10 Ways to Proactively Protect Your Engine

                                                Start the Countdown

                              10. Change the Oil Regularly

Ø  Oil keeps vital engine parts well lubricated so that they won't overheat.

Ø  Changing the oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your engine.

Ø  Suggestions for when you should change your oil will vary, but the most recent standard for modern cars is to change the oil every 5,000 miles (8,047 kilometres) [source: Cars.com].

Ø  Since we're talking about proactively protecting your engine, make sure to look up what your car's manufacturer suggests for your specific vehicle's oil change interval.

Ø  The oil filter catches all the dirt and debris floating around inside of your engine and keeps the junk from circulating back through engine.

Ø  With a new filter and new oil, your engine will run smoothly, and most importantly, it'll keep all the internal parts of the engine cool and well lubricated.

          

                  9. Keep the Cooling System Working

Ø The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, water pump and coolant.

Ø The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is by making sure you have the proper amount of coolant (radiator fluid) circulating throughout your engine.

Ø The coolant circulates through your engine when the thermostat determines that the engine is getting hot and needs to be cooled down.

Ø To check the coolant level, lift the hood and look at your coolant tank.

Ø It's a clear tank with a green or orange colored liquid in it.

Ø If you notice that your car is overheating and you know that there's enough coolant, take your car to a mechanic and have them run a cooling system check.

                                              

                                     8.  Keep the Engine Breathing

Ø Imagine training for marathon. You work out, run every day, eat right and give your body the proper amount of rest. But when the marathon day comes, you forget to do one thing: breath. You can guess how well you'd perform.

Ø Cars need a constant flow of air just like we do. Aside from fuel, air is the next essential ingredient in keeping your engine running.

Ø The air needs to be coming into the engine continually, without restriction and without debris.

Ø Over time, these filters can get clogged with dirt and need to be replaced.

7. Check for Leaks

Ø You don't have to be a mechanic to spot a leak. In fact, sometimes you don't even need to see it you can just smell it.

Ø Oil and antifreeze are the two main fluids you want to make sure aren't leaking out of your engine.

Ø Intense heat and pressure will eventually cause engine hoses to fail. Rubber engine hoses that are old and cracked can leak antifreeze or other fluids that your engine requires.

Ø Other areas that often leak are where two parts join together with a rubber seal and silicon.

Ø Over time, these seals can break down and allow oil or other fluids to leak out of the engine or cause them to leak fluid into the wrong areas of the engine.

Ø When you park your car, occasionally check under the car to see if anything is leaking onto the pavement below.

                           6. Fill up Your Gas Tank before It Gets Too Low

Ø Gasoline has a certain amount of sediment in it that settles to the bottom of your gas tank.

Ø After years of driving around and many fill-ups, there can actually be a fair amount of junk at the bottom of your fuel tank.

Ø However, if you consistently run your car all the way down to empty, you're pulling from the bottom-of-the-barrel and all the extra junk that's accumulated there.

Ø If the sediment gets through the fuel filter (some of it can) it can get into the engine and cause internal damage. It puts debris in areas where it shouldn't be and causes your fuel system and other parts of your engine to work harder.

Ø Some people recommend keeping a half-tank of fuel at all times. You may not want to fill-up that often, but make sure that you're not running the gas all the way down to empty. Your engine will thank you for it.

                                   5. Keep Your Belts On

Ø  No we're not talking about dressing etiquette. We're talking about the rubber belts on your engine that runs all sorts of vital components.

Ø  The function of a belt can vary from car to car, but some of their main responsibilities are running the fan, water pump, alternator and air conditioner.

Ø  If your engine is on then your belts are running. In other words, they get a lot of use.

Ø  They typically last a very long time, but eventually they will start to show signs of wear and begin to crack. If your belt breaks while you're driving it can cause major damage to the engine.

Ø  Check your belts by turning them over slightly to see if they have any visible cracks in them.

Ø  A squealing or spinning belt may also indicate that it needs to be adjusted or replaced. Stay on top of your belts and you'll ensure your car is runs a whole lot smoother  and longer.

   

4. Follow-Up When Automotive Warning Lights Come On

Ø  This may seem like an obvious one, but if you neglect to get your car checked when any of the automotive warning lights come on you could be neglecting a serious problem.

Ø  The check engine light, and other warning lights, can come on for a number of reasons. The good news is that all of them aren't necessarily going to be a major issue. But you won't know until you get it checked out.

Ø  They can warn about problems with the alternator, battery, engine temperature or other areas surrounding the engine that are monitored.

