15 Practical Car Maintenance Tips

In modern times, vehicles have become a crucial extension of the family. It is nearly impossible to imagine today’s life without commuting from one place to another. However, whether you drive a luxury sedan or a hatchback, it is essential to care about them regularly. It will save many instances of accidental breakdowns and costly repair works. Automobile experts recommend you to inspect your vehicles at least once a week. Have a look at the proven tips below.

Top 15 practical car maintenance tips

15-practical-car-maintenance-tips

  1.   Pay Attention to Warning Lights

These days most modern automobiles remain equipped with sophisticated sensors and warning systems notifying owners about an impending mechanical snag. If you find the ‘check engine light’ or ‘ABS warning light’ or ‘electrical fault light’ or ‘brake warning light’ or ‘coolant warning light’ blinking or switched on all of a sudden, then it’s time to call a technician to attend to them.

  1.   Check Tyre Pressure

Correct tyre pressure is essential for enhanced tread life, improved mileage, and better handling and comfort while riding. In India, the standard tyre pressure for most cars ranges between 30 to 36 PSI (pounds per square inch). Before embarking on any trip, do not forget to check the tyre pressure.

  1.   Inspect Tread Depth

Maintaining correct tread depth is crucial for retaining grips on roads. Most brand new tyres come with 8 mm tread depth, and experts advocate you to change radials after they reach 3 mm depth. It is hazardous driving cars when the tread depth reaches 1.5mm. Top-rated tyres come with tread wear indicators for replacing them in due time.

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  1.   Clean Brake Dust from Wheels

Brake dust is the combination of several materials coming from brake rotors and brake pads. It consists of 92 per cent iron, and 8 per cent carbon and dirt. Clean it off regularly to enhance the tyre life.

  1.   Check Engine Oil

The function of the engine oil is to cool the motor, maintain lubrication, and eliminate engine-wear particles or sludge. Check the engine oil regularly and replace it according to suggestions in car owner’s manual.

  1.   Note the Coolant

The coolant helps the heat energy generated within the motor dissipate within the environment. It prevents overheating of the car, so pay adequate attention to it.

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  1.   Refuel from Reputed Petrol Pumps

Refuel your car only from reputed petrol pumps as the quality of fuel is better there. Moreover, they also use petrol filters, so there are limited chances of dirty gasoline polluting your car’s engine.

  1.   Do not Refill when the Petrol Station is Refuelling Underground Tanks

Refrain from refuelling, if you sight a petrol tanker filling up the underground tanks of the station. It is because the sediments get stirred up due to the turbulence and you end up with dirty fuel.

  1.   Check Car Battery

Replace car batteries after every 3-4 years. Use only reputed brands from authorised dealers for your vehicle.

  1. Pay Attention to Brake Pads

Brake pads are essential for the safety of automobiles. It brings cars to rest by converting the kinetic energy of vehicles into thermal energy by friction. It helps you in avoiding collision by stopping the vehicle whenever you sight an obstacle. Check the functioning of brake pads regularly.

  1. Replace Cabin Air Filter

Change the cabin air filter once a year, especially if you are asthmatic or allergic to dust and pollen. It also helps you feel fresh and cool while driving in hot and humid tropical weather.

  1. Clean Car Regularly

Though it sounds quite simple, cleaning cars regularly helps in improving vehicle life. Pay attention to interiors as well as exteriors while washing. Cleaning the undercarriage prevents it from getting rusted and enhance its durability.

  1. Check Spark Plugs

The spark plug is essential for maintaining the function of the motor. If you find the car engine not reciprocating your actions, there is a chance that the plug got worn out or developed a dirt build-up. Inspect it regularly for the proper functioning of the engine.

  1. Replace Broken Indicator Bulbs

If any indicator bulb gets spoilt while driving, replace it at the earliest possible time for the safety of the vehicle.

  1. Check Battery Terminals

Check the battery terminals for the presence of material build-up. It can negotiate with the functioning of the battery. Use a brush for cleaning this part.

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