Everyone wants their car to function in the best way possible and the truth is that in most cases this is not a matter of luck. In fact, it all depends on how we take care of our car. Mainly because the old adage of putting gas and going, in itself, is not enough. So there are at least five things you need to do to your car!
The five things you really need to do in your car!
Inspect the engine oil level
Keeping the engine oil level appropriately high and ensuring there are no contaminants in the oil is a vital step in maintaining your car. That's why many experts will tell you to change your car's engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. In the past, the general rule for cars was to change the engine oil every three months. However, many cars from the last two decades do not require an oil change this often.
In any case, there is nothing wrong with checking the engine oil level every 2000 km. It's not likely that it will need to be replaced, but it could have leaked without your knowledge. All it takes is a worn gasket or an incorrectly installed part to cause a leak. You can check the engine oil level by lifting the dipstick and making sure it is within the recommended quantity range. If you notice that it is lower than it should be, look for signs of a breakout.
Check if the coolant needs topping up
Your car's cooling system is as important as its lubrication. More precisely, coolant is also part of the lubrication of your car. After checking your car's oil, the next thing you should do is check if the coolant is running low.
Some people recommend checking your coolant every week; There is nothing wrong with that. But unless you frequently take long trips or spend a lot of time on the road, you can limit the coolant inspection to every 2000 km. Choose a day in the mileage range, open the engine compartment and look at the coolant reservoir. Typically, it is a transparent container with a tube that goes to the engine. It also has minimum and maximum level marks, which you can use to know when you are running out of coolant.
Look for blown bulbs outside
The bulbs die; it is an inevitable part of your life. Many modern cars have a way of letting you know when one of the exterior bulbs dies. Some may do it through the infotainment system or the instrument panel, but one of the most popular ways is the rapid flashing sound you hear when using a turn signal. This sound indicates that the car's turn signal system is using less energy than it should – which often means a bulb is burnt out.
Exterior non-headlight bulbs are an underrated but important driving safety feature. They are there to keep your driving predictable so other drivers can anticipate your next move. For example, brake lights tell others when you are stopping, and turn signals tell drivers that you are about to turn. So check this out.
Check belts and tubes
Automobiles may seem like advanced technology, but simple belts, pulleys, and tubes power most of them. And these things, like all things, can fail. Since they are mostly made of rubber or rubber-like compounds, they are especially prone to wear and tear, despite being vital to the operation of a vehicle.
Check for cracks, wear and leaks approximately every 2000 kilometres. If you neglect them, they can cause quite serious breakdowns in the most unlikely places.
Measure tire pressure
Tires are another integral part of your car that needs frequent inspection. Tire rotation often gets all the attention, but you should check your tire pressure as often as you check your tires for signs of wear. Insufficient (or excessive) pressure leads to poor handling, reduces tire life and increases uneven wear.
Check your car's manual to find out the best PSI for your tires, and get a gauge to check if your tires stay within that range. It's unlikely that your tire pressure will change drastically every month, but when it does, you'll be grateful you caught it in time. It can also be a good way to detect tire leaks and punctures.