Ø  To protect your engine, either run a diagnostics check when the light comes on and then fix the problem yourself, or take it to a mechanic so they can run the test and perform the work. If you wait too long after the light comes on you could allow a small problem to develop into a big one.

                         3. Replace the Fuel Filter

Ø  The fuel filter catches any particles or debris that would be harmful to the engine and keeps it trapped in a canister, much like your oil filter does.

Ø  If the filter hasn't been replaced in a while, then it's a good idea to change it to keep the engine running smoothly. If your filter is easily accessible, this repair won't be too difficult, but some filters may be hard to reach

Ø  If you can't access your car's fuel filter, take it to a mechanic to be replaced.

Ø  A new fuel filter will keep the gas flowing into your engine clean. Your engine will have less build-up inside of it and will last longer if it's not working as hard to burn the fuel it's getting.

                 2. Go Easy on the Start and Stop Driving

Ø  Your engine is built to run, but it runs much better and tends to last longer when it's run at a continuous speed.

Ø  Imagine running in a race where you constantly went from a full sprint to a dead stop every few minutes. You'd wear yourself out by picking up speed only to force yourself to slow down to a standstill every few minutes.

Ø  Your engine gets worn down in the same way. Constant stops and starts, like those that you can experience in city driving, are really hard on your car's engine.

Ø  If it all possible, stick to the highway and keep your speed and RPMs at a consistent level. You'll notice better gas mileage and your engine will likely last longer if your driving habits allow it to run at a fairly consistent rate. The more stops and starts you throw into the mix the more your engine has to work.

1.  Change the Spark Plugs and Wires

Ø One simple way to proactively protect your engine is by changing the spark plugs and wires.

Ø The wires running from your distributor send an electrical current to the spark plugs which then generate a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in your cylinders.

Ø Changing the plugs and wires is typically not a difficult procedure and can be done with little investment in both time and money.

Ø  Most manufacturers recommend changing them every 30,000 miles (48,280 kilometres), but some can go a little longer.

Ø When you change your engine's spark plugs make sure to change the wires at the same time to ensure you're getting the best electrical current to the plugs.

Ø If you change the plugs and wires regularly, your engine will love you for it. It's a move that'll keep your engine firing consistently and your gas mileage up at the same time.

How badly potholes can damage your cars???????????

Potholes can viciously assault innocent vehicles—you’re lucky it didn’t swallow the car whole. Unless you were going extremely­ fast, though, there probably isn’t any structural damage. It takes a pretty­ big hit to bend a piece of the suspension. Still, a pothole can do a number of bad things to the wheel and tire. It’s most likely that vibration comes from a bent wheel rim. You should be able to see any damage on a close inspection; don’t forget to check the inside lip of the wheel as well. Most steel and aluminum wheels can be repaired for less than $150 by companies such as Alloy Wheel  Repair Specialists

, a mobile service that fixes wheels on the spot. In your case you can also buy a used factory-style wheel for about the same price. It’s also possible that the impact knocked off one of the wheel balancing weights. And though it’s unlikely, crashing your tire into a pothole can sometimes damage the steel belts inside, causing them to be out of round. After a quick look, take the car to a tire-and-wheel specialist for inspection and repair.

Pothole damage. A potential nightmare for other parts.

• Tire puncture, damage or wear
• Wheel rim damage
• Premature wear on shocks and struts
• Suspension damage, including broken components
• Steering system misalignment
• Exhaust system damage
• Engine damage

cars to be worth waiting for!!!!

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Right now, the Veloster lacks the performance cred to back up its killer looks. But that will change once this 201-hp version hits the streets. The 45 percent boost in horsepower has most folks taking a second look at the Veloster, and hoping this Turbo is a signal that Hyundai is getting as serious about performance as it has been about quality and design over the last few years.

So far, though, signs remain cloudy—the stonking 1.6-liter motor with dual exhaust notwithstanding. Word is the Veloster Turbo gets the same suspension, which is disappointing. The stock Veloster is fun but stiff-kneed and less refined when compared to better-bred sporty cars like VW's GTI—or the Subaru BRZ, which is only somewhat costlier than what we're expecting to see from the Veloster Turbo. Also, ask Mini engineers about controlling torque steer in a 200-hp car with a short wheelbase. That, too, has probably made Hyundai sweat.

Even if the Veloster Turbo isn't perfection out of the gate, we hope it's a sign of better-performing Hyundais (and Kias) to come.

Dodge Dart R/T

Most of the new front-wheel-drive Dart models go on sale this summer, and we like what we've driven so far. But the fastest of the breed, the R/T, holds off for a fall launch.

