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If you look after your car now, you’ll be less likely to face a costly repair or a roadside breakdown in the future. There are many small checks and actions that you can perform on a regular basis that will keep your car in tip top condition and help you stay on the road.
Get to Know the Service Manual
Your car’s service manual might not be the first thing you want to read but it is the key to keeping a vehicle in good condition. The manual is written by experts who built and designed your car. It will show how often you need to get your car serviced, how often regular maintenance tasks need to be completed, and when the car’s replaceable parts will need to be changed. You can also use the service manual to plan ahead in terms of the cost of maintenance and repair bills. To avoid having to spend unnecessary money on your car you should always follow the schedule in the service manual.
Watch your dashboard
Keep your eyes on your dashboard for any warning lights. These lights cover a range of issues such as the braking system, coolant levels, engine oil and tyre pressure. The car owner manual will contain an explanation of each light and the actions you need to take. If you see a light on your dashboard you should always check on it straight away to avoid a breakdown or repair cost later on.
Tyre Pressure
You should aim to check your tyre pressure around once a week. It is important you only check the pressure when the tyre is cold; a warm tyre will give an incorrect reading. The correct tyre pressure will be listed in the owner’s manual. If you don’t own a pressure gauge the easiest way to check pressure is to use a digital air dispenser at your local garage. Tyres inflated to the correct pressure provide the highest mileage, best fuel consumption and safety. Under-inflation can cause deterioration of the tyre casing and rapid wear of the tread on the outer tyre. Your car will also consume more fuel and will have less grip leading to a longer braking distance. Over-inflation will result in an uncomfortable ride, accelerated wear on the centre of the tread and an overall reduction of the area in contact with the road.
Check the Engine Oil and Coolant
Engine oil lubricates, cleans and cools the moving parts of your car engine. If there isn’t enough oil in the engine it is at risk of serious damage. You should check the engine oil level every fortnight and top it up as needed. Never add too much oil to your engine, as this can create excess pressure that can damage engine seals and gaskets, and lead to oil leaks. Engine coolant removes excess heat from the engine. It consist of a mixture of anti-freeze and water. If you let the coolant level get too low the engine can overheat causing serious damage. Check your coolant levels once a fortnight or before a long journey.
By carrying out these checks on a regular basis you can keep your car running and avoid any breakdowns and additional cost.
