Top Car Servicing Tips Every Owner Should Know

Having a car is one of the greatest conveniences in life, but it needs maintenance to run well.

Regular servicing helps to prevent sudden breakdowns and elongates the life and efficiency of your vehicle too.

While some tasks are best left to skilled and experienced mechanics, there are several things you can do yourself to keep your car in top shape.

Here are some top car servicing tips every owner should be aware of:

1. Regular Oil Changes

Oil is what keeps your car’s engine alive. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction and cools down the engine among other functions. With time however, oil gets dirty and less efficient which can lead to wearing out or even failure of the engine itself. Therefore always check on its level frequently and change it according to the manufacturer’s instructions – usually between 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

How to Check Your Oil:

1. Park your car on an even surface then turn off the engine.
2. Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinsert it fully.
4. Pull it out again and check the oil level. It should be between the “min” and “max” marks.
5. If the oil is low, top it up with the recommended type for your vehicle.

2. Keep Your Tyres in Check

Properly inflated tyres are not only essential for safety but also fuel efficiency and ride comfort too. Under-inflated ones can cause poor handling as well as reduced fuel economy besides increasing tyre wear & tear.

Tyre Maintenance Tips:

• Check Tyre Pressure: Use a tyre pressure gauge to check this at least once per month or prior any long journey; refer to your car handbook for recommended pressures.
• Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but it’s advisable to replace tyres before they reach this limit.
• Rotate Tyres: Rotating your tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles ensures even wear and extends their life.

ALSO SEE: How Long Do Car Tyres Last?

3. Monitor Fluid Levels

Apart from oil, your car relies on several other fluids to function correctly. Regularly check and top up the following fluids:

• Coolant: Keeps the engine from overheating.
• Brake Fluid: Essential for effective braking.
• Transmission Fluid: Lubricates and cools the transmission system.
• Power Steering Fluid: Ensures smooth steering.

How to Check Fluids:

Most fluids can be checked by locating their respective reservoirs beneath the hood then using dipsticks or level indicators. Always ensure that your vehicle is on a flat surface and the engine has cooled before checking any fluids.

4. Replace Wiper Blades

You need clear visibility when driving because it is very important for safety reasons. Worn out wiper blades can leave streaks behind thus reducing visibility especially during bad weather conditions like heavy rains or foggy days/nights.

When to Replace:

Replace your wiper blades every six months to a year, or as soon as you notice any signs of wear, such as streaking, skipping, or splitting.

5. Keep Your Battery Healthy

A dead battery can easily make you stranded hence taking good care of it is necessary.

Tips for Battery Maintenance:

• Clean the Terminals: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean off any corrosion found on battery terminals then rinse with clean tap water afterwards.
• Check the Charge: Test its charge using a voltmeter whereby fully charged one reads around 12.6 volts or even higher.
• Securely Fasten: To avoid inside damage caused by vibration, make sure that the battery is tightly attached.

6. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

Modern cars are equipped with an array of warning lights to alert you to potential problems. If you see a warning light, don’t ignore it. Consult your car’s manual to understand what the light means and take action accordingly.

Common Warning Lights:

• Check Engine Light: Indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system.
• Brake Warning Light: Signals an issue with the brake system.
• Oil Pressure Light: Indicates low oil pressure, which can cause serious engine damage.

7. Regular Professional Inspections

There are many things you can do for yourself but it is important to regularly let skilled mechanics inspect your car. They can notice some issues which you may not see and provide professional care for continuous good performance of your vehicle.

Professional Services to Consider:

• Full Service: Includes oil change, fluid checks, brake inspection, and more.
• MOT Test: A legal requirement in the UK to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
• Specialised Checks: For components like the exhaust system, suspension, and timing belt.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of cars is paramount for safety, efficiency and durability. These tips will help you achieve this goal while working with competent mechanics who will keep your vehicle in its best state over time.

It should be noted that apart from saving money in future a well-maintained car also gives one peace of mind when driving on roads so now take action!

So remember – Take Care Of Your Car Properly Today!