If you don’t take the right actions to prevent long term damage on your car, it can be costly. These simple tips will help ensure you are giving your car the maintenance it needs to last.
Change oil frequently
Modern cars have warning signs that indicate when we need to make adjustments, such as add oil.
The engine of your car needs to be lubricated to run efficiently. When oil levels get low or your oil is dirty, your car engine will wear, which could result in needing to replace it.
To check your oil, you simply need to retrieve the dipstick from beside the engine or in front of the engine – it is a long metal spike with a yellow looped end. Wipe the stick of all oil residue and then dip the stick all the way back into the tube, wait a few seconds then withdraw it. If the oil level isn’t between the two marks then you need to replace your oil.
Check your warning lights
Warning lights could include a brake warning light, check engine light, coolant warning light, ABS warning light, service engine light, electrical fuel light and oil warning light. Be aware of these lights that appear surrounding your speedometer.
Become familiar with what each warning sign means and how to respond to them. Some may not need immediate attention but others may need you to pull over. For example, the coolant warning light means your car engine is overheating and if you don’t turn the car off to let it cool down, you could cause permanent damage.
Check important fluids
While oil is the most known fluid to check, it’s not the only important fluid. You or your car service still need to check engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid.
With these fluids, leaks can be disruptive, affecting the way your car runs. If you notice an unusual liquid, you should take your car in to be serviced straight away. You can identify which fluid has leaked by the colour of the liquid.
Ignoring signs such as leaks will only cause issues with your car further down the line, consequently shortening your car’s life.
Check tyre pressure regularly
Checking your tyres is critical for your safety, and the overall maintenance of your car.
Inadequate tyre pressure makes you at risk of getting a flat tyre, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. Driving fast with a flat tyre will likely do irreversible damage to the metal beneath the wheel, and may even cause you to lose control of your car. In addition to risking your safety, needing to change tyres more frequently will cost you more in the long run.
Some free petrol stations allow you to check and alter your tyre pressure for free. Tyre rotation and wheel balance are also important, and can be checked when you take your car in for servicing. These two concepts ensure your control is equally balanced among all four wheels.
Car servicing
To sum it up, if something doesn’t seem right, take your car in to be checked. Signs can be anything from a funny sound, to a change in your breaks, or your car having difficulty starting. Using your car when a component needs repairing will shorten the entire life of your car.
Maintaining your car doesn’t take much – ensure you incorporate these simple tips to prolong the life of your car.