Car Maintenance Checklist: 9 Essential Steps

Check Tire pressure

Tires are one of the most important components to check often, if the tire pressure is not perfect it can reduce the life of the tires. It can lead to early wear and tear or even tire bursts. Check whether the recommended amount of air or nitrogen is filled in the tires, if not take immediate action. There are plenty of inexpensive devices to check the tire pressure, and use them to check for cracks or objects stuck on the exterior of the tire.

Change Oil and Oil Filter

A car has multiple small and large parts. Multiple moving parts are involved to run a car smoothly. Without a lubricant, it’s impossible. This is the one that ensures the smooth functioning of other parts. Oil lubricates moving parts and absorbs the heat due to friction. Whereas, the oil filter keeps the oil clean and free of contamination.

After a long time of usage, change the oil and oil filters as they may be filled with dust or other contaminants which may accumulate hampering the performance of moving parts. No need to call for help, even a beginner can successfully change the oil and oil filter of a car.

Keep the Engine Clean

The engine is the heart of your car so you must take extra care to maintain it. You should clean both internally and externally from time to time. If there are leaks, take immediate action. Leaks with dust and debris can cause serious damage to the engine. Use simple engine cleaners to wipe any gunk.

Keep the Interiors Clean

Use a simple vacuum cleaner to keep the interior dust-free. Now, there are a lot of cleaning items available in the market so do it yourself. You can use a blob of scented slime to clean air vents, the base of a gear stick, or the area under the steering wheel.

Check the Battery

First, you should know where the car battery is located. Then, you need to understand how to safely disconnect the battery and clean it. Remove or disconnect the negative terminal of the battery as it will effectively cut off the electrical supply and minimize the risk of an accident. Now you can clean the contacts using a brush that is safe to use on batteries and reconnect.

Check the Brake Fluid

The car’s braking system is complex, the brake fluid will help for the smooth functioning of the system. Ensure that the brake fluid is good and is present in sufficient amounts. Measure the level and color of the fluid in the braking system. If the color is too dark, replace the braking fluid.

Look for a Faulty Spark Plug

Check whether the spark plug is faulty or if it is going to put you in a spot soon. If you fail to notice, then the car will fire up.

When you have a faulty spark plug it could be challenging to start the car. You must turn the key in the ignition a few times before it powers the engine.

The car’s mileage will drop even when everything else works just fine. This is the sign to change the spark plug.

If there’s a faulty spark plug, you will notice a dip in acceleration.

Lights

Car lights must be checked once a week. Car lights include indicators, reversing lights, brake lights, and fog lights. Replace if there is any frozen dirt on the lenses or broken or cracked bulbs.

Windscreen

If there are any cracks or other damages on the windscreen, take immediate action. Some may take it lightly, but if you don’t get them repaired, the cracks can grow. You can’t drive smoothly with a cracked windscreen as it may easily distract you so replace it soon.