Like its less muscular brethren, the R/T rides on a Fiat chassis borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, with a fully independent suspension. We expect that suspension to be a little lower and stiffer in the R/T. The car will get the most horsepower of the lot, with a 184-hp 2.4-liter four under the hood.

At this point it's unclear if the R/T will come with only a six-speed manual or with a dual-clutch automatic as well. We do know that the R/T, like the Sonic RS, is going to face stiff competition from slightly pricier models, including the Ford Focus ST, the expected Fiesta ST, and the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. Even if these sporty cars are bunched around $25,000, slightly above the Dart R/T, their performance chops could put a pinch on sales of the Dodge.

 SRT Viper

With a 640-hp V-10 and a body made of magnesium, aluminium, and carbon fiber, we're expecting greatness from Chrysler's supercar. And at 100 grand, it'd better be great—there's already a Corvette ZR1 in this price range that can eat Ferraris, and the C7 will only up the ante. Plus there's a certain new Mustang that's far cheaper and should be mighty impressive too. And even if the Viper is faster than the Ford or Chevy in a straight line, it must improve its handling over the outgoing model. While SRT folks are claiming a scorching 0-to-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a 206-mph top speed for the new car, the last Viper was time-warp-fast too—and also saddled with unpredictable handling and frequent maintenance headaches.

Haunted by those ghosts of Vipers past, Chrysler engineers started over. They lowered the car's weight by about 140 pounds and made its chassis 50 percent stiffer. (That alone tells you how far Chrysler had to go to make a Viper that's world class.) The Tremec-supplied six-speed manual (no automatic, at least not yet) is said to have far lower clutch effort, while bringing tighter ratios and more precise feel. The suspension is entirely new, again with the aim of more predictable handling. And there's a multi-setting stability-control system with a full-off mode for the track. That could be great, but only if the car doesn't actually need the electronic assist to handle like a supercar.

That will be key. This Viper is designed to challenge cars that can reach nine tenths of their potential without technological guardrails. The SRT needs to get in that ballpark to be a real winner.

 

 Ram 1500

There is an upside to the game of catch-up Chrysler is playing in so many segments: It gives the company an opportunity to try bold remakes that leap-frog the current benchmarks. We think the automaker choose wisely by doing this to its flagship Dodge pickup.

The Ram was due for a facelift, but rather than giving it a superficial makeover, Chrysler went for so many smart updates that Ford and GM will be chasing for their own answers. Start with aerodynamics, where Chrysler has altered the front wheel openings and given the truck's grille active shutters said to reduce drag by 3 to 5 percent. It added an eight-speed automatic transmission too, tied in electric power steering, and brought in start/stop technology to save gas in traffic.

All of these changes are included with any of the available engines, although the Ram's V-8s—the aging 4.8-liter and the 5.7-liter Hemi—are less noteworthy than the 3.6-liter V-6 that'll punch out 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Ford's EcoBoost V-6 is still more powerful, pumping out 365 hp and 420 lb-ft in the F-150. But the Pentastar engine, used already in the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and now available in the Ram, could be the more fuel-efficient choice, especially when combined with all the other tech Chrysler has brought to bear. And because most of the Ram's torque is available nearly from idle, at just 1800 rpm, load-haulers won't miss the V-8 unless they tow serious weight.

 Chevy Sonic RS

The RS is a sportier Sonic with an affordable sticker. Yeah, we wish Chevy would cram its 2.0-liter Ecotec under the hood of the Sonic, but barring that, we'll get the Sonic RS with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four borrowed from the Chevy Cruze and good for 138 hp.

Still, this car gets more than just a mild exterior makeover. The six-speed manual has closer ratios and the suspension has been stiffened. The stock Sonic is already one of the tautest-handling cars in the "B" segment. Adding 17-inch rubber and a slightly lower suspension is going to make the RS a rip to drive.

There are also new rocker moldings and a new rear spoiler, but more important for the driver, the car gets sportier, firmer front buckets. The RS will be the only Sonic to get four-wheel discs as well as four-channel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.

Subaru WRX

Recently the blogosphere has been alive with chatter that the next-gen Subaru WRX will get the FA motor developed for the Subaru BRZ, and this is one instance when there's logic behind the rumor. The FA engine can sit a lot lower in the car because it's more compact. A lower engine has many advantages, chief among them the ability to shove the mass farther rearward in the car for better balance. Better still, Subaru engineered the FA for higher compression from the start, so it should tolerate the amount of forced induction required to take it from 200 hp in the BRZ to the expected benchmark of 265 hp. And let's just say here that we'd bet Subaru designed its latest Impreza chassis with the WRX (not to mention the STi) in mind, and we'd bet the newest WRX will be lighter and more nimble as a result. A bonus: Fuel economy should jump a good 15 percent.

