Top tips for servicing your vehicle: Everything you need to know as a car owner.
Have you ever considered the importance of a car in your life? From small errands to long trips, a car is your companion on every journey. But its maintenance and servicing are also your responsibility. Many car owners tend to ignore timely service for their vehicles. However, this will only lead to sudden breakdowns, costly repairs, poor performance, and many other hassles. A car that is not very convenient is not of any use, especially when you have a demanding schedule. So, let’s look at the top tips you need to know for a well-maintained car. By the end of this guide, you will be skilled in caring for your car and much more proficient in car servicing Newcastle.
1. Oil changes.
Oil is a vital part of your vehicle, and it is what keeps your car’s engine alive. The oil plays an important role in lubricating the moving parts, reducing friction, and cooling down the engine. However, with time and usage, the oil can get dirty, reducing its efficiency. This is why experts suggest checking your oil levels frequently and changing the engine oil between 3000 and 5000 miles.
Steps to checking your oil:
- Turn off your engine after parking the car on an even surface.
- Open the bonnet and find out the dipstick.
- Clean the dipstick before reinserting it to check the oil level.
- Check whether the oil levels are between the “min” and “max” marks.
- In case the oil levels are low, top it up with the recommended type for your car.
2. Fluid levels check.
Besides the oil being vital for your car’s proper functioning, there are several other fluids too. Regular servicing should include topping up of these fluids:
- Coolant: This prevents the engine from overheating.
- Brake fluid: An essential fluid for effective braking.
- Transmission fluid: Important for lubricating and cooling the transmission system.
- Power steering fluid: This ensures smooth steering.
3. Tyres check.
Tyres that are properly inflated ensure your rides are safe and comfortable. Plus, it is vital to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, as underinflation can lead to excessive fuel consumption. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause uneven tread wear, causing you to change your tyres more frequently. The following are some tyre maintenance tips for your vehicle:
- Check tread depth: Tread depths are what ensure that your tyres are gripping the road surface. In the UK, 1.6 mm is the legal tread depth, and driving on tyres below this limit can lead to fines and MOT failure. It is recommended to replace them before they reach this limit.
- Maintain tyre pressure: Invest in a tyre pressure gauge to regularly check this at least once a month. You should also check it before any long journey. Your car manual will include the recommended pressure, so maintain it accordingly.
- Rotate tyres: Uneven tyre wear is a common concern among car owners. Rotate them every 6000 to 8000 miles to avoid any uneven wear. Use this method to extend their lifespan too.
4. Battery health check.
The car battery has a limited lifespan, and a dead battery can lead to sudden breakdowns. Breakdowns are a hassle, so caring for your car battery is necessary. Here are some tips to maintain your car battery:
- Regular cleaning: The terminals can collect dirt and lead to a faulty battery. Clean them regularly using a mixture of water and baking soda. This mixture can clean off any corrosion, and then you can use clean water to rinse off the rust.
- Charge check: The voltmeter is a useful tool for checking battery charge. A fully charged battery reads around 12.6 volts or even higher, so you can compare it with your reading to know if it is holding charge.
- Secure it: A battery that is not fastened securely can cause vibrations and lead to inside damage. Make sure the battery is attached tightly to avoid any damages.
5. Warning lights.
Modern car models feature numerous warning lights on the dashboard. These lights are to alert you of any potential problems, so ignoring them is strictly advised against. You can consult your car’s model to understand what a warning light means and resolve it accordingly. The following are some common warning lights:
- Engine light: A lit-up engine light means there is some problem with the engine or the transmission system.
- Brake warning light: A brake warning light can indicate an issue with the brake system.
- Oil pressure light: The oil pressure light is to warn you of low oil pressure in the engine; ignoring this can cause serious engine damage.
6. Professional checks.
There are many checks that you can perform yourself; however, professional mechanics notice issues that you may not see. Some professional services you can consider are:
- Full service: A full service is essential and includes an oil change, fluid checks, and much more for your car.
- MOT test: This is a legal requirement in the UK to prove your car’s roadworthiness and safety.
- Special checks: These are for components like the suspension, exhaust system, and timing belt.
Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle is in top condition. Plus, you can be confident for your car’s successful MOT test Newcastle upon Tyne. Follow this guide for essential tips on maintaining a safe, comfortable, and roadworthy car.
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