Your car is potentially your second-biggest investment, after your home, so it makes sense to keep it well maintained, to ensure it serves its purpose long-term and keeps its value.
Not to mention, a well-maintained car is a safe car! You don’t need to be a mechanic to ensure your car is fit for the road, but there are some simple things you can do to make sure you don’t find yourself stuck on the side of the road due to something avoidable.
Regular servicing
Cars that are still under warranty need to be serviced in accordance with the manufacturers log-book schedule to maintain the warranty. A common misconception is that you must return to the dealer for servicing. The truth is that a licensed mechanic using genuine parts is just as good. Cars out of warranty should still be serviced per the log-book schedule and keeping this up and having the service book stamped adds value if you ever sell the car.
Tyres
Maintaining proper tyre inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tyre performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tyre will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tyre. Both underinflation and over-inflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tyre failure.
The best way to ensure you're getting the most out of your tyres is to check your tyre pressure on a monthly basis. Pressure gauges can be purchased fairly cheaply and it is better to check the pressure when the tyres are cold. Also check your tread; the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm on any part of the tyre surface – it’s wise to replace your tyres before they wear this far.
Under the bonnet
Regularly checking your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, battery terminals, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid will mean you should be able to spot an issue before it becomes a major problem. Checking for leaks or stains on the driveway under your parked car are also clues to look for. For most cars it’s fairly simple to keep an eye on these things, some even colour-coordinate the caps and lids so you know which ones are for you to check and which to leave for your mechanic. Ask your mechanic or check your manual if you are unsure what is what.
When your engine is cold and the car is safely parked on a level surface it is good practice to check:
- The coolant/ radiator fluid - The level should fall somewhere between the minimum and maximum indicators when cold. If it needs a top-up, check your manufacturers specs to see which fluid they recommend and don’t overfill the reservoir. Checking this when the engine is hot can result in nasty burns. It’s important to remember, never remove a radiator cap while the engine is warm.
- Brake fluid - Usually in a clear reservoir marked with minimum and maximum lines. Fill it if it’s low, but then have the system checked by a mechanic, as there could be a leak, or the brake pads may be wearing.
- Windshield washer fluid - Keep it full. It’s important to keep your windshield clean, especially when there is sun glare.
- Battery – have a look at the terminals (under the red and black plastic caps) to check for any corrosion, if something looks funny, best to get an expert involved.
When the engine is warm check:
- The engine oil - Remove and wipe clean the dipstick, then insert it for a clean read. The dipstick should have a normal range indicated. If the oil is low, add more following recommendations in your owner’s manual. Be careful not to over-fill.
- Wipers, Lights and Indicators
- It’s good practice to regularly check your headlights, brake lights and indicators are working. It’s never fun to find this out the hard way – either by a police officer letting you know or having another car crash into you from behind!
- Test your indicators and headlights, including the high beams. Your car’s reflection in a glass shopfront or on a wall can be useful way to find this out if you don’t have someone to help you test the brake lights.
- When checking the lights, add in a quick check of your wiper blades to make sure they are smooth and free of debris. Both light globes and wiper blades are easy to replace and can be purchased at most service stations and car accessory stores.
When to see the professionals
You will need to visit a mechanic as soon as possible if:
- A dashboard warning light remains on
- You feel any unusual vibrations
- The temperature gauge reads hot
- You hear any unusual noises
- The oil pressure gauge reads low
- The car has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
- You experience any abnormalities when braking
You should also take your car to a mechanic if it:
- Uses more fuel or oil than usual
- Is difficult to start
- Runs roughly
- Leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
- Has a smoky exhaust
Thinking of buying a new car? Check out The secrets to car buying the dealers don’t tell you.
