Well, to increase the life and performance of your vehicle, here is a list of items you should inspect per the time and season. Some vehicle parts are required to be checked regularly while some other parts are to be inspected in the long run. Nonetheless, adhere to your vehicle\u2019s original maintenance schedule and service interval record.<\/p>\n
Every month or every few fuel fill-ups and particularly before any long road trips, it\u2019s prudent to get beneath your car\u2019s hood and check both the oil and coolant levels when the engine is cool. If left unchecked, low levels of either can lead to engine issues. To locate both on your vehicle, refer to your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n
The motor oil in your car\u2019s engine provides a good deal of functions including:<\/p>\n
For excellent engine health, keeping it clean is important. Modern vehicles\u2019 owner manuals will recommend changing your car\u2019s oil every 10,000 kilometres, or six or twelve months \u2013 whichever comes first; however, it depends on your vehicle\u2019s make and model. Check your vehicle\u2019s owner manual and take the advice of an expert mechanic to ensure what is right for your vehicle.<\/p>\n
Well, your engine\u2019s air filter regulates the air that flows into your car\u2019s engine and aid keeping debris and particulate out. By ensuring your air filter is flowing appropriately, you can enhance your fuel efficiency, lower emissions and improve your car engine\u2019s life. You can perform this check at your home \u2013 first, check your owner\u2019s manual for instructions and how often it requires to be changed.<\/p>\n
Properly maintained tyres are vital to a safe, fuel-efficient ride. Often check your tyres \u2013 ideally, you should check the pressure in your tyres every month, as well as, before long trips or transporting extra load and don\u2019t ignore the spare tyre. Refer your owner\u2019s manual for the right air pressure information that your tyres need. Besides, you can inspect your tyre\u2019s tread depth with a simple penny method.<\/p>\n
The tread wear pattern on your tyres may differ between the front and back tyres, or even from one side of the tread to the other depending on your vehicle alignment, use and many other elements. Rotating your tyres will assist to lengthen the service life of your tyres by more evenly balancing the tread wear and aiding to avert noise and vibration issues.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s paramount that the lights on your vehicle are appropriately working, but often these things can be easily ignored. Once in a month, when you\u2019re parked in front of a flat surface, turn ON your headlights and inspect whether both headlights are properly functioning and positioned correctly. Inspect both turn signals and your parking lights by walking around your car. Have your friend or spouse or a family member stand behind the car while you apply the brakes to ensure that your brake lights are working properly.<\/p>\n
Remember to wax your vehicle at least once in six months after washing. It will keep your car shiny and assist keeping the paint in good condition and lower the likelihood of rust formation. Irritants like sand, dust and salt can build up and environmental elements like ozone and ultraviolet light can inflict microscopic harm; however, waxing can assist lower this by creating a shielding seal to extend your vehicle\u2019s paint life.<\/p>\n
The spark plugs in your vehicle\u2019s engine trigger the gas and air mixture that eventually powers your vehicle. If your spark plugs aren\u2019t working appropriately then your vehicle\u2019s engine will lose power and won\u2019t run at the best capacity. Have an expert auto mechanic inspect and change any faulty spark plugs as per vehicle\u2019s recommendations or when you feel a drop off in your engine\u2019s power.<\/p>\n
The shocks and struts on your car work to control the impact and bounce back as your vehicle move over bumps in the road – they are an important part of your vehicle\u2019s steering system. They should be checked by an expert auto mechanic every 70,000 kilometres. Alternatively, if you detect a drop in smoothness or inadequate control when driving, take your car to the workshop without further delay.<\/p>\n
Your vehicle\u2019s serpentine belt is important to keep your car running by powering peripheral devices like your vehicle\u2019s power steering pump, alternator and air conditioner compressor. Check the belt to make sure that it\u2019s free of any cracks or other forms of deterioration. If damaged, change as per your vehicle manufacturer\u2019s recommendation.<\/p>\n
Transmission fluid pretty much like your engine oil is a lubricant that assists keeping all of the moving parts inside of your transmission working appropriately. You must have your transmission fluid inspected and changed when required to avert expensive transmission damage or replacement. Follow the vehicle maker\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n
In all-wheel or 4-wheel drive, the transfer case moves power from the transmission to the axles. You\u2019ll require having the transfer case fluid inspected as per vehicle maker\u2019s recommendations to make sure that it is appropriately filled and free from the leak. It is recommended to take the help of an expert auto mechanic as he has to get under the vehicle to inspect it and do the needful.<\/p>\n
The car\u2019s radiator is an important part that aids in keeping your engine cool and working appropriately. Having your coolant system flushed regularly will assist removing contaminants that can form inside and make sure that your radiator is filled to an appropriate level. Inspect your vehicle maker\u2019s recommendation to know how often your car\u2019s coolant should be exchanged.<\/p>\n
The differentials are devices that divide the torque or power from the engine and facilitate it to transmit power to the tyres. In rear or front-wheel drive vehicles, there is only one differential, but all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles, both front and rear differential are there and perhaps even a centre differential. Similar to other parts of your vehicle, the differentials need to be kept lubricated to make sure appropriate functionality. Get an expert to check and replace fluid as per your vehicle manufacturer\u2019s recommendation.<\/p>\n
Apart from short and long-term vehicle inspection, you also need to conduct seasonal check-ups. That\u2019s because your vehicle\u2019s needs tend to differ by season and driving conditions.<\/p>\n
Here are some handy recommendations that you can add to your vehicle maintenance checklist as part of your seasonal vehicle check-ups:<\/p>\n
Car\u2019s battery is a very important part that keeps your vehicle running smoothly. A car\u2019s battery supplies a substantial quantity of electrical current for the starter, engine and other electronic parts in the vehicle. Severe temperatures impact the performance of the vehicle\u2019s battery, so regular battery testing will make sure that the battery will operate when you want it to.<\/p>\n
Windshield wipers need to be replaced about once every year or whenever you feel the effectiveness is compromised. Besides, it could be an excellent idea to install winter wiper blades for the best performance especially, in winter months.<\/p>\n
Final Words<\/b><\/p>\n
Adhering to a car maintenance schedule and maintaining proper records of what you\u2019ve done, can not only help prolong your vehicle\u2019s life but also shield you against costly repairs, breakdowns or other surprises.<\/p>\n