With the hustle and bustle of modern life, our cars have become more than just vehicles; they serve as essential tools. With the ever-increasing cost of living, finding ways to save money whenever possible is more necessary. Among the most prominent ways of saving money is through affordable engine repairs and maintenance. A well-looked-after engine saves the owners from unavoidable repair costs and considerably prolongs its lifespan.

How in-line engines work
Before we discuss maintenance specifics, let's understand how your in-line engine works. Think of it as the heart of your car: It takes in fuel and converts it into power.

Critical components of an in-line engine include:

Cylinders: These are the chambers where all the magic combustion happens.

Piston: This movable part goes up and down inside the cylinder, compressing the fuel and air mixture.

Crankshaft: A rotating shaft that converts the linear motion of the pistons to rotary motion.

Valves: These control the intake of fuel and air and the discharge of exhaust gases into and out of the cylinders, respectively.

Common engine problems
Even with the best care, engines can still develop problems. Following are some common issues:

A faulty thermostat, radiator problem, or insufficient coolant may cause engine overheating. Signs include higher readings than usual from the temperature gauge or steam from your hood.

Engine knocking is a metallic sound caused by several factors, including pre-ignition, detonation, or lack of octane.

Engine misfiring could be caused by some problems, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors.

Essential maintenance works
Regular maintenance is required to keep the engine running as needed. Some of the significant works include:

Oil change: This is, of course, the most necessary maintenance. Oil keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated while cooling it. The best time to change your oil is every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres.

Tyre pressure: The correct tyre pressure plays a vital role in fuel efficiency and safety. Check the air pressure of your tyres at least once a month.

Coolant checks: Coolant helps keep your engine cool. The level of coolant should be checked at least once a month and should not be too low or too high.

Replacement of air filter: the air filter keeps dirt and other debris out of your engine. Replace it after every 10,000 to 20,000 km.

Spark plug check: Spark plugs are essential as they ignite the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber. They should be checked every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres and replaced when worn or damaged.

DIY versus Professional maintenance
To most car owners, routine car maintenance is a fun activity. However, some activities are best left to a professional mechanic.

Here are some factors to consider when seeking to judge whether you want to do DIY maintenance work:

Your mechanical aptitude: If you are mechanically inclined, such jobs are better for the experts.

The job's complexity: Some tasks, such as timing belt replacement, are complicated and best handled only by experts.

The cost factor: In some instances, maintenance can save money. However, the overall equation must consider the costs of purchasing any particular tool or equipment.

Cheap maintenance tips
Here are a few things you can do to make your car maintenance more affordable:

Buy generic parts. They are often as good as brand-name parts and are usually inexpensive.

Buy in bulk. If you'll be doing a lot of maintenance, it might make sense to buy supplies in bulk.

Use online resources: There is a host of online materials that may help you with car maintenance. There are loads, from DIY tutorials to advice and even discounts on parts.

Preventive maintenance: The most effective way to save on car repairs is to perform preventive maintenance. By keeping up with your regular maintenance, you can avoid significant problems.

Conclusion
Investing time and effort in reasonably priced engine care will save you money while guaranteeing longevity and dependability. Indeed, periodic maintenance, proactive checks, and making informed choices about repairs can significantly extend the life of your car, providing significant savings over the long term. Remember, a well-maintained engine is a happy engine, which means a happy driver.

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