In today’s society, almost every family has a vehicle that they can call their own. Whether owning a car is a part of your business or for enjoying beautiful sights and adventures, although you may not realise it, it’s an important part of your life and few people actually consider the regular maintenance requirements. With so many different parts, maintaining your car is crucially important if you wish to increase your car’s life, as the malfunction of just one part can drastically affect your car’s performance and cause issues.
Here are just a few simple checks and procedures that you can do to help you keep your car in good condition and to stay safe:
1. Inspect your car regularly
Before you perform any basic car maintenance, you should take a look at your manual as this contains everything you need to know from how to perform and when to perform maintenance activities on your car. You should attempt to perform an inspection on your car as and when you can, as preventive maintenance is the best. Having a nose around your car allows you to see if any action is required, and if so, whether you can perform it yourself or whether you need a professional’s help.
2. Check your tyre pressure
You should always pay extra attention to your tyres as these can have a habit of wearing out rather quickly. Make sure that your tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s specified pressure. You can check the pressure of your tyres by using a gauge and you should do this when your tyres are cold.
3. What are your oil levels saying
Oil is essential to your engine and sometimes this may need some extra attention. You should check your oil regularly and more frequently if you notice an oil leak or find that you need to add oil routinely. So to ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently as possible, make sure that you are parked on level ground so that you can get an accurate reading and don’t overfill it.
4. Scrub a dub dub
For some, washing the car is a priority as they like to keep on top of it and have their car looking its best at all times. However, for others, it’s something we only do when it becomes necessary and the car is covered in dirt. You should try and wash your car every other week. In doing this, it will not only help to avoid any damage to your car from the mud, dirt, and rain that attaches itself as you drive, but it will also improve the condition of your car, brushing the impurities away and preventing deterioration of your paintwork.
5. To the window
You should check your mirrors on a regular basis to see if there is any cracks or damage. If you notice that there are any broken lights or mirrors, you should replace these as soon as possible. Cracks in your windscreen can also prove to be a lot of hassle and can cause you to have an accident if it is not repaired. As a driver, you need a clear view of the road, so allow plenty of room when following behind other vehicles and beware of any debris or objects being thrown, as this could potentially cause damage to your windscreen.
6. Interior of all interiors
The interior of your car should be cleaned as and when it’s needed. If you ever wanted to trade in your car or sell it, then the interior of your car would have a huge part to play in determining its value. Some believe that the value of a car is held within its interior and if your interior looks dirty and a little bit shabby, this could affect any future deals that you may choose to make with your car.
7. Brakes of all brakes
If your brakes need a mechanic’s attention you will know about it as they tend to give off warning signals. However, if at any time you suspect that there’s something irregular about your brakes, then it’s a good idea to have them checked. It is recommended that you have your brakes checked and replace at least twice per year and more often if you tend to drive a lot of miles, as this will make your brake system more durable.
8. Drive better
You may not think it, but the way you drive reflects on your car, so if you drive fiercely, then the chances are that your car will wear and tear faster and in some instances, it can also cause damage to your car permanently. Be considerate with your car, drive safely and drive with care every day as this will lower your chances of any damage and also save you on your fuel costs.
