Engine Health Check Service
Full Guide to Engine Health Check Services
Introduction
The engine is, literally, the heart of a car and if it runs smoothly, then that is an extremely critical part to ensure it runs at its best performance. Hence, frequent checks on the health status of your engine may be considered an important part in maintaining the life of your vehicle and preventing accidents and costly repair work along the roads. Here, you get to know in-depth what this service of an engine health check is and what is the need to do the same for yourself; you will also come to know as to what to expect through this whole process.
- Reason to Regular Engine Health Check
Benefits are varied which originate in doing regular engine health check-ups and among them some of the following ones are:
Preventive Maintenance
Big breakdowns and costly repair such as like early oil leak or foul plugs will cost much more in the long run.
Effective Fuel Consumption
A well maintained engine will ensure a sound warranty for good fuelburn, smooth ride and lowered emissions.
Increased Engine Life
This will make the life of your engine run for some considerable time since checks frequently done confirm that belts, hoses as well as filters, are still in good working conditions.
Safety has been improved. At any given time, your engine may brake and put the lives of the driver, passengers, and other road users in danger.
Maintenance of the value of your car. Keep your engine healthy for that will impact the resale value for your car.
- Parts Inspection of an engine
Standard systems of an engine which need be checked for health are the following, afterwards parts enumerate critical parts :-
2.1 Visual inspection technicians observe and check for easy leaks, signs of wear or damage on check sheet:
Oil Leaks Suggesting bad seals and gaskets Coolant Leaks Something is wrong in radiator and in its water pump Worn-out belts and hoses Belts, when they get old, can damage a car engine as they become brittle. 2.2 Scan Test OBD present in all the automobile designs, and one encounters it with every car. It scans on:
Faulty sensors and devices by generating error codes.
Fuel injectors, ignition coils, catalytic converter even.
2.3 Oil and Lubrication System Checking
Oil Condition: very important:
Oil Level: if the oil level is low then friction develops and overheats the engine.
Oil Quality: if the oil is dirty or its state is poor, then the performance of the engine becomes poor.
Oil Filter: filters debris not to enter into the engine.
2.4 Cooling System Checking
An engine overheats if the cooling system is compromised:
Radiator Function: it checks its working.
Coolant Level and Quality: The absence or grimy coolant leads to over-heating
Water Pump Condition: It checks the proper flow
2.5 Air and Fuel Systems
Combustion would not be complete without a proper air-fuel mixture
Air Filter: Stagnation limits the supply of air.
Fuel Injectors: Deposition weakens the performance.
Fuel Pump: It is checked to find enough pressure.
2.6 Spark Plugs and Ignition System
A problem with the spark plugs is the case of miss-fires
Spark Plug Condition: checked for weariness and deposit.
Ignition Timing: checked for synchronism.
2.7 Battery and Electrical Systems
A dead battery may fail to turn over your engine
Battery Charge: tested for voltage and capacity.
Connections and Alternator: confirmed to charge the battery right and provide the right flow of electricity.
- General Symptoms Meaning it is time to Service your Engine
Your car might be showing any of the following symptoms meaning it is due service time.
Check Engine Light: something is wrong
Low Gas Mileage: Maybe signifying an air/fuel ratio or dirty fuel injectors.
Sounds coming from the Engine: Tapping, Knocking and Whinning can mean it is either a warning signal or something bad in the engine
Overheating: This means there is a short circuit in the cooling system as well.
Low Acceleration: It usually results from air, fuel or an ignition
White, blue or black smoke from the Exhaust : it could have different analyses of what is wrong with the engine - Equipment and techniques used when carrying out the engine diagnostic test
An engine diagnostic test requires some technical understanding but at the same time, requires specialized equipment;
OBD-II Scanner; scan and import the diagnostic trouble codes
Compression Tester: it measures the pressure inside the cylinders in case there has been combustion
Infrared Thermometer: takes the temperature of the engine and reveals overheating.
Multimeter: it tests electrical connections and also the battery voltage.
Visual Aids: cameras or borescopes that may even reach some inaccessible parts - How Often to inspect Engine Condition
This depends with mileage, age, and what the manufacturer puts down
10,000-15,000 miles for routine inspection and oil change.
Annual on older units or for the high mileage car.
Pre-trips: Safe and reliable for long run - Cost of Engine Health Check Services
Depends with service provider, type of vehicle and what is found:
Diagnostic Kit: $50-$100.
Comprehensive Kit: $150-$300.
Costs of repair : Add to the list if any repairs including but not limited to a change of spark plugs, oil leak or change of belts is needed - DIY vs Professional check-up on the health of the car engine
7.1. DIY check-up
Advantages
Cheap for a minimum check-up that involves checking oil level or changing air filters
Gain experience from your vehicle
Disadvantages
Only superficial checks-up.
Only to be done in the presence of proper tools and knowledge or risks to happen .
7.2. Professional check-up
Advantages
Makes use of professionals’ equipment only.
Technical Check-up would be very accurate, all-inclusive and detailed check-up.
Disadvantages
The Initial Cost is more costlier as compared to Do it Yourself. - A Healthy Engine
Oil Change: Should be changed as stated by the Company
Change Air Filter: Cleans it by which the air gets burnt,
Check fluid Level: Its Engine Oil, Engine Cooling Fluids, Transmission Oil, Fluid
Do Not Over-load it is overloaded which is straining your engine
Make Scheduled check-in service and book appointment as advised by the Manufacturer in owner’s manual of your Car.
Treat your vehicle. Do not idling around for Hours and also do not Over-speed. - Service Center Selection
Service Centre Selection: before checking the health of your Engine :
The Mechanic should be a person like ASE in US one should go through his Online reviews and ratings:
Compare prices, ask for a breakdown quote
Original parts fitted where you replace
Conclusion
Checking isn’t just checking, after all it’s commitment on to the performance, security as well as to your automobile’s life. A few checks will guarantee a great deal for your engine works, so to say in brief; major costly repairs are much more rare, nor to be at roadside in some corner and at an unknown time. Either do that to you or have had it done unto you; get empowered knowing what it is by actually understanding what an inspection really is. By putting all emphasis on a healthy engine, it results in just years of smooth, safe, and sound ride.
