You have probably been told a million times to check your car’s condition. But let’s be honest, it’s more fun to stalk and check on our friends on Facebook than to check on your car regularly.
The machine that gets from point A to point B is engineered to be safe and more importantly arriving in 1 piece. It’s important to take good care of your car to keep it running at optimal condition.
These maintenance issues are simple but can result in major accident and injuries.
1. Tyres
The tyres are the only thing between you and the road so it is crucial that you keep them in good condition at all times. The level of inflation plays an important part in fuel efficiency and safety.
It’s not just the tyre pressure that matters, the traction on your tyres depend very much on its tread. Keep a tab on the tread depth and sidewalls of your car’s tyres for signs of wear.
Take extra attention to any bulges or unusual lumps. No, those are not cancer but it is as deadly that could cause a blowout on the road.
2. Engine Oil
Your car can’t operate without the correct oil level. You can easily check the oil level yourself with the dipstick, it’s there for a reason. You can easily find the dipstick as it usually has a bright coloured handle.
As you pull out the dipstick for the first time, wipe it thoroughly with a clean cloth or tissue. Dip it back in, and it should show you the correct level the second time you take it out.
If you usually park at the same spot daily, check for oil spots. It is an indication of an emerging problem. If there is a leak, check the oil level immediately and top up if necessary. You should also get the leak fixed as soon as possible.
3. Coolant Level
Coolant makes sure that your car doesn’t overheat. Most cars today are fitted with an expansion tank (shown in above pic). Check that the coolant level is at or slightly above the ‘minimum’ mark when the engine is cold.
At operating temperature, the coolant level should be somewhere between the half and ‘maximum marks. Besides the tank, you should check the coolant level at the radiator when the engine is cold, it should be full. Simply top up the coolant with a mixture clean water if necessary.
4. Lights – All of Em’
All the exterior lights play an important role whether for better vision or as a warning indicator. To have any of the lights not functioning properly is dangerous.
These lights are crucial to let other vehicles know where you are going, or about to go and preventing accidents. Be sure to check your headlights, turn signals, reverse lights and of course brake lights on a regular basis.
It is easy to catch a non-functional headlight, but you might need some help to check the brake lights. The trick is to check the brake lights and signal lights in the garage by checking their reflection against the walls.
5. Windscreen Wipers and Washers
You probably don’t use the windshield wipers often, but in rainy seasons they are your sole path-finder.
The heat in Malaysia causes the wipers to wear quickly and when you need to use it, it just makes the vision even worse. Replace the windshield wipers if needed as they are not expensive.
Also, check the plastic reservoir for the washer fluid under the hood. Fill the bottle with clean water and a special windscreen detergent.
6. Battery
You might not be able to check the battery in terms of performance. But you can do a visual check on the battery terminals for corrosion, usually on the negative terminal. You can use a battery contact protector, comes in a spray form to prevent build up.
Another thing you can spot is bloating. Bloating is dangerous as the battery will explode if left unattended and cause some serious damage. If you think it’s time to change your car battery, contact your car battery specialist for a replacement.
7. Spare Tyre
The spare tyre is the most forgotten piece of the car. Make sure it is inflated all the time because you won’t know when you’ll need to use it.
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