There’s no feeling quite like turning the key, hearing your engine roar to life, and hitting the road with confidence. But if you’ve ever been stranded with a breakdown or seen your check engine light flicker on at the worst possible time, you know just how important engine maintenance can be.
At HeVtech Mechanic & Tire Services in Picture Butte, AB, we’ve seen it all—from clogged filters to worn-out spark plugs. Whether you’re commuting in a car or hauling loads with a heavy-duty truck, your engine is the beating heart of your vehicle. Keeping it running strong means less downtime, better fuel efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.
Let’s walk through the top 10 practical, easy-to-follow tips that every vehicle owner should know to keep their engine in great shape.
1. Stick to a Regular Oil Change Schedule
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It keeps components lubricated, prevents overheating, and helps keep sludge from building up. But over time, oil breaks down and collects debris. Neglecting oil changes can lead to friction, overheating, and eventually engine failure.
Quick Tip: Always use the recommended oil grade for your vehicle. Not sure what that is? Drop by HeVtech and we’ll help you out.
2. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
That check engine light isn’t just a suggestion. It could signal something minor—or it could be your engine crying out for help. The key is not to guess. Modern vehicles are equipped with engine diagnostics that can pinpoint exactly what’s going wrong.
At HeVtech, we offer advanced engine diagnostics to get to the root of the problem quickly, so you’re not left guessing or risking bigger issues.
3. Keep Your Cooling System in Check
Engines generate a lot of heat. Your radiator, coolant, water pump, and thermostat all work together to keep things at a safe temperature. If your coolant level is low or your radiator is leaking, your engine could overheat in no time.
Pro Tip: Check your coolant level every few months, and flush your system as recommended by your manufacturer—typically every 2 to 5 years.
4. Change Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter means your engine is struggling to breathe. That makes it work harder, burn more fuel, and perform poorly. Replacing a clogged filter is a small step that can make a big difference in fuel economy and engine lifespan.
If you’re in Picture Butte and need help with basic maintenance like this, swing by HeVtech—we’ll get it sorted in no time.
5. Replace Spark Plugs When Needed
Worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires, poor acceleration, and even prevent your engine from starting. Most spark plugs last around 100,000 kilometers, but depending on your vehicle, it could be sooner.
Not sure when yours were last changed? A quick inspection at HeVtech can tell us if they’re still firing on all cylinders—or not.
6. Inspect Belts and Hoses Regularly
Your serpentine belt and timing belt play critical roles in running your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, and more. If these belts crack or snap, you could be looking at serious engine damage.
Likewise, aging hoses can leak coolant or oil, leading to overheating or pressure loss. Catching these issues early during routine inspections is key.
7. Don’t Skip Regular Tune-Ups
Tune-ups aren’t just an old-school service. They’re a modern-day must, especially if your engine seems sluggish, stalls, or drinks fuel faster than usual. During a tune-up, a certified mechanic will check components like ignition coils, sensors, and fuel injectors to ensure everything is firing properly.
At HeVtech, our full-service tune-ups keep your engine in prime condition—whether it’s a compact car or a heavy-duty truck.
8. Keep Your Fuel System Clean
Over time, fuel injectors and fuel lines can clog up with residue and carbon deposits. This leads to rough idling, lower power, and poor mileage. Fuel system cleaners and professional services help remove buildup and restore smooth performance.
And don’t forget your fuel filter—it should be replaced based on your manufacturer’s interval or sooner if you notice sputtering or stalling.
9. Watch for Leaks and Odd Noises
That little puddle under your car? It might not just be water from the A/C. Engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid leaks often start small but can spiral into big repairs if ignored.
Likewise, knocking sounds, hissing, or clicking under the hood can all be signs that your engine is under stress. If you hear or see something off, get it checked fast.
Local Tip: If you’re near Picture Butte, swing by HeVtech. We’ll perform a quick inspection and give you honest feedback—no pressure, just reliable service.
10. Drive Smoothly and Responsibly
One of the simplest (and most overlooked) ways to protect your engine? How you drive. Revving the engine when it’s cold, hard braking, aggressive acceleration, and hauling loads over the engine’s capacity all increase wear and tear.
Give your vehicle a few minutes to warm up on cold mornings. Accelerate gradually. And if you’re towing or hauling regularly, make sure your truck is equipped for it—and properly maintained.
At HeVtech, we specialize in truck repairs and diesel service, so we know what it takes to keep those engines hauling confidently.
Protect Your Investment with Expert Care in Picture Butte
Your engine isn’t just a machine—it’s the powerplant that gets you to work, hauls your gear, and carries your family safely down the road. Staying ahead of problems with regular engine maintenance means saving money, improving performance, and extending the life of your vehicle.
Whether you’re driving a compact car, a family SUV, or a heavy-duty diesel truck, HeVtech Mechanic & Tire Services is your trusted partner for all things auto repair in Picture Butte, AB.
Since 2015, we’ve provided expert mechanical and tire services with honesty, integrity, and unbeatable customer service. We’re an AMVIC-certified facility and a licensed Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) center. Our team works on all makes and models, including light vehicles, trailers, and heavy-duty trucks.
From oil changes and diagnostics to tire service and full engine repairs, we’ve got your back—every kilometer of the way.
Don’t wait for your engine to tell you something’s wrong. Book your next service with HeVtech today and keep your vehicle running strong, season after season.
Visit us at 120 Highway Ave N in Picture Butte or call +1 (844) 846-8325 to schedule your appointment.
