7 tips to help you maintain your car!

Have you ever wondered if you could ensure that your car stays in proper shape? If you are one of those who understand that prevention is better than cure, here are some quick and easy to implement maintenance tips that will help you prevent your car from breaking down unexpectedly.

Surprising as some people find it, it isn’t very difficult to do some basic maintenance work for your car at home. Periodic maintenance of your car will be rewarded with years of trouble-free motoring. So let’s quickly skim over the tips that will help you maintain your car.

Check engine oil once in a week – It is easy to locate the dipstick in the engine bay to check the engine oil. Use the dipstick and check if the engine oil level has decreased. There are markings on the dipstick itself to indicate the oil level.

Also check the colour and stickiness (viscosity) of the engine oil. When the oil looks dirty (almost black) or the thickness reduces, change the oil. While changing oil, allow the old oil to drain out completely before refilling. You can see which oil you need to buy and how much you need to buy in your manual. Also change the oil filter with every oil change.

Check tyres daily – Maintain proper tyre pressure which ensures safety as well as good mileage. Most of us drive over rough roads which cause damage to the tyres. Check for gravel and small stones lodged in the tread of your car tyres. Remove these and keep a portable air compressor or pressure gauge handy, and check pressure once a week.

Check coolant once in a week – When the engine is cold, check the level of the coolant. Do this once in a week as the coolant keeps the engine cool. When the coolant level is low the engine runs at high temperatures causing wear and tear, overheating and even breakdown in extreme cases. Usually coolant levels don’t drop easily, so if it has, it is indicative of a larger problem.

Check brake fluid level once in a week – Brake fluid ensures proper braking. Poor brake fluid levels will lead to loss of braking. Follow the replacement schedule as mentioned in the car’s manual to know when brake fluid has to be changed.

Check filters periodically – A car essentially has at least three filters including the oil filter, air filter and fuel filter. Replace these filters as per schedule mentioned in the car’s manual. At times cleaning the air filter alone can help you feel a difference in the car’s performance.

Check battery periodically – Battery power is essential to start the car’s engine and to power the car’s electrical system. Ensure that the battery voltage output is checked at regular intervals and distilled water levels topped up.

Clean the car periodically – Use clean water to wipe off the dust and dirt on the exteriors and interiors of your car. It is better to use a soft, damp cloth to clean windshields to avoid scratches. This is not just to ensure that the car’s paint stays intact and lustrous but will also help you identify new scratches and any other damage that could otherwise have possibly gone unnoticed. If you have the time, a good wax polish job once a month will ensure the car’s finish stays like new for years.