Think of your engine as the beating heart of your Chevrolet truck, SUV or sedan. And just as a healthy heart is important for a long and productive life, keeping your engine in the best shape possible lets you enjoy your Chevy for many years to come. Follow these important tips if you want to get the most out of your Chevy vehicle throughout your ownership.
1. Stay on Top of Recommended Service
There’s a good reason why recommended service intervals exist. Without them, most people would go without regularly scheduled maintenance, putting their engine at risk of a catastrophic failure.
- Engine oil change – With so many moving parts inside, your engine depends on proper lubrication to function. Skipping oil changes can make your engine oil dirtier, robbing it of the lubricating properties it needs to prevent excessive friction and parts damage. Regularly scheduled oil changes ensure your engine oil stays clean and your engine remains properly lubricated.
- Engine air filter replacement – Your engine air filter is the only thing stopping dead leaves, dust and debris from entering the engine itself. Regular air filter changes are key to keeping your engine clean and free of parts-damaging debris.
- Spark plug replacement – Replacing the spark plugs in a timely manner helps prevent misfires and predetonation, both of which could damage the pistons, valves and other engine components inside the combustion chamber. Your technician may also use special tools to clean the spaces around the spark plug, which can also collect grime and debris over time.
- Engine coolant change – Clean engine coolant helps keep your engine within its optimal operating temps, preventing engine overheating that could potentially warp and damage internal parts.
Keep in mind that service dates and mileages can vary from model to model. Your vehicle owner’s manual will have more detailed information on your particular Chevy’s recommended service schedule. It’ll also highlight the specific items that’ll be included in your vehicle’s service schedule, depending on its age and mileage.
2. Watch Out for Warning Lights
Your Chevy’s dashboard features an array of warning lights designed to give you a heads-up about any problem your vehicle encounters, including potential engine trouble. Whenever there’s a problem with your engine, you’ll see the yellow Check Engine light appear on the dashboard. You’ll also see a more detailed warning message in your Chevy’s Driver Information Center display, if so equipped.
The last thing you’d want to do is ignore the Check Engine light – or any warning light, for that matter. Doing so could cause eventual damage to your engine, which in turn could lead to expensive repairs and the headaches that come with it.
Depending on the issue that triggers the Check Engine light, you may see it appear as a solid light or a flashing light. Here’s what these two modes mean in terms of your engine’s current health:
- A solid Check Engine light means there’s an engine problem that needs your attention. You can still operate your vehicle, but you should take it to your Chevy dealer for service as soon as possible.
- A flashing Check Engine light usually means a misfire or a serious problem that could quickly lead to engine damage. At this point, find a safe place to pull over and shut off the engine, and then have your vehicle towed to the nearest Chevy dealer for service.
If you see a “Service Engine Soon” icon or message on your Chevy’s dashboard, then it’s time to schedule service at your nearest Chevy service center as soon as possible. These warnings don’t demand the same immediate attention as a solid or flashing Check Engine light, but you shouldn’t delay in having your vehicle taken care of by your trusted Chevrolet service technician.
3. Take It Easy
Your Chevy’s engine already works hard enough to keep you and your family going.
- Gunning the throttle when it isn’t necessary
- Running the engine at max RPM for long periods
- Running the engine while it’s low on oil and/or coolant
- Operating the engine under harsh conditions (dusty roads, extreme cold, etc.)
- Neglecting oil changes and other scheduled service
4. Keep It Clean
Dirt and grime buildup can do more than make your engine look less than pristine. Said debris can also make its way inside the engine if left unchecked. For instance, dead leaves and other outside debris can easily clog up intake pathways, making it harder for your engine to breathe properly. Dirt and grime can also collect on the condenser and radiator, which also makes it tougher for your engine to operate at optimal temperatures and could even cause it to overheat.
Your engine doesn’t have to be showroom-shiny, but make sure you remove any and all debris from the engine bay on a regular basis. An occasional de-greasing will help keep grime out of places it shouldn’t be, plus you’ll have an easier and cleaner time performing basic maintenance tasks. Use a shop vacuum to remove debris from places where it commonly collects, including the cowl screens and various crevices close to the hood hinges.
