They say it right, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. The same is with not only human beings but also cars. Just like our body, cars also need regular maintenance to run smoothly in long term. If you do not maintain your car on a regular basis then it is going to cost you a lot in the coming future. So regular Car maintenance will not only help you save a lot of money but will also keep you safe on the roads.

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The cars which you own today are much more different than what they were before. The engines, body, tyres everything has changed but what remains the same is the way that it should be maintained. There still are a few little things that can keep your car healthy and smooth for ages.

BASIC SAFETY CHECKS ON REGULAR BASIS:

These basic safety checks should be done regularly. It will not take much of your time and will keep you and your car safe.

The exterior lights are very important part of your car. The best time to check them is night, when you can close the garage door, turn the lights on and check their reflection on the walls.

Check that all the glasses including mirrors do not have scratches, cracks on them.

Check whether the wipers and washers are working properly.

The wiper rubbers need to be checked and made sure that are in good condition.

Check the horn.

Handbrakes are important in steep hills! Test them.

Check the seat belts.

Check the tyre condition and pressure.

OIL CHECKS

It is important to check your car’s engine oil weekly. The best time to check this would be when the car is warm and also on level ground. Stop the engine and wait for a few minutes for the oil to settle down. Take out the dipstick and clean it. Push it back all the way in, take it out and check the level. The oil has to be in between the two marks, not above or below it. Remember to push the dipstick all the way in when refitting.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

It is important to check the fluid weekly if your car has a dipstick for automatic transmission. Read the car’s owner’s manual carefully to check the instructions on the oil level. The engine should be running normally, the car should be on a level ground. Park your car and apply handbrake.

Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth and then re-insert it fully. Remove it again and check the level of fluid. The fluid has to be between the mark ‘add’ and ‘full’.

RADIATOR COOLANT

Coolant level should be checked at least once in a week. If the car is fitted with a plastic coolant reservoir; check that the coolant level is at the ‘minimum’ level or slightly above it when the engine is cold. When it is hot the level will be somewhere between half and maximum mark.

If the car does not have an expansion tank then the water level should be within 25mm mark.

POWER STEERING

The level should be checked after the engine is stopped and after the car has been driven for a while because the fluid is warm then.

Remove the power steering reservoir oil cap. The oil has to be maintained at the ‘Hot’ mark or slightly below it.

BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID

The brake and clutch fluid level can be checked through the transparent plastic reservoirs fitted to the master cylinders. The level has to be between maximum and minimum marks.

Be careful not open the reservoir unnecessarily as the brake fluid absorbs air. Brake fluid can damage the car paint, so wipe it off immediately by using plenty of clean water.

WINDSCREEN WASHER

Plastic reservoir for the washer fluid is generally present in the engine compartment. Fill the bottle with clean water and windscreen detergent.

BATTERY

Make sure the battery is fixed tightly. The fluid level has to be maintained between the marked levels. If topping up is required then use only distilled water.

TYRES

It is important to keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure. It increases the life of tyres and also reduces fuel consumption. Use tyre gauges if you feel while driving that your car is pulling to one side. Use it for wheel alignment and balance. Visit Tyres Now and get the best of tyres at the lowest rates online!

LIGHTS

It is very important to check if the car’s both inside and outside lights are working. Not just outside but inside too. It can be really dangerous if you have a broken head light or tail light, it is also a criminal offense. Take someone’s help and make sure that all the lights are working properly.

And don’t forget to keep your car insurance up to date. Because a well maintained car can also meet with an accident. Have a happy, smooth and safe drive!