Engine lubricants and preventing breakdowns: 8 tips to avoid spending a fortune at the garage

Having a car or a motorcycle is like having a travel buddy who takes you wherever you want to go. But, just like friendships, you need to take care of it and be sure to not neglect it.

Recently, our colleague Víctor Rivera, manager of Lubricants and Specialized Products at Repsol Peru, gave an interesting interview where he reviewed some of the keys to keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition. 

“Intensive vehicle use, under heavy loads and severe dust or temperature conditions shorten the lubricant's useful life. Frequent oil changes and using quality products ensure longer useful life for the vehicle,” explained Victor, in an interview in Exitosa Noticias, where he recommended trusting professionals to detecting problems in time and addressing them. 

And if not, he warned, it may end up costly in terms of repairs or even risks to your safety. “People relate maintenance to lubricants and their filter, but they forget about brake fluid, brake pads, general suspension, engine cooling...,” listed Victor. 

That's why in this article, we're going to give you eight tips for checking your vehicle's condition with your trusted mechanic. 

1. Check the battery condition

The battery is the heart of your vehicle. If it's in good condition, everything will be fine. But if it's loose or old, you run the risk of having a car that just won't start. So, make sure it's well secured and free of corrosion. If you notice that your engine is slow to start or the lights are dimming, that could be a warning.

2. Check the safety of the brakes

Brakes are what stop your vehicle when you need it to, so you need to make sure there are no problems to stay safe. For example, if you notice that your car's pedal is softer than normal or you hear an annoying squeaking noise every time you brake, it's time to visit the mechanic. No one wants to find out their brakes don't work in the middle of an emergency stop.

3. Keep your filters clean

Filters are the lungs of your vehicle. If they're dirty, your engine may have trouble breathing. So, it's important to change them regularly. The air filter keeps dirt and particles out, while the oil filter helps keep the oil clean and protect the engine. 

4. Check the coolant

Coolant keeps your engine's temperature under control, so it's important to check the level regularly. If the level is low, you may have a leak. Also, make sure the fluid is in good condition, free of dirt and debris. It's always better to prevent overheating than to deal with the consequences later.

5. Check all the lights

When night falls, your lights are your eyes on the road, so make sure they're all in good working order. Regularly check that they work and are properly aligned to adequately illuminate the road. Changing a burned-out light bulb is easy and can avoid both fines and accidents.

6. Take care of your tires

Tires are the only thing that keep your vehicle in contact with the asphalt, so they also play a key role. Check the pressure regularly and make sure they have enough tread to provide traction in all conditions. Rotating your tires regularly will help them wear evenly, prolonging their useful life.

7. Pay attention to the fuel system

Keeping the fuel system clean is key to efficient engine operation. Make sure you use quality fuel and perform regular maintenance checks of the injection system to avoid performance problems and excessive consumption. As we said in the previous tip, regularly check the tire pressure, as it will also help you maximize efficiency and save money when refueling.

8. Respect the environment

Being environmentally friendly is everyone's responsibility, including your car's! So, opt for environmentally friendly lubricants and fluids to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your car running smoothly for as long as possible.

And finally, remember, taking care of your car is like taking care of a friend: you will enjoy the process and, furthermore, you will always be grateful for having done it. With a little love and attention and regular maintenance, your car will be ready to take you on many adventures for a long time to come. Good luck and have a safe trip!