevent failure of the cooling system at crucial times, it is vital to have it regularly inspected to check for coolant leaks and, flushed and refilled as per vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. During the inspections, it is also important to check for wear and tear of system parts, so as to replace parts if necessary.

Head gaskets failure

The head gaskets are the all-important engine components designed to keep motor fluids like engine oil and engine coolant from entering where they are not required. When the head gaskets fail to seal off sections of the engine, different engine fluids become mixed resulting in contamination of engine fluids. 

Contaminated fluids will cause the engine to stop running at optimal temperatures, resulting in failure of critical engine parts like the combustion chamber, the cylinder head and the pistons.

With the help of a qualified mechanic, you can prevent the above-discussed engine problems from occurring and get optimal service from your car throughout its lifespan. If you do not have a trusted mechanic, contact a local car repair shop.