Are you looking for tips to help you maintain your car?
Maintaining your car is a very important part of owning a car. By maintaining it, you will prolong the life of your car for a very long time. The only thing is, it can be a very scary step if you don’t know what to check for and where to start.Take a look at this checklist. It’s an easy way to help you maintain the necessary checks on your car.
Why should we maintain our cars?
- Safety first
- Save your money
- Maximise the life span of your car
Regular maintenance on your car will keep your car in good condition for longer. In return, your car’s value could remain higher for longer.
11 important checks for your car
Remember to service your car at the right intervals and/or specified mileage points – whichever comes first.
- Oil level
Check oil levels on your car regularly. Do it when you are filling up your car’s fuel tank.
- Oil leaks
Check for oil leaks on the floor where your car is regularly parked – specifically around the engine and gearbox area. This will help you find minor issues and stop them from becoming a bigger costly problem in the future.
- Coolant level
Be sure that the coolant level is kept at the recommended level set out on the water reservoir bottle. It may be a good idea to top up with antifreeze, as sometimes water is not enough to keep your engine running cool. You can do while filling up with petrol. If you notice the water level dropping frequently, then you might have a leak.
- Radiator
Check your radiator to determine if there are any leaks, holes or blockages. Make sure the fan and radiator thermostat are also both working. If these items don’t work, your car run hot and potentially overheat. If you are unsure at any time, have your car checked by a professional service centre.
- Brakes
Check your brake fluid and top up if necessary. Be sure that there are no leaks around the brake fluid reservoir or the brake callipers.
Check the wear on your brake pads and brake discs. If they are excessively worn – metal on metal – then they will need replacing. Again, if you are unsure at any time, have your car checked by a professional service centre.
- Other levels
You can also check other oil and lubricant levels on your car such as the power steering fluid level, gearbox, and clutch. It is always a good idea to visit a professional service centre if you are suspicious of any issues.
- Battery and warning lights
Check your battery for any leaks, cracks, and corrosion around the battery terminals.
Don’t ignore any warning lights that stay on after you have started your car. These warning lights could potentially highlight a problem that needs to be checked.
- User manual
Check your car’s user manual. Use it as a guideline when you are not sure how to fix or replace something on your car.
It is important to be sure of the recommended timeline or mileage point at which to service your car to the manufacturer’s standards.
- TLC
Wash, polish and vacuum your car regularly. By doing this you prevent your car from aging quickly and this also helps to maintain the value of your car.
- Wipers
Check your car’s windscreen wipers for any cracks as well as if the rubber is broken. This will ensure that your visibility clear while driving in mist, fog or rain.
- Tyres
Checking your car’s tyres for wear and tear is possibly the most important check of all. By doing this you can monitor the tread on your tyres and possibly detect a slow puncture. This can and should be done regularly. Do it while filling up with petrol at the petrol station.
This is a simple and quick guideline on how to maintain your car by yourself. However, if at any time you are not entirely sure, please seek help from a qualified mechanic or professional service centre. Perhaps consider getting financial advice from a qualified financial adviser about car insurance too? Do you have affordable car insurance cover at the moment? Perhaps explore the comprehensive car insurance you can buy with Prime South Africa.
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