What are the basic checks and routine maintenance that your car should go through and how frequentl
What are the basic checks and routine maintenance that your car should go through and how frequently?
In order to keep the car in a worthy driving condition, basic checks and routine maintenance should be done to the car. Basic checks normally done on daily and weekly basis, quick service which needs to be done on every 5000 kms or every 3 months whichever occurs first, and preventive maintenance which need to be done on every 10000 kms or every 6 months.
A- Basic Checks:
Check all fluids. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid, and windshield washer fluid for refill. All of these, except maybe the last one, are vital to the car. If any of the fluids are filled or chunky, discolored, etc. it is time to change the fluid.
Check the tires pressure. It might need to add more air to the tires (which can be done at almost any gas station)
B- Every 5,000-Kms or Three Months:
Change the engine oil & filter and perform the 15 points vehicle inspection.
1. Check Body condition.
2. Check tires condition & pressure.
3. Clean air filter.
4. Check Engine coolant level (water reservoir).
5. Check transmission oil level (automatic or manual transmission).
6. Check brake oil level.
7. Check power steering oil level.
8. Check wiper water level.
9. Check clutch oil level.
10. Check battery.
11. Check under body -chassis-.
12. Check Engine condition, belts (outside belts) and leakage.
13. Check vehicle lights.
14. Check wiper blade operation.
15. General look.
According to the checks result, top up, clean, adjust or repair the concerned item which should be done as per manufacturer recommendations.
Keeping your engine oil fresh and new will keep your engine running smoothly. Keeping your transmission fluid fresh will keep your transmission running well, and possibly help prevent any minor damages. Doing these changes will also keep debris out of your engine and transmission that can build up when you don’t change them on a regular basis.
C- Every 10000-Kms or six months.
A comprehensive inspection & repair should be done at distributor or at authorized dealer as per the repair schedule normally available in the owners manual of each vehicle and can be summarized as follows:-
1. Inspection of all items mentioned in clause B – every 5000 kms or three months.
2. Inspection of front and rear brake pads/shoes for lines and shoes for proper installation. Binding, leaks, cracks, and chafing, disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface wear, drum brake linings for wear and cracks and replace if needed.
3. Inspections of Fuel filter.
4. Inspection of Spark Plugs.
5. Inspection of Charging system and battery condition.
6. Inspection of Air Conditioning filter- if equipped- and replace if necessary.
7. Inspection of transaxle fluid level (Manual & Automatic). The transaxle fluid dipstick is usually found near the rear of the engine compartment. Check the levels and add the proper fluid as needed (the dipstick usually has indentations that indicate where the fluid level should be). Be aware that fluid loss may indicate a problem, so check the system and repair as necessary.
8. Inspection of parking brake adjuster for the need to tighten the cable.
9. Inspection of all tires, for damage, adequate inflation, and wear. If the tires show damage or wear, replace or rotate as necessary.
10. Inspection of windshield wipers for any deterioration in the rubber, replace if necessary.
11. Inspection of all car interior and exterior light for proper operation. these includes the license light, side signal lights, turn signal lights, headlights ( including the high beams ), reverse lights, tail lights, brake lights, instrument panel lights, and hazard warning flasher. If any of these lights are not working, replace the bulbs right away. Defective lights, especially faulty turn signal light and brake lights can be hazardous need to be repaired immediately.
12. Inspection of the parking brake, the engine should normally be running and the vehicle should be on level ground. Put the car into Park and apply the handbrake.
13. Inspection of Battery
Make sure the terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery is fixed securely. The fluid level inside the battery should be maintained between the marked levels, or about 5mm to 10mm above the plates. If it needs topping up, use only distilled water. Do not smoke or use naked flames near a battery. The acid is corrosive, so take care to wash off acid contamination with plenty of clean water.