Car maintenance is a simple and straightforward process, as long as you stick to the manufacturer’s service schedule. The following issues pertain to basic maintenance and not the advanced type that requires professionals to handle, like rebuilds and engine overhauls. Moreover, one of the things you should do when you buy your car is to get to know it. It is not as complicated as it seems.
You can start by going through the car manual. It has a lot of information that deals with your car. Among the things you will find in the manual are service frequency, tire pressure and oil type.
In order for you to have a hassle free life with your car, you can use the following tips as a general guide for both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.
Firstly, you should keep tabs on the service schedule. It may be preferable to mark it in your diary so that you do not forget and skip the service maintenance. You can start by using a weekly maintenance then graduating to the monthly maintenance schedule in thirty days.
The weekly tasks involve keeping the vehicle interior clean. Among the things you should look into are securing or removing items that would probably fly around the interior in the event of an accident. This will also help keep your car lighter. Also, the fuel consumption will be reduced. You should consider washing your windows every week for improved visibility. They tend to gather dirt quite easily. Tire pressure should ideally be checked every time you visit the filling station. Optimum pressure improves handling, reduces tire damage as well as fuel consumption.
Monthly checks are also important because there are problems that may arrive before the next service interval. Certain parts of the engine may require immediate attention like a worn gasket or leaking radiator. A certified mechanic can help guide you through the check to make sure you are on the right track. If you want to remain neat and tidy, make it a point of wearing gloves and using a cloth or rug to wipe off all the grease you may encounter as you conduct your monthly check.
Another thing you should do is to take a look under your car and check whether there are any leaks. You can confirm this if there are some oil patches on the ground. If your car has automatic transmission, you can check the dipstick on the gearbox. Look at the water level in the container that houses the wiper water. Check the level of coolant by looking at the level from the side or removing the cap. Make sure you do so only when the engine has cooled down after running. The brake fluid should also be checked. It should be above the line that marks the minimum level on the tub. To check the oil, remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rug, cloth or paper towel. Repeat this action then look at where the oil level is in between the two marks at the end of the stick. The oil level should lie somewhere in between and be clear.
If any problem is found during the monthly check, take it straight to a garage for further attention and repair. This approach to maintenance helps reduce the incidence of major breakdowns.