When you purchase a car the dealership usually recommends a mileage as part of the new car maintenance checklist. Well when the car hits that mileage, it’s a sign that you need to get a full service.
There are a bunch of things that take place at the service station that could also be done by you. Well this is done before the mileage is attained. To be honest, this car maintenance checklist consists of areas that are looked into during the full car service. Some of the areas need to be looked into can be checked regularly while others on occasions. But it won’t hurt to know all of them.
It’s important to know what to do as much as when to do it. Undertaking car maintenance ensures that your car stays in a good running condition. Further, it helps you avoid any unnecessary repair costs.
FREQUENT CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLISTS.
1. Tire Pressure and Thread.
Tires are a crucial towards safety. Further, they determine your comfort while driving. If you pay attention to the car when you’re driving, you will notice that the feel when tires are filled with air is different from when they’re not filled. The amount recommend for most tires is 35 PSI but this varies from one type of vehicle to another.
Taking care of tires also means inspecting them for tire bulges which could cause tire bursts. When you’re carrying heavy loads, try not to overpressure the tires.
2. Oil and Filter.
Picking the right type of oil for your car is essential depending how the engine runs. Further it depends on how often you use the car.
Oil plays a number of functions including lubrication, cooling, reducing wear and tear among others. Since all these functions are served by oil, it’s essential to note that it degrades very fast. Hence the reason you need to constantly check on it.
3. Exterior Lights.
A vehicle’s exterior is exposed to a number of elements. Some of them are harmful to the exterior parts of the car. Well without a doubt you should check on the exterior lights to make sure they’re all functioning properly. Meaning that the bulbs are functional.
Further you need to ensure that the light’s housing is in the right condition. Meaning that it should be clean, intact without cracks and scratches.
4. Air Filters.
It’s responsibilities include regulating the air flowing through the car’s grill into the engine. Further, the air filter usually filters out the debris and insects that are usually found within the atmospheric air. Due to this function, there is a chance that the air filter might get clogged which will interfere with their functionality.
5. Oil and Coolant Levels.
You can check on the oil and Coolant levels every once in a month. Though topping these fluids off doesn’t require a schedule, it’s important to ensure they don’t go below the minimum mark.
Occasional Car Maintenance Checklist.
1. Spark Plug.
A faulty spark plug is a good reason why cars don’t start. The spark plug is the one that initiates combustion within the combustion chamber. It receives power from the battery that is turned into a spark used to burn fuel.
2. Serpentine Belt.
It’s useful when the engine needs to charge the alternator. Further, it provides power to the power steering fluid pump and the air conditioner among other Vehicle components. Conduct an inspection of the belt to ensure its not torn or worn out.
3. Shocks and Struts.
As part of the suspension system. These two play a big role in keeping the vehicle balanced. Further, they ensure that the driving experience is comfortable by regulating the car’s movement.
This depends on the terrain you’re driving over. For this reason, the shocks and struts are susceptible to wear and tear. Further since they’re usually found on the underside of the car, it raises the probability of exposure to damaging elements.