Changing Windshield Wipers
You belong to the elite club of owners for whom cars are an extension of their identity, a prized asset, a reason worth spending money, often for overhauling.
While complex repairs should be left to the technical experts, you can surely carry out some effortless preventive maintenance yourself. Here are some do-it-yourself tips to keep your car in great condition:
Car Tires
Pressure: Checking the tire pressure regularly is important as ideal pressure conditions have a bearing on fuel efficiency and driving comfort.
Cleaning: The tire treads should be regularly cleaned with water and sponge. Heat and static electricity generated in moving tires pick up dirt and grime from the road. Cleaner treads enhance the tire life.
Tire Rotation: Exchanging the tires every 8,000 km will balance the wear rate of tires, at the same time ensure improved car performance. Tire rotation is also vital for achieving an even tread wear and a long tread life.
Time to Let Go: Check the tread wear indicator on your tire to know if it is time to replace your tire. A worn out tire poses severe hazard on the road, to you as well as others.
Car Body
Wax and Polish: To maintain the painted surface of your car, opt for good quality wax and polish. A polished car is not only good to flaunt but also serves you for a longer life.
Cleaning: Always remember to clean bird droppings from the car immediately, as they contain acidic fluids that corrode the surface leaving a visibly dull patch. Also avoid body stickers, as the adhesives can damage the paint.
Reading the Dashboard Signs
The car dashboard is an interface through which the car communicates with you. Do acquaint yourself with various dashboard signs and their relevance from your car manual, as they make your car more accessible to you. Some of these basic dashboard signs are:
Brake Warning: The purpose of a brake warning light is to inform you about a fault in the braking system. It may be a signal for activated handbrake or low fluid level in the master cylinder. This warning signal should not be left unattended.
Engine Coolant Warning: Engine coolant levels can be gauged with this indicator. A blinking indicator means that the engine temperature is too high. It is advisable to immediately turn off your engine to arrest the temperature before getting your mechanic to have a look at the car.
Engine Oil Level Warning: This warning light is an indicator for low oil pressure or low oil levels in the engine. In order to avoid irreparable engine damage, get the engine oil levels checked immediately.
Electrical Charging System Warning: This is suggestive of a malfunctioning electric charging system. This sign blinks for a moment whenever you start the car. However, in case the sign stays on, get your battery and alternator checked.
Some Simple Checks
Changing Windshield Wipers
Depending on your usage, wipers need to be replaced once a year, preferably before the monsoons. Replacing a wiper is an easy job and can be done without any tools. All you need to remember is to not scratch your windshield with the metal arms while changing the blades.
Checking Engine Oil Levels
Checking the level of engine oil is not at all complicated. At first, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Insert it again and pull it out to note the level of oil. Note: Never try this while the engine is hot and remember that parking on a slope will not give you the correct reading.
These preventive checks will help you get the most out of your car. Go on, now you have reasons to spend more time with your car!