What is a car without an engine? This sounds like the start of an intelligent, metaphorical poem about life. But really what is a car without an engine? We get into our cars every day and assume that these chariots will take us to our destinations not knowing that the lack of maintenance is pushing them closer and closer to giving up. Looking after your engine is one of the best things you’ll do this year.

Engines might be our old reliable friends but they need maintenance because they experience a lot of wear and tear. They do it all from taking kids to after-school clubs to taking a staycation a couple of states over. The primary function of your engine is to turn the energy created by burning fuel into kinetic energy that will move your car. Without oil, this becomes impossible to do.

Oil doesn’t just keep the parts lubricated because it also keeps engine components free from dirt and gross debris. By regularly replacing old oil with new oil, you are helping the engine stay cleaner and cooler, which will increase its longevity. For sure, it’s a good idea to change the oil filters too. As the name suggests, filters keep debris from clogging up the engine and they reduce wear on its vital components.

This is great – you might be reading this article with a newfound motivation to look after your trusty car. You put on your coat (or perhaps take off layers if the sun is beaming down) and step outside. What happens next? The best thing you’ll hear in this article is that you can check yourself, and it’s simple enough.

The first thing you need to do is get under the hood to check the engine oil. Then, locate the engine dipstick and remove it. Wipe it down then reinsert it back into its holder before pulling it out again to check the oil level. It should be between the two markers on the dipstick – if not, top up with your preferred oil type.

Don’t make the rookie error of not wiping the dipstick. The oil splishes, splashes, and sploshes around when you’re driving. You’re not going to get an accurate reading without first wiping the stick down. Check the oil color too – you should change it if it’s looking dark.

As mentioned, look at your air and fuel filter for any built-up dirt or debris. If they’re not looking so good, get them replaced by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Note how we recommend taking your trusty ride to a specialist rather than donning a kitchen apron and trying yourself. You wouldn’t perform surgery on a loved one (we hope!), so don’t take risks with your vehicle. For instance, visit Arrowhead for VW or another manufacturer.

Look after your engine this year and it’ll return the favor. It’s not hard to do, so don’t put off checking your oil and filters just because you’re busy. Why not put it on the calendar today?