Starting your car is a routine act that many of us perform multiple times a day without giving it much thought. However, the reliability of this one action can dictate the success of the rest of your day. We’ve all felt that heart-sinking dread when we turn the key and the engine doesn’t come alive.
We’re going to cover five essential areas where a little maintenance can go a long way in guaranteeing that your vehicle is ready to roll.
Regular Battery Maintenance
Your car’s battery is the heart of its electrical system. It provides the burst of power needed to start the engine, runs the onboard computers, and supplies current to accessories when the engine is off.
The first step is to understand how old your battery is. Most batteries last about five years, but extremes of heat or cold can shorten that. To know its current health, use a battery tester to check voltage, or look out for slow starts or dim headlights.
Keep the terminals clean. Corrosion from battery acid can insulate the terminals, preventing the flow of electricity. Power up your ride with quality car batteries. Consider investing in a premium battery for the peace of mind it can provide.
Quality batteries are built to higher standards and are often equipped with additional safety features.
Engine Oil Check
The purpose of engine oil goes beyond just lubrication; it also helps with cooling and cleaning. Keeping an eye on your engine oil levels and condition is essential for a smooth start.
Low oil levels can prevent proper lubrication, which is critical at start-up when most engine wear occurs. Too much oil can also be damaging, as it can ventilate and cause an oil to foam, leading to a reduction in the lubricity.
Ensure your car is on a level surface and the engine is cool. Pull out the dipstick, clean it, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check the level. If it’s low, add oil of the recommended grade.
Fuel System Maintenance
The quality of the fuel you use and the cleanliness of your car’s fuel system are significant factors in determining a smooth and prompt start.
Fuel with lower octane ratings than recommended can lead to knocking, which can cause hard starting. Dirt and debris can clog injectors and filters, disrupting the fuel flow.
Use good-quality, brand-name fuel and consider an occasional fuel system cleaner to ensure fuel injectors and the combustion chamber are free from carbon deposits.
Spark Plug Inspection
Spark plugs ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine. Faulty or worn-out plugs can not only affect the start of your car but also its overall performance.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for changing your spark plugs. It’s often around 30,000 miles. If they are due for a change, consider using high-quality, platinum or iridium spark plugs; these last longer and are often pre-gapped for your car.
Starter Motor Health
The starter motor’s only job is to turn the engine over quickly enough for it to catch and run under its own power. If your starter motor is sluggish, your start could be too.
When you turn the key, a small current is supplied to the solenoid, engaging the starter. The starter then draws a large current from the battery and the car’s alternator spins, cranking the engine.
If your engine cranks slowly or you hear whining noises when the key is turned to the start position, it’s time to service or replace the starter.