 Jaguar F-Type Roadster

Jaguar's C-X16 concept from 2011 makes its production debut as the new F-Type with a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 that should make 380 hp. Expect at least one turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder derived from the Range Rover Evoque, but that powerplant probably won't be sold in the U.S. Both engines will be mated to eight-speed automatics with start–stop technology.

An aluminum body will keep weight down but price up. Expect this Jag to compete with the Porsche Boxster as well as with the Audi TT-RS. The platform may also underpin a forthcoming XF sedan replacement.

 Audi A3

The forthcoming A3 will be based on the VW Golf. It would be nice if the U.S. got the hatch, but that's unlikely. We probably will get a diesel A3, though, and the four-door sedan will come in a hotter S3 version that's also a possibility for North America, though an über-powerful RS3 is highly unlikely.

Hopefully the chassis that underpins the new Audi will be more modular than previous versions. That would allow integration of hybrid tech and front-drive or AWD setups that could shave weight on various Audis and Volkswagens, helping engineers to increase fuel economy while downsizing displacement.

Jeep Liberty

Jeep has a real conundrum on its hands. Diehard off-roading loyalists want every Jeep to be capable of conquering mule paths and mud bogs. But the RAV4, CR-V, and Santa Fe buyers that Jeep would like to entice don't care about rock-crawling prowess. They care about modern amenities such as hitting 70 mph highway speeds with low noise and vibration and little harshness; carlike handling; and reliability. All-wheel drive is fine if it gets you out of the driveway on a snowy morning, but that's as much Trail Rating as they need.

We think that means Chrysler is going to push back against those sensitive Jeep fans, hard. That translates to a Liberty that is a Jeep in name but carries the same chassis that undergirds the new Dodge Dart. Expect a fully independent suspension and 4WD but no low range, even if hill-descent control is an option. There's also rumor of an all-new V-6 (the outgoing 3.7-liter V-6 was anemic, unrefined, and thirsty), and a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic. That would mean a whopping five more forward gears than the outdated four-speed auto in the old Liberty (pictured above). The base Liberty could have the same 1.4-liter turbo deployed in the new Dart, and, though it is sacrilege to some Jeep fans, front-wheel drive.

 Porsche Macan

Porsche loyalists, look away. You might cry foul over this latest VW Group tie-up with Porsche, but Porsche can't hear you over the ka-ching of all those dollars, euros, yen, and yuan.

We actually have high hopes for the Audi Q5–based Macan. The reason: The Q5 could be much more capable than it is, but while we don't foresee Audi bringing us an R-edition Q5, we can believe Porsche would go there.

At first, we expect Porsche to go for improved handling, the way it built the Cayenne to be a more capable high-speed machine than the VW Touareg. AWD will be a given, as will two Audi-derived engines, the 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and the 288-hp V-6. Rumors suggest that a manual gearbox could be possible, but we're betting on a seven-speed auto, though there's still hope it could come in a dual-clutch arrangement.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes has been toying with bringing Americans a compact Benz since Harry Truman was in the White House. Okay, not quite, but it seems that way. Think of how much money Mercedes hasn't made while BMW brought the 1 Series, and then several hundred thousand Minis, to the U.S.

Now Mercedes is finally pulling the trigger. What the CLA promises, Mercedes says, is something slicker than we've seen on American shores, and the first A-Class to grace the New World will arrive as an AMG with a muscular 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder fed to all-wheel drive. It's even possible we'll see a double-clutch, seven-speed automatic.

Only the sedan version of the smallest Benz will come to America, probably because the hatch versions of the 1 Series and the Audi A3 haven't sold well here. After the CLA AMG debuts, though, we will see more fuel-efficient CLAs with smaller engines, possibly a diesel, and front-wheel drive.

 

Chevy Corvette C7

We know more about the next Vette than we did just a few months ago. Gone are thoughts of a split rear window, a turbocharged V-6, or a midengine design. It now appears that the C7 will debut at this coming winter's North American auto show in Detroit with a 5.5-liter V-8 that still uses pushrods. However, thanks to direct injection and higher compression, it's reasonable to expect the new Corvette to put out 440 hp, so it could match or best the outgoing 6.0-liter.

The car will be visually arresting for certain. Inspiration will come at least in part from the present Camaro. One sure bet—GM will finally, praise heaven, give its $50,000 Ferrari slayer an interior that's gorgeous, and with seats that hold the driver comfortably on track day.