car maintenance
In 2023 alone, car accidents are the reported cause of 20 to 50 million injuries worldwide. Despite continuous safety efforts from organizations and national governments (e.g. car checks), there’s still a considerable amount of factors contributing to less safe roads, including the following:
Regular vehicular and car checks before and after your drive are vital in preventing you from getting involved in car accidents. It can help you stay on top of your car’s maintenance and identify potential risks before they become costly issues.
Long drives can put a lot of stress on your car, so a rule of thumb is always to check and service your vehicle before and after you go on one. Doing so can give you the confidence of a safe drive at any length, especially if you purchased a second-hand car. Here’s a list of car checks you’ll want to do before hitting the road.
Old oil can severely damage your engine, killing it and potentially leaving you stranded. If your next engine oil change date isn’t that far off, consider changing it before your next trip.
Many modern cars use their computer to monitor oil levels and automatically displays an alert on the dashboard. However, most cars have a bright yellow or orange dipstick indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels.
Make sure to let your car cool down before manually checking your oils. Pull out your dipstick and wipe it to avoid having residues that can cause a false level reading. After cleaning, dip it in the oil tank to determine if the levels are within the minimum and maximum markers.
Your car’s coolant is a vital fluid that maintains the engine’s temperature. It levels the engine against extremely cold weather; its high boiling point absorbs heat that long drives and hot weathers cause, preventing the engine from overheating.
Remember to let your vehicle cool for at least eight hours after your last drive before checking on your coolant. It can get scalding, and the pressure from the coolant tank can cause injury. The tank is typically a clear container with minimum and maximum lines on the side for easier monitoring.
Your brake fluids ensure that your brakes have enough bite to safely stop the car whenever you need to. Make sure to inspect it regularly, along with your brake pads. For a thorough inspection, removing the front wheel is best to determine if the brake pads are thinner than six millimeters. If they are, consider having it repaired first.
Another way to check is to press your brake pedal down without your engine running. It should feel spongy and not slack at all. Similarly, your car shouldn’t pull to either side when firmly applying brakes. If your brakes make a screeching sound or emit a burning or smoke smell, it may be best to have a professional check it.
Drivers almost always neglect to inspect their turn signals, increasing the risk of accidents with other drivers. Make sure your car lights are working before starting your drive to avoid getting into mishaps. This includes inspecting the following:
While you’re inside the car switching the lights on, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to check if it’s working correctly. You can also use a reflective surface like a garage door or window to check the lights on your own.
Consider storing spare bulbs in your trunk in case any lights stop working during a long drive.
Before spending the next few hours cramped inside a car, ensure that your air conditioning is working properly. The last thing you’ll want is to suffer from getting a heat stroke in the middle of traffic or, worse, in the middle of nowhere.
If you notice that your car’s AC isn’t blowing cold air as it once was, you may want to get a ‘car air conditioner regassing’ job. Although regassing kits are available, it’s advisable to leave the job to professionals as it can cause painful freeze burns. It shouldn’t take more than an hour as the specialist will remove the old refrigerant gas in your car’s system and replace it with a new one.
Your car’s tires can get a lot of wear and tear after spending long hours on the road. There are three elements of a tire you should regularly inspect: its tread, pressure, and appearance.
Many use the coin test to check on a tire’s tread depth. Simply insert a small coin right side up into the tire’s grooves. If you barely see the coin’s year located on the bottom, your tires should still be fine. However, it may be best to get new tires if you can see the year on the coin clearly.
Even if you’re not going for a long drive, checking your tire pressure is a must. Remember that the number indicated on the side of your tire isn’t the optimal air pressure; it’s the maximum pressure your tire can handle. An underinflated tire may have some wear on the sides and edges, while an over-inflated tire will wear in the middle.
Cracks can occur on your tires when it’s older or has had prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. At the same time, bulges can appear when your tires repeatedly drive over potholes or knock against curbs, causing them to weaken.
Keep a supply in your trunk to assist you in case of roadside emergencies like a flat tire or if your engine won’t start. Here are some items you can start with when filling your supply kit:
You can also prepare a personal emergency kit filled with your essentials. Have wet wipes, towels, and a first aid kit within reach. Extra pain relievers, dizziness medications, and other maintenance pills can also be helpful to have during a long drive.
You’ll want to ensure that there are no chips or cracks on any of your windows and your front and rear windscreen. Although small chips aren’t that much of a problem, it’s best to have them repaired soon before they become a larger and more expensive problem.
Make sure that there isn’t anything that can impair the driver’s field of vision or obstruct their view. It’s also worth checking your wipers to see if they leave water lines on your glass. A simple mark or a piece of dirt may still impact visibility.
