- 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 an important part of overall vehicle maintenance. Running the engine with little or no oil will cause the engine 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 it directly influences how a vehicle performs on the road. Low tyre pressure can affect the handling, overall ride and fuel economy. Overinflating tyres can cause the vehicle to ride hard, and the tyres to wear prematurely. It’s also important to know that temperature directly affects tyre pressure. Be sure to check your vehicle’s tyre pressure on a regular basis.
- Check the battery
Your car’s battery stores the electrical energy necessary to start your vehicle’s 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 the battery posts and cables are free of corrosion. Corrosion is 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. Checking the coolant level, mixture, and condition on a regular basis 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 the blades 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 all essential in not only helping you see clearly while driving but in helping others see you clearly too. Headlight and taillight bulbs are readily available from your local auto parts stores, and they are (in most cases) easy to change. It’s important to make sure all of your vehicle’s lights are working properly, especially since you spend most of your time inside your vehicle and might not know when one of your lights is not working. In some cases, it can be an endurable offence.