Signs a Car Engine Is Healthy and Ready for Mudik

SOLO, KOMPAS.com – A car that is frequently used appears healthy because it has not experienced problems on the road. However, conditions differ when it is used for long-distance journeys such as mudik Lebaran. Longer durations, heavier loads, and weather conditions will add to the engine’s workload, so an engine that looks healthy could encounter problems en route. Imun, owner of the workshop Spesialis Ford Trucuk Klaten, says an engine that is healthy can be checked with the help of diagnostic tools and by testing its performance. As an example, the engine temperature actually has a range depending on whether the air conditioning is on or off. For instance, if the engine temperature range is 98-102 degrees Celsius, testing a higher temperature would indicate the engine is less healthy. “That means more detailed checks are needed in the cooling system sector, such as the radiator, cooling fan motor, and coolant, hoping that when the car is used for long journeys there will be no problems,” said Imun. Ian, a mechanic at GK Auto Service Gunung Kidul, says that signs a car engine is still healthy can be identified in several ways, such as checking the engine oil and the exhaust smoke. “The colour of used engine oil can reflect engine health; normally the oil colour darkens somewhat as it has been lubricating, but it should not be thick like mud or contain deposits,” Ian told KOMPAS.com recently. If the oil becomes very black and thick, or appears to contain metallic particles, something may be wrong, such as wear of engine components. In such a condition, the sound of the engine when turning tends to be rougher because the clearances between components have become looser. Next, consumers can check inside the oil filler cap or the filler neck. If the colour still looks golden yellow or the metal appears clean, it means the engine is not coated with scale or deposits. In terms of sound, Ian says a healthy engine sounds smooth and steady, not harsh or hissing. If you hear knocking or pinging, and the engine vibrations seem odd, you should have it checked further to prevent more serious damage. Detecting a healthy engine can also be inferred from exhaust emissions. Consumers can perform an emission test, or by eye.