Check engine light close-up

Tips & Best Practices for Taking Care of Your Vehicle’s Engine

How to Keep Your Vehicle’s Engine from Overheating

The engine is one of the most critical components of a vehicle, which is why it’s so important for drivers to take care of it through proper maintenance. Wondering how to keep your vehicle’s engine from overheating? Below, we’ve put together a list of tips and best practices to help drivers take care of their vehicle’s engine.


Read More: When to Replace Your Vehicle’s Engine Air Filter


Fortunately, there are many different ways for drivers to prolong the life of their engine. Drivers should always adhere to the maintenance schedule outlined by their vehicle’s owner’s manual. The manual should include a wealth of engine maintenance information, including oil and coolant changing intervals. Drivers should regularly check their engine air filter as well, and replace it as needed.

A driver’s driving style can also have an impact on the vehicle’s engine life. Stop-and-start driving wears down the mechanical components of the engine faster than steady, gradual changes in speed. Because of this, many automotive professionals recommend that drivers should take highway routes whenever possible, as city driving is typically harder on the engine.

Warning Signs of a Failing Vehicle Engine

  • Active Check Engine Light
  • Loss of Acceleration Power
  • Decrease in Gas Mileage
  • Knocking, Hissing or Popping Noises
  • Engine Backfiring or Stalling
  • Strange Chemical Odors
  • Engine Runs Rough While Idling
Close-up on various internal engine components

Interested in purchasing a pre-owned vehicle? Motors Northwest is the perfect place to find your next vehicle. While our dealership is located at 7007 South Tacoma Way in Tacoma, WA, our team are more than happy to work with drivers looking to purchase a vehicle from out of state.  Need help with financing? Drivers can get online pre-approval right here on our website.