REGULAR car maintenance could be the difference between a well operating vehicle or a hefty mechanical bill down the track.
Here’s a list of tips and tricks together to help keep your car healthy and running optimally.
By doing easy things like checking the oil, windscreen wipers and tyre pressure you’ll feel more confident while driving your car.
You’ll also have smaller repair bills when it comes to your annual service checks!
Check your radiator and cooling system
Caution: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Let it cool for a few hours to avoid injury.
A quick check of the radiator coolant is as easy as looking at the level in the plastic overflow bottle of most cars.
The coolant level should be in between the high and low markings.
Once the engine has cooled, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator, too. If the level is low, top it up with the coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere that could be a sign of a bigger problem which needs professional assessment.
Stains could indicate a leak, and any soft, kinked, swollen or cracked hoses should be replaced by a reputable mechanic.
Check your engine oil
It’s important to check your engine oil at least once a month. Problems with your oil can be easily missed if you leave it too long and can cause expensive damage to your engine. Here’s how to do it:
- Park your car on level ground
- Start the engine, let it run for a short time, then turn it off
- While the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick – make sure it’s fully inserted, otherwise you’ll get a false reading
- Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be in between the low and high markings. If the oil level is low, top up your oil but first check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade. Don’t start the engine if there isn’t any oil on the dipstick! An engine with no oil can seize and be extremely expensive to fix
Check your tyres
Checking your tyre pressure and general condition can help extend their use and makes your car safer overall.
Don’t forget to also check the spare if you have one! Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres and may make your car less safe to drive.
Checking car battery Checking your battery every so often can save you from the inconvenience of an unexpected flat.
A number of companies offer free battery checks,
