A car is one of the biggest and most expensive purchases most of us will make so it’s important we know how to look after our them and keep them in peak condition. Regular servicing by qualified professionals is essential, but there are a few simple maintenance tasks you can perform at home which can help save you money, prolong the life of your vehicle and increase your safety on the road. Many of the ways that you can maintain your car do not require any advanced automotive knowledge, just basic knowledge of cars. Here are six easy maintenance tips that every car owner should know how to perform.
Check the Engine’s Oil Level
Oil is what lubricates the components of your engine. If your engine oil level is too low, it can cause irreversible and costly damage. To check your oil level, pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and push it back in the dip tube all the way. Remove and have a look at where the oil level comes to, if it’s between the two dots, your oil level is good, if it’s too low, add about 100ml and wait a while before checking again.
Check and Replace Radiator Water and Coolant
As well as keeping water and coolant levels topped up on a regular basis, it is also recommended that you flush out the old coolant from your cooling system and then replace it with new coolant at least once per year. Before performing any checks, ensure your coolant system has cooled down, if it’s still hot, it can burn you if you try to take the radiator cap off. Always use a large cloth to take the radiator cap off when checking coolant levels to protect your hand. Your coolant reservoir is usually a white semi-transparent bottle on the side of the radiator. It is marked with ‘low’ and ‘high’, which will indicate if you need to top up.
Check and Maintain Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure has a significant impact on your car’s efficiency. Properly inflated tyres can save on your fuel costs and prevent premature tyre wear. Check tyre pressure regularly using a gauge at your local service station and inflate to the recommended level which is usually marked on the driver’s door jamb. You should also regularly check tyres for uneven wear as this may suggest that it is time for wheel realignment. Uneven wear also suggests worn-out brakes or shock absorbers, a bent wheel or internal tyre damage.
Test and Maintain Battery
Even if the battery claims to be maintenance-free, you still have to regularly check your car battery to extend its life. Start by keeping your battery terminals clean. You may wipe it with a damp cloth and some detergent if needed. Also check the battery case for any sign of damage, any cracks or bulges are signs that your car battery needs to be replaced. Every car owner should also have a battery tester to check their car battery level. This will give you some indication of how much longer your battery will last before you need to purchase a new one. You should test the battery at least twice per year.
Wash the Exterior
This is something that anyone can do and should do regularly. Washing the outside of your car keeps it clean and free from dirt particles which can cause corrosion. Use a wet sponge or rag combined with a detergent specifically designed for washing vehicles diluted with warm water. Do not use dishwashing liquid. Remember to clean and vacuum your car interior too. Thoroughly wipe the lenses on the dashboard with a soft damp cloth. Take your mats out and brush or hose them down. This will remove dirt that may otherwise create wear in your mats if they build up. A simple clean on a weekly basis will keep your car looking its best for years to come.
While all of these simple jobs are important, it is imperative to the longevity of your vehicle that you book your car in for regular servicing with experienced professionals. If you are looking for the best car service Perth has to offer, look no further than AME Automotive. A trusted family owned business that specialises in automobile mechanics, we have been providing reliable and cheap car servicing to Perth vehicles for over 30 years. Our aim is to give our clients the best service for their car at the most cost-effective rates. Contact us today to make an appointment.