If your engine isn’t working, your car isn’t working. The engine is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so keep it running right with routine maintenance. Here are some tips to protect your car’s engine:

First, let your engine warm up before driving it. When you get in your car, start the engine. Then adjust your mirrors, buckle your seatbelt, and do whatever else you need to do before pulling out of your parking spot. This gives your engine a moment to warm up. Additionally, don’t drive quickly as soon as you start driving. Instead, gradually increase your speed. This can help your engine ease into operation, instead of working it too hard too fast.

Another way to protect your engine is by keeping your car clean and free of heavy objects. Driving with heavy loads often puts a lot of stress on your engine. This stress can lead to poor gas mileage and premature wear and tear.

If you work from home, bike, or take public transportation often, make it a point to drive your car every few days. Cars are meant to be driven, so they don’t do well when they sit for weeks at a time. When you drive your car every few days, oil lubricates the engine to keep it running smoothly. If a car is idle, the engine doesn’t receive fluids, which leads to premature damage to the metal moving parts under the hood.

Follow these tips to keep your used car running right. To discover high-quality, reliable pre-owned vehicles, shop with Scotti’s Auto Sales. You can find our used car dealership at 2811 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. If you’d like to speak to us directly, please give us a call at 941-924-5885!