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What to Know About Your Car's Valve Train to Save You Money

What to Know About Your Car's Valve Train to Save You Money

Understanding Your Vehicle’s Valve Train: Components and the Importance of Regular Maintenance

When it comes to keeping your car or truck running smoothly, it’s helpful to understand and maintain your vehicle’s valve train and its components. (Just like regular exercise at Naftzger Park at 10 a.m. on June 22 hosted by The Greater Wichita YMCA is a fun way to maintain your body’s optimal performance.)

Yet, this can be difficult because the valve train is a complex assembly of parts within your engine. And they are responsible for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust valves, which are essential for engine performance. So to clarify what they do and why they’re important, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros and Automotive explain your  car’s valve train, its functions, and why regular maintenance is vital for optimal performance.

Parts of the Valve Train

  1. Camshaft

    • Function: The camshaft is responsible for converting rotational motion from the crankshaft into linear motion that opens and closes the valves.
    • Maintenance Tip: Regularly check for wear and ensure proper lubrication to avoid damage.

  2. Valves (Intake and Exhaust)

    • Function: Intake valves allow the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber, while exhaust valves let out the burnt gases.
    • Maintenance Tip: Periodically check for valve clearance and ensure they seal properly to maintain engine efficiency.

  3. Lifters (Tappets)

    • Function: Lifters are components that transfer the camshaft’s motion to the pushrods or rocker arms.
    • Maintenance Tip: Ensure they are free from dirt and debris and check for proper operation to prevent noise and wear.

  4. Pushrods

    • Function: In engines with overhead valves, pushrods transmit the motion from the lifters to the rocker arms.
    • Maintenance Tip: Regularly inspect for straightness and wear.

  5. Rocker Arms

    • Function: Rocker arms pivot to open the intake and exhaust valves as they receive motion from the pushrods.
    • Maintenance Tip: Check for proper adjustment and wear, and ensure they are properly lubricated.

  6. Valve Springs and Retainers

    • Function: Valve springs keep the valves closed when they’re not being actuated by the camshaft. And retainers keep the springs in place.
    • Maintenance Tip: Inspect for proper tension and signs of fatigue, and replace if necessary.

Why Regular Maintenance is Important

  1. Prevent Wear and Tear

    • The valve train components are in constant motion and subjected to high stress. And regular maintenance ensures that parts like camshafts and lifters are properly lubricated, reducing friction and wear.

  2. Ensure Optimal Performance

    • Properly functioning valves are critical for maintaining engine compression and efficiency. So, regular checks ensure that valves are sealing correctly and operating at the right time.

  3. Avoid Costly Repairs

    • Early detection of issues can prevent more severe damage. For example, a failing camshaft can cause significant engine damage if not addressed in time.

  4. Maintain Fuel Efficiency

    • A well-maintained valve train ensures that the air-fuel mixture is properly managed. And this leads to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

  5. Extend Engine Life

    • Regular maintenance helps in identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate. And this helps extend the overall life of your engine.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Oil Changes: Oil is crucial for lubricating the valve train. So stick to a regular oil change schedule to ensure that your engine’s moving parts are well-lubricated.
  • Routine Inspections: Periodically inspect valve clearances and the condition of the valve train components. And Tracy’s Tire Pros and Automotive can ensure this is done during regularly scheduled service intervals.
  • Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Stick to the maintenance schedule and guidelines provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer regarding your valve train.

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Tracy’s Tire Pros Can Help Keep Your Valve Train and it’s Part Running Smoothly

Understanding the parts and functions of your car or truck’s valve train is key to maintaining your engine’s health. And, regular maintenance not only ensures optimal performance but also helps in preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your engine. So, let Tracy’s Tire Pros put together a maintenance schedule the fits your lifestyle and your wallet so you can enjoy the perfect driving experience.

Tracy’s Tire Pros cares about our Wichita community and is ready to help with all your car or truck care needs in Wichita and Goddard: West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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