In addition to engine oil, drivers can also help keep their vehicles on the road longer simply by monitoring the other lubricants and fluids in their engine. Check your owner's manual to find information about where fluids are contained, exactly how to check them, the type your vehicle uses and how much should be in each “reservoir.” If you see drops of fluid under your vehicle, you should be able to identify them by color or consistency. A few small drops are probably not a cause for concern, but you should take note of small puddles and consult your mechanic.
Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle can also make the difference between trouble–free driving and costly repairs. Some of the world's top automakers– Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen– recognize that current minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine “gunk,” deposits that can harm engine performance. To raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary Top Tier Detergent Gasoline Standard to help drivers avoid the problems that can be associated with using lower–quality gasolines.
“If you look at gunk under a microscope,” explains Ken Mitchell, an Engineer from Shell Canada, “it has a porous surface that traps gasoline, negatively affecting the combustion in your engine over time. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to choose a high–quality gasoline, like all three grades of Shell gasoline, which contain a Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning system that helps clean and protect your engine from the build–up of gunk.”
No matter how new or old the vehicle, keeping up with regular servicing and choosing the right fuel can help protect your engine and keep your wheels on the road longer. Simple solutions and maintenance to help you protect your vehicle from the inside out and prolong the life of your car.
