Your car goes through a lot on the road, and chances are you already account for much of the resulting maintenance. You fill the fuel on time and dutifully send in your car for service once a year.
There’s a bit more to it than that. Skipping checks or ignoring minor issues in the present can lead to expensive repairs in the future. Here are some car care mistakes you may be making.
Why Car Maintenance Matters
Your car is a machine and it needs its oiling, so to speak. Consistent upkeep means that it performs safely when you’re out on the often challenging roads of India.
Without a car maintenance schedule, you’re shortening your car’s lifespan. Neglect can also affect fuel efficiency and resale value.
Top Common Car Maintenance Mistakes Owners Make
The following are the most common car maintenance issues that owners make:
- Skipping Oil Changes: Engine oil lubricates moving parts and prevents overheating. Old, degraded oil loses viscosity and stops doing its job effectively, leading to increased engine wear. Most manufacturers advise an oil change every 5,000 to 11,000 kilometres (this depends on oil type and driving conditions).
- Ignoring the Check Engine Light: Many drivers put off getting the check engine light checked out because the car feels fine. In some cases it flags a minor issue; in others it signals something that can escalate quickly if left alone. Get it scanned at a service centre as soon as it comes on.
- Neglecting Tyre Pressure and Tread: Under-inflated tyres wear unevenly, which reduces fuel efficiency and increases braking distance. A worn tread reduces grip on wet roads and raises the risk of hydroplaning.
- Check pressure once a month and before a long drive
- Inspect tread depth regularly. Replace your tyre before it reaches the 1.6mm legal minimum.
- Do not forget to check the spare tyre’s pressure
- Delaying Brake Inspections: Squealing, grinding, or a soft brake pedal are all signs that brakes need attention. Brake pads should be inspected at every service , and any unusual sound or feel should be investigated immediately.
- Not Replacing Air and Cabin Filters: A dirty or clogged cabin filter affects air quality inside the car and puts strain on the air conditioning system.
- Skipping Coolant and Fluid Checks: Low coolant may cause engine overheating, particularly during Indian summers. Owners should check and top off the following fluids in the car regularly:
- brake fluid
- power steering fluid
- windshield washer fluid
- Ignoring Unusual Noises or Vibrations Rattles, knocks, pulling to one side, and steering vibrations are the car’s way of flagging that something is off. These are often early signs of alignment issues or worn suspension components.
How These Mistakes Affect Total Ownership Cost
The next time you find yourself putting off even a small issue with your car, think about what you’re risking: your safety on the road.
By getting to it now, you’re also saving heavily on maintenance. Skipping a routine oil change that costs a few hundred rupees may eventually lead to engine damage costing lakhs to repair. Tyre neglect can hamper your driving experience or even cause a blowout while driving.
Conclusion
Most car maintenance mistakes result from a lack of a monthly schedule. Set reminders for tyre and fluid checks, and act immediately on any warning signs.
As part of protecting your car, review your car insurance policy to verify what it covers in case of an accident or mechanical failure. Always check your policy document carefully.
FAQs
1. What is the most common car maintenance mistake owners make?
The most common car maintenance mistake owners make is skipping or delaying oil changes. Engine oil slowly degrades and loses its ability to lubricate engine components. Without top-offs, wear is accelerated and the engine can suffer potentially serious damage.
2. How often should I check my tyre pressure?
You should verify your tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. Check when the tyres are cold, as heat from driving can give a misleading reading. The recommended pressure for your car is listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side door.
3. Is it safe to ignore the Check Engine light if the car seems fine?
No. The Check Engine light can indicate minor or serious issues, even if they aren’t apparent. Diagnose the cause of the light at a service centre as soon as possible. Ignoring it risks missing an early warning that could prevent a more costly repair later.
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