People who drive know how important it is to maintain the car they own. The newer your car is, the better it runs. But eventually, it starts demanding a ...
7 min read
People who drive know how important it is to maintain the car they own. The newer your car is, the better it runs. But eventually, it starts demanding a little attention. Some essential car maintenance tips will go a long way in maintaining your car’s value as an asset and keep it running like new. However, new or old, all vehicles do need regular maintenance to run efficiently. UrbanClap brings you a simplified knowledge, sub-divided by category, about basic car maintenance hacks. These tips apply to pretty much every car owner – from those who have a business fleet to specialists such as a limo service, to the weekend hobbyist. It isn’t very difficult. We’ve listed below some of the most basic car-care guidelines you should know to keep your vehicle in a very good shape.
1. Oil-Changing Intervals
One of the biggest questions that every car owner asks is how often should you change the oil. For several years, experts have been recommending oil changes after every 5,000 km. But ever since modern technology has come in, most auto manufacturers recommend oil changes between 12,000 and 15,000 km.
Make it a habit to keep track and note down the mileage of your car whenever you change the oil or get it done by a mechanic. Use a small notebook or manual to write down dates and the mileage on that date to help you figure out when to change your car’s oil next time.
2. Brake Checks
Driving in a heavy traffic every day puts a lot of pressure on your brakes. So, if that is a part of your daily routine, or in case your car gives a lot of mileage every year, it’s important that you know the right time to get your brakes checked.
There are several signs that will help you figure out when the brakes of your car need a check-up. Keep an eye out for these:
Of course, the worst and most dangerous sign is when you are on the road, and you have applied a break, and you are still unable to bring the car to a halt. To prevent such a situation, keep taking your car for routine brake checks if you notice any of the above signs.
Also read Car Cleaning At Home – Top 10 Hacks!
3. Tire Maintenance
Maintaining the health of your tires can go a long way in helping you save money and preventing dangerous driving situations. So, it’s good to know how and when to check on your tires. Here is a category wise information:
4. Power Steering
There is a hydraulic fluid reservoir in your car. Make sure your garage fills it whenever you get your car serviced. Then your job will be to check its levels once a month. If necessary, you can add more of the recommended fluid.
5. Bodywork
Regular cleaning, polishing and rust maintenance can help protect your motor from exterior elements. As time passes, the paint of your car gets dull. To give it a newer look, apply polish and elbow-grease. Around once a week, a general clean-up will be good enough to wash off debris and corrosive elements from your car. Every three or four months, your motor will benefit from waxing; it also makes the motor shine like new.
6. Lights
All car lights must be checked once a week. These include indicators, reversing lights, brake lights, and fog lights. Also look out for any frozen dirt on the lenses or broken or cracked bulbs.
7. Water
The car’s coolant level must be between the Min and Max level as per the user manual. You can check this once a week when the car ignition is off, and the engine is cold.
Winter tip: You should get your antifreeze checked and topped up if needed before the winter sets in.
8. Windscreen
It is common to have flying stones hitting your windscreen and cracking it. But people tend to take them lightly and take no action. However, remember that if you don’t get them repaired, the cracks can grow. If the damage is such that it cannot be repaired and is at a crucial place – say, right in front of your driving seat or a place that easily distracts you, then you may need to replace the windscreen.
9. Air Filter
10. Hoses and Belts
11. Windscreen Wiper Blades
12. Don’t Skip a Scheduled Service
Our hectic schedules, it becomes difficult to check on our cars. Take care not to miss your scheduled service appointments. Usually, your user manual will contain information about your scheduled car maintenance services. A regular maintenance service involves checking or replacing minor parts such as spark plugs, wires, and timing belts. With more and more services, major parts also start demanding attention and may need replacing in order to keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely. Servicing your car will also ensure you attract more buyers and get a noteworthy value for your car if you plan to resell it.
13. Wash It
Washing doesn’t just get the dust off your vehicle, it maintains the new look of your car. There are many regular exterior elements that, if not removed or cleaned regularly, can damage the car’s body, strip away its wax and dull down the paint. Be it dead bugs, bird droppings, pollution, dirt or other chemicals, they can all accumulate on your car layer by layer and ruin the shine. For mild cleaning, use a sponge or soft cloth; make sure it’s not abrasive. Ensure you have no particles of dirt trapped in the sponge as this can scratch the paint. Don’t forget to wash the windows too – it’s a tried-and-tested trick to polish them off with newspaper. Use a product designed specifically for cars and not your regular dishwashing soap.
These car-maintenance tips can take your car a long way and ensure its long, healthy life. Which means that you and your family can enjoy those relaxing drives to the fullest.
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