There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.
Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your local Oil Changers team can help you know what's scheduled to be taken care of.
Some of us really don't look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things that the manufacturer recommends.
But automotive maintenance is all about prevention and addressing small problems before they get big. Let's take the fuel filter for example.
You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our roads is over nine years. As vehicles get older they can accumulate small amounts of dirt in their fuel tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars of damage. So somewhere between that dirty fuel tank and the price of a great vacation is the lowly fuel filter. Generally its an inexpensive part that doesn't cost too much to replace and your vehicle will run better too.
A clogged fuel filter can't let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your vehicle is running fine around town but struggles or sputters on the open road or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can't get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough, your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.
Some fuel filters have a bypass. When they get clogged, they allow dirty fuel to move around the filter element so dirt ends up in the engine. We've already talked about how expensive that can be.
The fuel filter is even very important for newer vehicles. The fuel is still dirty even if there isn't rust in the tank. It's just that the fuel filter will need to be changed more frequently as the vehicle gets older.
How often should you change your fuel filter? Check your owner's manual. Your Oil Changers service technician may be able to tell you as well. It's usually around 50,000 kilometers or so but can vary greatly between vehicle's.
For a diesel vehicle it is very important to change the diesel fuel filter as per the manufacturers recommended service interval. Moisture can build up in the diesel and with the newer Common Rail diesel engines pushing the fuel into the engine at over 30,000 PSI, any moisture in your diesel may lead to expensive repairs.
It's good to know that your service center has your back. When you're motivated to maintain your vehicle's performance and to reduce operating costs, you'll think of Oil Changers as your ally- and maybe even your memory.
Oil Changers
www.oilchangers.co.nz