Car maintenance tips
A few basic car maintenance tips
• Regular service including oil changes at the recomeneded intervals are the best way to keep your engine in good health.
• Give your car a regularly, wax it every now and then to keep paint shiny and free from corrosion.
• See to any minor concerns as soon as possible, so that it doesnt turn into a major fault that can be expensive to repair.
these are the basic car maintenance tips that you should always keep in mind.
Car Maintenance Tips: Checking the engine oil
For these car maintenance tips place your car on level ground. Switch the engine off, and wait for a while to let the oil pour back down to sump. Pull the dipstick out. If you don’t know where is the engine oil dipstick, check your owner’s manual, usually it has a bright yelow or black looped handle.
Wipe it clean with a cloth, then pop it back all the way down into its place.
Now, remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at the “FULL” mark. If its a bit lower it’s not a big issue, but it’s best to top it up. Check the condition of the oil. If it’s really black it’s certainly time to change it. Slightly brown its okay. If it’s a dark brown, but still transparent it’s going to want a change in the near future.
If it’s milky coffee this spells trouble, the cause is usually enginge coolant mixing with the oi. This will need an inspection asap as it could be a blown head gasket.
Topping up the oil:
Make sure you have the right type of oil for your car. For example deisal engines require a differant oil to that of a petrol car. On top of the engine there is a large filler cap often marked oil. Remove s this as this is where we pour the new oil in. Pour in a little at a time, wait for a minute to let the oil run to the bottom and check level again with the dipstick. Add more until its reahed the full marker, but do not overfill. Fasten the filler cap once you hve finished.
Car Maintenance Tips: Engine water level
If your enigine is low on water, this can cause it to overheat which may result in serious engine damage. So note this as one of the more important car maintenance tips
To check your water level, locate the small tank (usually clear with a yellow filling cap, as pictured). If you look on the side of the tank it will have to lines indiating low and full. You want your water line inbetween these marks. If its nearer low then top of water. If it appears empty fill it up, and if you rthen find it requires filling again quite often get your car checked by a mechanic as there must be a leak somewhere.
Never open the water tank when the engine is running , and always wait till the engine has cooled.
Car Maintenance Tips: Tyres
Check your tire pressure monthly, you can buy a tyre gage from many places for about £5. Keeping the tyre pressure correct will keep your car safe and save you fuel. You can find the recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual, maybe on a plate inside the door, or even use our tyre pressure checker on browse 4 wheels website. The maximum pressure listed on your actual tyres is NOT the proper pressure! If you loose pressure in any of your tyres often, ther may be a puncher that needs repairing.
Rotating your tires every second service it will ensure your tires wear equally.
If you feel vibration at a steady speed you require your wheels/tyres balanced.
As I m sure you know there is a legal limit as to how much tread should be on your tyres. This is important for safety and you can get 3points per tyre so get them checked so that you know where you stand.
Poor weel alignment causes your tyres to wear unevenl and suspension components become worn. Poor handling is also a result of poor alignment, in a severe case, improper could throw your car into a skid, especially in the wet. If your car pulls to one side, or feels unstable on the road, have the alignment checked. After having wheels aligned will almost make it feel like a brand new ride.
Taking care of small niggles in time may save you a lot more
These car maintenance tips are easy and after a while they will become second nature and may become easier to do. If you feel there is something wrong with your car like a noise, vibration, shimmer, or you notice a leak, oil on your drive etc, or any warning light comes on. Take it to a garage and have it checked out – it might be unsafe to drive. It’s definitely better to check small niggles and faults before they turn into something more serious, so always keep upto date with my car maintenance tips.