1. Maintain your oil.
If you don’t properly maintain the oil levels, the engine can overheat and even blow up. Have your oil checked every three months or three thousand miles. Just like going to your stylist, it’s a must-do.*

2. Check your tires.
A good trick to check the tread on your tires is to stick a penny in between the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tires are worn down and it’s time for new ones! Make sure that you are always checking your air pressure as well—once a week is ideal. Properly inflated tires will give you much better gas mileage.*

3. Check your windshield wipers for wear.
If they are worn down in poor condition, you could be at risk for a serious safety hazard during the next downpour.*

4. Check your coolant level.
Your coolant is something that your engine can’t live without. This is something that you can DIY. Review your owner’s manual to determine where the coolant reservoir is. Wait until your engine is cool and take a look at it; the outside should have low and high markings on it and the level of coolant inside should be between the two.*

5. Check your engine belts.
Have your engine belts checked every year or two, and replace them at every 50,000 miles. The belts live in the front of your engine and loop around various pulleys, fueling everything from the alternator to the air conditioner compressor. Rubber perishes, especially in the extreme conditions of an engine bay. Make sure that your service provider is checking these yearly.

 

i check my car once every season or when the oil main reminder turns on which ever comes first. 3K oil changes are a waste.

 

Oil doesn't really cool your engine (unless you're running an oil cooler). Rather, your coolant handles cooling. Not a bad reminder to check the vitals though.

 

One thing that wasn't mentioned is the all-important tire rotation. The most frequently ignored maintenance item other that axles and transfer cases, this is a great, free way to extend your tire life. All it takes is a jack, a 19mm socket and breaker bar, and a torque wrench. Easy, takes about 15-20 minutes (not including beer/smoke breaks :)), and, if done every 2,500-4,000 miles, WILL make your tires last longer. It's AMAZING how many people don't do these.
Also, as a Jeep guy, it's STAGGERING how many idiots out there who have a perfectly good full-sized, matching spare never rotate it in, effectively turning it into junk! Then you have the guys with 35" tires on the ground, and a dinky 29" spare on back. Since that'll help... :)
Mark W.

 

Oil does play a role in cooling certain parts of the engine- the coolant system, however, will overheat well before the oil will.

I'd say changing the oil every 3K is way too much. Conversly, "checking" the oil every 3K is not enough. I'd pull the dipstick every week or so. (TWSS).

 

^ Very true. Coolant, air (external air flowing over the case, NOT the air used in combustion!), oil, and fuel (in descending order) all cool the engine.

5K with modern oil and filters is a solid average change point. Since most folks have no clue how to "read" oil, a nice, shiny number like this is a good idea :) Mark W.

 

Has anyone tried Evans NPG+ Waterless Engine coolant?

Home » Engine Cooling Systems

I was thinking about switching to this. Has anyone had any problems with this in a Honda before?