Your car’s engine is a bit like the heart of your vehicle—keep it healthy, and your car can keep going for years. But neglect it, and you’re asking for trouble (and expensive repairs). The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic to help your engine live a long, productive life. A few simple habits and some basic care go a long way.
We’ve seen a lot of engine troubles out on the road—cars overheating, breaking down, or refusing to start. And more often than not, it’s the little things that catch people out. So here’s what we’ve learned from being around cars all day and helping stranded drivers get back on track.
1. Don’t Skip Oil Changes
This one’s non-negotiable. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps carry away heat. When you ignore oil changes, the oil gets dirty, thick, and ineffective. That leads to wear and tear, overheating, and eventually, a very expensive trip to the mechanic.
Make sure you’re changing the oil and oil filter as recommended in your car’s manual. Some cars need it every 5,000 kilometres, others can go 10,000 or more with synthetic oil. When in doubt, sooner is better.
2. Keep an Eye on the Cooling System
Engines get hot—really hot—and your cooling system keeps temperatures under control. That means your radiator, coolant (or antifreeze), thermostat, and water pump all play a role.
If you see your temperature gauge creeping up, steam coming from under the bonnet, or coolant puddles under your car, don’t ignore it. Engine overheating is one of the fastest ways to do permanent damage. Topping up your coolant and checking for leaks can make a huge difference.
3. Use Quality Fuel (and the Right Type)
Not all petrol is created equal. Stick to the fuel grade recommended in your car’s manual. If your vehicle calls for 95 or 98 octane, using regular unleaded can lead to knocking or engine strain over time.
Also, avoid running your tank near empty regularly. Sediment and debris can build up in the bottom of your tank, and running low can cause that gunk to be sucked into the fuel system.
4. Warm It Up—But Not Too Long
Gone are the days when you needed to idle your engine for ten minutes before driving off. But in cold weather, giving your car 30 seconds to a minute to circulate the oil before you take off can be helpful.
Just don’t overdo it. Excessive idling wastes fuel and isn’t great for modern engines. Instead, take it easy for the first few minutes of driving to give everything time to get up to temperature.
5. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Warning Lights
That little check engine light? It’s not just there for decoration. If it comes on, get it checked. Same goes for any knocking, pinging, grinding, or rattling sounds under the bonnet. These signs usually mean something’s off—and catching a problem early can save your engine from bigger damage.
We had a customer once who ignored a tapping sound in his engine for months. Turned out it was a timing chain issue, and by the time it snapped, the damage was well beyond a quick fix. It doesn’t take long for a small issue to turn into a disaster.
6. Replace Air and Fuel Filters Regularly
Your engine needs clean air and fuel to run efficiently. Dirty filters restrict flow and force your engine to work harder. Replacing the air filter is a quick and inexpensive job that helps with performance, fuel economy, and engine lifespan.
Fuel filters also help by keeping contaminants out of your engine. They’re often forgotten during regular servicing, but they matter more than most people realise.
7. Drive Smart
How you drive matters. Flooring the accelerator, sudden braking, and constantly revving the engine puts unnecessary strain on it. Consistent, smooth driving at moderate speeds is gentler on your engine.
Letting your car rest between long trips is also important. Just like people, engines need a break from time to time.
8. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Your car’s logbook isn’t just for show. It outlines exactly when to check or replace vital engine components—like spark plugs, belts, hoses, and fluids. Following the recommended service intervals is one of the easiest ways to avoid surprise engine trouble.
Whether you go to a dealership or a trusted local mechanic, regular servicing helps catch problems before they become major headaches.
Keep It Simple and Stay Ahead
You don’t need to be a car expert to take care of your engine. Just stay on top of the basics, listen to what your car is telling you, and don’t delay small fixes. It’s a lot cheaper (and a lot less stressful) than calling for a tow because the engine gave up on you in the middle of traffic.
We’ve towed enough cars to know that a little prevention really is worth a lot of cure—especially when it comes to the heart of your vehicle. Stay ahead, and your engine will keep running strong for years to come.
Need a hand when things go wrong? You know who to call.
If you are in Pakenham, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059