4 ways to keep your engine in peak condition

A car’s engine requires periodic care to keep it in peak condition. For a lot of us – the mechanically inept, those without a suitable work space and/or the owners of cars that fall under a capped-price servicing program or really require specialised attention – that’s a job best left to the experts. Oil changes, filter replacements, spark-plug checks and other maintenance jobs can be finicky but they are essential to keep your car’s engine running smoothly.

However, if you’ve got the right car, the right space, some basic tools and mechanical skills and good patience, it is possible to take on key maintenance jobs yourself. In this article we explore four DIY maintenance tasks to try, however remember that if you’re ever unsure, reach out to a professional to seek their guidance and assistance with the task at hand.

1. Oil change

This relatively simple task involves locating the engine’s sump/drain plug, which is typically located at the bottom of the engine oil pan

, loosening it and collecting the old oil in a pan or container as it drains out. You then replace and retighten the sump plug before pouring in the required quantity of fresh oil via the oil filler.

However, you will need a safe means of raising and getting underneath your car to get to the sump plug (i.e. a jack and jack stands). To avoid running nice, clean oil through a dirty filter, you’ll want to combine your oil-change service with an oil-filter change.

2. Filter replacement

Your engine has a variety of filters to keep its fluids and the air pumping through it clean; none of which are very difficult to replace. While oil filters can be tricky to access, need to be initially loosened with an oil-filter wrench and may require some deft drain-pan positioning to avoid a mess, it’s simply a matter of spinning off the old one, cleaning up the mounting surface thoroughly, then spinning on the new one and tightening to specification.

Engine and air-conditioning (or cabin-air) filter replacement is even easier – just locate the air-filter housing, pop the clips and remove the old one, then clean the housing thoroughly before inserting the new one, taking care to position as per the old one.

3. Spark-plug replacement

This task involves removing the ignition leads, then loosening and removing the old spark plugs before fitting and tightening new ones, then reinstalling the ignition leads. You will need a spark-plug socket and torque wrench, however, to get the job done, as well as a feeler gauge to ensure the new plugs have the correct ‘gap’ for your car. You’ll also want to take particular care cleaning the area beforehand to stop any debris falling into exposed spark-plug holes during the job. Check out this video on how to replace spark plugs in 3 steps

for more.

4. Battery maintenance

Loose connections and gunk can stop a battery delivering every amp possible to your car’s electrical system. A simple periodic check and clean-up – literally removing the battery, cleaning the posts and terminals, then refitting it – is all it takes to ensure this vital part of the engine system is performing properly.

Tip: Don’t forget to call in the experts for help

Even simple mechanical tasks can cause big problems if you get it wrong, so always practice safety first, consult the owner’s manual and use the correct-specification tools, equipment and consumables. If you've got any doubts about your competency or equipment, leave it to the experts.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}