The service life of internal combustion engines is primarily determined by the degree of wear of the moving parts in the engine. A worn engine will have low performance and eventually metallic wear particles will clog up the lubrication system and cause the engine to overheat and finally seize up.
Regular maintenance is essential to maximise the service life of an internal combustion engine. This includes changing the engine oil and filter, the oil pump, valve clearance and spark plugs on a regular basis. Other maintenance tasks may include checking the coolant level and topping up, cleaning dust and dirt from the fins in the engine and nose, inspecting the belts and hoses, testing the spark s and compressive strength.
The type of fuel used can also have a major impact on the service life of an internal combustion engine. Fuel with high concentrations of sulphur will reduce the service life of an engine, as the sulphur particles wear down the engine components quickly. Additionally, regular use of fuel with too much alcohol can damage the fuel system.
Regular maintenance with quality products and the use of lower sulphur fuels can drastically improve the service life of an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the service life of a petrol engine can be increased by up to 50% with regular maintenance and by using higher quality oil and petrol. Similarly, diesel engine can be improved to such an extent that their service life can be as much 70% higher than standard.
In addition to regular preventive maintenance, other factors like the operating environment, climate, temperature and type of driving can all affect the service life of an internal combustion engine. Hot, dry environments with large amounts of dust and high temperatures can shorten the life of an engine significantly, whereas in moderate climates with moderate use, internal combustion engines can last for over 25 years.
The service life of an internal combustion engine is essential to keep the engine running efficiently and for a long period of time. Regular preventive maintenance and using quality products can help extend the service life of the engine and help prevent large scale repairs or engine failure.
