- Checking the Oil Level
Motor oil is designed to lubricate, cool, and seal internal engine components. That’s why regularly checking and changing engine oil is essential to vehicle maintenance. Running the engine with little or no oil will cause it to overheat and eventually seize up. Neglecting to change the oil periodically will shorten the life of your engine.
- Checking the tyre pressure
Tyre pressure is often overlooked but directly influences a vehicle’s performance on the road. Low tyre pressure can affect handling, overall ride, and fuel economy. Overinflating tyres can cause the car to ride hard and prematurely wear out. Temperature also directly affects tyre pressure. Be sure to check your vehicle’s tyre pressure regularly.
- Check the battery
Your car’s battery stores the electrical energy necessary to start the engine and power electrical components while the engine is not running. The battery should be secure to prevent damage, and the cable connections should be clean and tight to allow the proper flow of electricity. Check that the battery posts and cables are corrosion-free, a white powdery or chalky substance that forms on top of the battery.
- Checking the coolant system
Cooling system failure is the number one cause of mechanical breakdowns on the road. Regularly checking the coolant level, mixture, and condition could prevent you from being stranded. To check the coolant level, follow the steps below.
- Check the windscreen wiper fluid and blades.
Windscreen wiper fluid and blades are essential to keeping your windscreen clean while driving. It’s important to check your wiper fluid and blades regularly since they can dry and crack from the sun or wear down from regular use. Wiper blades that skip, streak or leave spots or smears should be replaced.
- Checking your lights, Headlights,
Your car’s headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators are essential to help you see clearly while driving and help others see you. Headlight and taillight bulbs are readily available from your local auto parts stores and are (in most cases) easy to change. It’s essential to ensure all of your vehicle’s lights are working correctly, especially since you spend most of your time inside your car and might not know when one is not working. In some cases, it can be an endorseable offence.