It is quite likely that our car may receive less attention than needed. Simple service and regular maintenance checks can help us reduce the overall costs of car ownerships. Many of the examination processes can be performed at very low costs or without cost at all. Best of all, these steps can be very easy to do. They will save us inconvenience, money and time now and later. Before performing maintenance tasks on our car, we should refer our owner’s manual to make sure that we are doing things properly. As an example, we should make sure that we check the coolant or antifreeze level about once a month. Cars usually have transparent reservoirs, which allow us to check the level of fluid.
Commonly, the solution used is a mixed with anti-freeze. When checking the radiator, we should make sure that we don’t remove the cap when it is hot. Hoses and belts should be checked each much. Frayed, glazed and worn belts should be replaced whenever possible. Adjustments won’t be needed for cars with spring-loaded belt tensioners. Brittle, rotten and bulging hoses should be replaced before they leak. All clamps should also be tightened. The transmission fluid should be checked monthly. The transmission fluid needs to be checked when the engine is warm and running. Engine oil should be checked each month. To do this we need to turn off the engine and remove the dipstick.
The next step is to clean the dipstick and insert it again. This should allow us to check the actual oil level. To maintain peak performance, engine oil should be changed after three months or after 3,000 miles. The oil filter should be replaced with every oil change. The air filter should also be checked regularly. As part of the standard tune-up process, the filter should be replaced if it is dirty. Brake fluid should be checked each month and this may need to be performed by a mechanic. If additional fluid is needed, we need to add it and the system should be examined for possible leaks. The windshield fluid reservoir should be kept full. During the winter, we may need to empty the washer fluid to prevent it from freezing. When handling battery, we should use extreme caution. We shouldn’t light a match, create a spark or smoke when we are near a battery. Protective gloves and glasses must be worn when we are attempting to refill the battery fluid. The battery cables should be completely free of corrosion. The power steering fluid should be examined; its hoses and pump should be checked for possible leaks.
Whenever we clean the windshield, we should inspect the blades. If the rubber starts to get brittle, we should replace it immediately. On average, blades should be replaced each year, however, we may need to replace them soon if chattering or smearing occurs. We should make sure that lights are working and clean, they include brake lights, side-market light, parking lights and head lights.