Proper and regular maintenance of your car is essential to keep it in optimum condition. It will help to ensure your safety as well as that of any passengers.
When it comes to car maintenance there are six parts that you must pay particular attention to:
- Fuel tank
Checking the tire tread should be done at least once a month. The minimum depth of tread required in the majority of US states is roughly 1.6mm.
Not having enough tread depth can make it harder for the tires to grip road surfaces properly. Tires where the tread has worn below the minimum level should be replaced immediately and many dealers will offer a payment plan to help you meet the cost if need be.
Of course the seasons impact on some aspects of car maintenance, with tires being a good example of that. Autumn and winter can bring wet or icy roads and so tires should be checked more frequently at those times.
Tires on an electric car should also be checked more often than on gas ones, because the greater vehicle weight puts more pressure on them.
The fuel tank should be checked before every trip, but again maintenance is particularly important in winter. That is because bad weather often leads to starts and stops that burn through more fuel.
Check the fuel tank gauge to be certain you have enough petrol before setting off. Also, consider switching to top quality high octane fuel as this will help to rid the tank of residue that builds up when it is not being driven.
Thus, it improves performance and assists with vehicle maintenance.
This means the oil, brake fluid and coolant. They should be checked after every drive, because they are vital to vehicle safety.
The correct time to check them is when the car has been turned off for a period and it should be on a surface that is horizontal when the maintenance is done. The oil is checked by putting the clean oil dipstick into the engine to ensure there is enough oil in it.
The brake fluid is checked by lifting the hood to locate the car’s brake fluid reservoir and examining the levels to ensure they meet the lines on the outside of it. The dashboard temperature gauge will tell you if more engine coolant is needed.
The battery is needed to get the engine started and most car batteries have a lifespan of around five years. Regular battery maintenance will be most urgently needed during the winter because cold weather demands more of the battery.
Make sure its terminals are kept tight and clean. If washing is needed, you should disconnect and scrub with a toothbrush and warm, rather than hot, water.
Buy a new battery if there are signs of connector corrosion, an unpleasant odor or difficulties in starting the vehicle.
The car’s front and back lights must be checked before every drive. Again though, maintenance is most essential in winter, because there are more hours of darkness.
Wipe them down before using the car and check that every light is fully operational. If one is not working, you should really get it replaced before using the vehicle, as functioning lights are a key safety feature.
Car windows must be kept clean and easy to see through and should be wiped around once a month. The exception to that is during autumn and winter, because the poorer weather in those seasons will cause window staining.
Make sure you have enough windscreen wiper fluid and that the blades of the wipers clear away water without leaving streaks on the windows by testing them using wiper fluid. Replace them if necessary.
These are the six essential maintenance checks all vehicle owners should perform regularly.