Another critical component of your car safety checklist is ensuring your car’s battery still has enough power. An easy way to check this is to use a multimeter. A regular battery reading ranges from around 12-13 volts when the engine is off and between 13.5-14.5 volts when it’s running. However, it’s recommended to have your battery changed every two years.
If you don’t own a multimeter, there are also several ways you can quickly check your car’s battery. You can start your engine and turn the headlights on to test your car’s electrical system. If the lights are dim but get brighter when you rev the engine, your lights are running off the battery, and the alternator is not producing enough current at idle.
Although you’re very eager to get behind the wheel and start your road trip, filling your fuel tank near the start of your journey saves you a lot of time and stress. In doing so, you’ll be able to reduce the chances of desperately hunting for fuel stations in an unfamiliar place.
If you have a plug-in electric or hybrid car, it’s wise to ensure it’s fully charged at home or in charging stations. Although plug-in cars are gaining media attention and global popularity, there aren’t many charging stations available—especially in remote areas.
Nearly every modern vehicle today features power steering. It’s essentially a hydraulic system that uses a special fluid to make steering easier and less intensive for a driver. It assists drivers in easily maneuvering a large vehicle through tight corners or in parking lots.
However, your car’s power steering fluid can gradually break down over time as it gets contaminated with dirt and debris. When you take your car to get serviced, your mechanic may do car checks on the quality and condition of your power steering belt to identify any risk that can potentially cause an accident.
As lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have eased, many are planning their out-of-town trips. And like anything, preparation through habitual car checks is key to ensure a smooth and enjoyable drive. The last thing you’ll want on a road trip is getting involved in car accidents, worrying about a blown-out tire or an overheated engine in the middle of traffic. After all, owning a vehicle can be more convenient than other transportation options, especially if you’re a resident of a city.
Proper car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly, ensure safety on the road, and extend its lifespan. Here are some important dos and don’ts to follow when it comes to maintaining your car:
🚗 DOs:
🚫 DON’Ts:
By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure your car remains in top condition, providing you with a safe and reliable driving experience for years to come. 🚗
Owning a car brings convenience and freedom, but it also comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance. Proper maintenance ensures that your vehicle runs smoothly, extends its lifespan, and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. While car maintenance may seem daunting, there are several hacks and tips that can make it a breeze. In this article, we’ll explore some simple yet effective car maintenance hacks that will keep your vehicle in top-notch condition.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for both safety and fuel efficiency. Invest in a good quality tire pressure gauge and check the tire pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and cause premature wear, while overinflated tires can lead to poor handling and reduced traction.
Regularly changing the engine oil and filter is one of the most vital car maintenance tasks. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the oil change interval and use the recommended grade of oil. Fresh oil keeps the engine lubricated and ensures optimal performance.
A clean car not only looks better but also helps protect the paint and the interior. Regularly wash your car to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants that can damage the paint. Additionally, vacuum the interior to prevent dust and debris from accumulating.
The air filters play a crucial role in maintaining good air quality and fuel efficiency. Check the air filters regularly and replace them when they are dirty or clogged. Clean air filters ensure that the engine receives a steady flow of clean air, promoting better combustion.
Belts and hoses are essential components of the engine’s accessory system. Inspect them for signs of wear, cracks, or fraying regularly. Replacing worn-out belts and hoses can prevent engine overheating and potential breakdowns.
Regularly check all the lights of your vehicle, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Properly functioning lights ensure your safety and visibility on the road.
Check the fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid, at regular intervals. Low fluid levels can lead to mechanical issues, so make sure they are topped up as needed.
Inspect the battery regularly for corrosion and clean the terminals if necessary. Ensure that the battery is securely mounted and check its charge to avoid unexpected battery failure.
Regularly rotating and balancing your tires promotes even tread wear, extending the life of your tires and improving overall handling and performance.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds or vibrations while driving. Strange noises or vibrations can be indicative of underlying issues that require immediate attention.
Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking and rapid acceleration, as they can put unnecessary stress on your car’s components. Smooth driving reduces wear and tear and contributes to better fuel efficiency.
Schedule regular inspections with a qualified mechanic to catch any potential problems early on. Early detection can save you from costly repairs later.
Using sunshades in your car’s windows during hot and sunny days can help protect the interior from UV damage and keep it cooler.
Brakes are critical for your safety, so have them inspected regularly and replace worn-out brake pads or rotors promptly.
Your car’s owner’s manual is a valuable resource for maintenance schedules, specifications, and DIY tips. Keep it handy and refer to it when needed.
Remember, regular maintenance not only keeps your car running smoothly but also saves you money in the long run. By following these car maintenance hacks and tips, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in excellent condition, providing you with a safe and enjoyable driving experience for years to come.
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