Cars don’t last long, if not treated well, we often neglect one important thing when having vehicle that it to maintain it regularly and the basic attention needed to preserve it for a long lasting time. Having a regular check up determines the longevity, performance and reliability of the vehicle on whichever type it is. It means having all a detailed planned from tiny parts up to the engine part. Studying the manual will give ease and guidance, keeping the vehicle to be in the great shape. Having a logbook may also help determining the history of the car regarding on the repair, maintenance, routine checking up and the electrical system.
Here are some basic know how to maintain your car and to keep the performance at its best.
Tires
One of the most important parts of the car is the tire, regularly check for sign of under-inflation, the air pressure can lose up and reduce life of your tires, it will cost you to avoid such accident, irregular wear, loss of control and unnecessary tire stress.
Also check the alignment, rotation and tread, this are the connection of your tires to the car, it gives support and balance for smooth travel.
Engine Oil
Changing engine oil must be monitor after having 3,000 mile drive or by checking the level. This helps the engine runs smooth, to avoid corrosion of metal engine inside your car, and it will reduce repair bills.
Check your oil level in your car every 1,000 miles:
· After turning off the engine leave the level for about five minutes.
· Get your oil dipstick.
· Clean it with clean cloth.
· Pull up the dipstick and check the oil level.
· If the oil is below the add line add a quart of oil.
Brakes
Check the brake fluid to avoid accident for you and the car, having a low brake fluid and dirty pads may skid the brake pedals down , having less pressure on the hydraulics is the effect.
The warnings for poor brakes, continuous excessive grinding, squealing and screeching or chatter, listen carefully for this sign to prevent accident.
Lights
Make sure all your lights are working, namely high beam, stop, reverse and rear lights. All light warning signs are all functional, light bulb must check regularly to avoid dim light.
There different part of light inside and outside the car here some of them:
· Battery warning light
· The electrical fault light
· Brake warning light
· Coolant warning light
· Oil pressure warning light
· Oil warning light
· The service engine light / Maint Reqd light
· Engine light
· Head Light
Wiring, hoses & pipes
Check for leaks, damage wires or loose wiring. The radiator must be checked from top to bottom, hoses, heater
hoses, fuel lines and any pipes associated with power steering or brakes.
For assistant ask your mechanic to replace old wires or soft hoses for swollen or cracked parts. To know better on
what to do with leaks, checked your handbook to contact any service center to guide you.
Tips for safety driving:
If you’ve notice that there is something wrong immediately stop and check your car:
· a warning light remains on
· you feel any unusual vibrations
· your temperature gauge reads hot
· you hear any unusual noises
· your oil pressure gauge reads low
· you experience any abnormalities when braking.