Car Maintenance

Some Handy Car Maintenance Tips

To keep your car running in top mechanical condition, the following is a list of some simple maintenance and safety checks you can do yourself between scheduled services to prolong the life of your car and its parts.

These checks will not take long to complete, and it is recommended they are done at least once a month.

Tyres – check your tyre pressure regularly and when your tyres are cold. Under-inflated tyres will eventually overheat during driving, leading to excess wear, but also increasing the likelihood of punctures. Incorrectly inflated tyres can significantly reduce traction and steering control, thus compromising safety.

Inspect your tyre tread, at the absolute minimum it should not be worn below the legal limit of 1.5mm. At this level of wear the tyre’s ability to move standing water is at a minimum, highly compromising braking and grip performance in wet weather.

The tyre’s susceptibility to pick up punctures is also greater at very high levels of wear. In short, tyres worn to this level are a potential danger and should be changed without hesitation to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.

Also keep an eye out for signs of uneven wear and bulging on the tyre sidewall along with cuts and nicks. Make sure you inspect your spare tyre at the same time.

Wheels - clean your wheels regularly using a damp cloth and warm soapy water to avoid a build-up of brake dust and other particles that may corrode your wheels.

Lights – inspect all lights for any external damage, and with the assistance of another person test that the globes are functioning correctly.

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Radiator – check your water level and fill to the maximum line, ensuring you do not remove the radiator cap when the car is hot. It is essential when re-filling your radiator coolant that the same coolant is used; if you are unsure, use distilled water instead.

Oil – check your oil level by removing the dipstick and wiping it clean with a rag. Re-insert the dipstick and remove again, noting where the oil is located on the stick. If it is below the ‘Full’ line, top-up with fresh oil but make sure to not over-fill.

Brake & power-steering fluids – refer to your owner’s manual for the location of these reservoirs and any recommendations about them. These reservoirs will have fill indicators lines and make sure you do not fill past the maximum level.

If you are ever in doubt about anything to do with your car, contact a trusted mechanic or service centre as soon as possible. Above all, ensure your car is serviced regularly and never miss or prolong a service as this could compromise your safety.