Car problems can easily be avoided through regular maintenance. This write-up will provide a car maintenance checklist and a few tips to keep you car in excellent condition.
The amount of convenience that cars provide to their owners is unmatchable. One can comfortably travel in and across cities without breaking much of a sweat. Since a lot of people use cars and have been doing so for a while, they become habituated to a certain extent. Due to this, whenever there is a problem with the car, people tend to get restless.
To prevent this, maintenance assumes prime importance and needs to be carried out on a regular basis. It can be carried out either at authorized company service centers, or at a trusted motor mechanic.
Maintenance Checklist and Tips
Air Conditioner
The air conditioner is a vital component, which assures comfort to the passengers. Keeping it in a working condition is therefore important for the purpose of enjoying a long drive. Driving in a hot and humid climate requires an effective air conditioner.
Check for the following:
Mechanical problems
Below par refrigerant levels
Moisture or air contamination
Blockages in the connecting tubes
Dirt or dust in condenser
Brakes
The most crucial part for safety are the brakes. For passenger security, it is pertinent to keep brakes in good condition. There will not be a major problem with the brakes all of a sudden. Since these problems grow gradually, detecting them early would be beneficial.
Check for the following:
Parking brake working condition
Brake fluid levels
Hand brakes working.
Complete braking mechanism including brake pedals.
Cooling System
The cooling system is responsible for preventing the engine from heating up too much.
A good cooling system protects the engine, and keeps temperatures under check as well. Using a quality coolant for the engine is recommended. The coolant level needs to be checked once every two weeks. During warmer months, it should be checked once a week.
Engine
The most crucial component in a car is the engine. It is like the heart of any car. In spite of being a proud owner of a sparkling set of wheels or the best hood in the locality, if the engine of your car is defective, everything is a waste.
To ensure the car has a long life, regular maintenance of the engine is mandatory. Check for the following:
Engine oil level
Engine coolant levels
Engine thermostat
Engine belts
Engine air filter
Spark plugs
Fuel System
Other than the engine, a car's fuel system also needs to be taken care of in the right way. A proper checklist is never complete without including fuel system maintenance. It will help in reducing chances of breakdown and excess fuel consumption by the engine.
Check for the following:
Clogging in fuel lines and filters
Places from where the car fills fuel
Other parts of the complete fuel system.
Gears
The gear system is another important part, and calls for proper handling and care on the owner's part. Gears help in maintaining speed, and therefore, they cannot be misused. While changing gears, the clutch needs to be fully pressed down.
Following are some more tips:
Do not be harsh while changing gears
Check transmission fluid levels
Drive the car at the correct gear according to the speed
Grease gears regularly
Tires
Tires have a vital role to play when it comes to safety and performance. In fact, when maintenance is to be carried out, a proper condition of tires bears foremost importance. The car can skid away if it is being run on worn-out tires, consequently endangering lives of passengers.
Check for the following:
Tread patterns in all tires should be similar
Maintain adequate air pressure in all tires
Replace old worn out tires with new ones.
Balance tire-rim assembly regularly
Electrical System
The electrical system comprises battery, alternator, starter, and fuses. A fault in any of these could cause the car to get stalled midway, leaving passengers stranded.
To prevent this, try the maintenance tips listed below:
Change battery ideally once every four years
Tighten all battery cables
Check water level in batteries
Regularly examine the alternator, fuses and starter
It should be noted that the checklist for maintenance given may not cover certain problems pertaining to minor components.
Following checklist of things you need to do to maintain you car will definitely ensure optimum performance. One of the best maintenance tips anyone could give would be to always use original parts and components while replacement. Also, regularly getting the vehicle serviced will ensure longevity of the car.