Many new drivers and car owners had been neglecting their vehicles and puzzled on what are the necessary checks that they can do to their vehicles in tip-top condition.
Our team in Drive Ride Buddy had come out with a 5 simple car maintenance checklist that you can do on your own without the need to visit the workshop.
1) Lights
The first in the checklist is to make sure the lights of your vehicle are working. Do remember to check the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signal lights are all working before you start your journey.
If you happen to find the lights are dim or not working, it is advisable to drive to your authorized service centre or the nearest workshop to replace the faulty bulb.
In case you are conducting the check alone, you can use the trick of parking close to a wall to check the rear lights by looking from the rear-view mirrors.
2) Wiper blades
The wiper blades will become hard and brittle after some time. It will cause streaks that can reduce visibility on your windshield when in use.
You can check your wiper blades by switching on the wiper washer function. If you noticed that the wipers are not giving you a clear sweep and leaving streaks or having squeaking noises, it might be time to get your wiper blades replaced.
A tip to extend the life of the wipers blade is to gently wipe the wiper blade with a damp cloth or towel to remove any dirt or oil. You can also lift the wipers up from the windshield when the vehicle is parked under a hot sun.
3) Tyres
The tyres are designed to absorb road shocks and braking forces to the road surface. You should take note of any cuts, tears or bulges on the tyres.
The second thing to take note of is your tyre pressure. You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle in your vehicle manual or at the door frame on the driver’s side.
You should not under inflate or over-inflate the tyres as it will cause uneven wear and result in you changing your tyres sooner.
Another essential check is to take note of is the tyre’s treads. Every tyre has a treadwear indicator between the centre grooves to help you monitor the depth of the tread.
4) Battery
Besides starting the car regularly to make sure the alternator recharges the battery, you should also take note of any sign of corrosion and always ensure that battery clamps are tight.
A physical check of the car battery is also essential. You should check for any cracks or bulge on the battery and also check the battery clamps for any signs of corrosion.
You can also check the battery voltage occasionally by using a voltmeter. If you have a reading that is below 14v with the engine running, it means that you have a weak battery.
5) Fluids
There are a total of five different types of fluids that you have to take note of. They are engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer.
Engine Oil
The engine oil is the most critical fluid for the vehicle. You can use a dipstick in the engine bay to check if there is sufficient engine oil. The dipstick is usually in yellow colour that comes with a handle that looks like a ring near the engine.
Before you conduct a check, do remember to ensure the engine is off before pulling the dipstick out. You can wipe off any oil with a clean cloth and repeat the steps for a more accurate reading.
Brake Fluid & Coolant
The brake fluid and coolant are also essential fluids for the car. The coolant helps to channel heat from the engine to the radiator and prevent the engine from overheating.
The coolant is easier to conduct a visual check. It is usually placed towards the front of the engine bay and stored in a white see-through plastic container.
The brake fluid is usually placed towards the back of the engine bay and close to the cabin in a white container. The cover can be identified by a circle in a parenthesis.
Do remember to ensure that the vehicle engine is off and had cool down before removing the cap.
Power Steering Fluid
Now let’s not forget about the hydraulic-assisted steering system. To check the power steering fluid, look for the reservoir in the engine bay. The cap should be labeled with the words “Power Steering”.
Otherwise, look for a steering wheel icon. Some cars have semi-transparent reservoirs for you to easily check on the amount of steering fluid, while others have a dipstick installed inside the cap.
Windshield Washer
Lastly, there’s the windshield washer fluid. Make sure it’s topped up, so your windscreen remains clean to give you a clear view of the road ahead.
If you notice insufficient fluids, you can top them up yourself. You can also send it to your authorized service centre or nearest workshop if you are not sure how to do it.
We hope the above 5 simple car maintenance checklist can help you in conducting the necessary checks for your vehicle and have a smooth journey.
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