Being a car owner requires some commitment. Of the many things you can do for your car, proper upkeep is the most crucial, as it will keep your car on the road for the longest time.
When it comes to maintenance, there are a few things that you should not ignore�for instance, keeping an eye out for signs of wear and tear. These signs could be anything�from a leaky gasket to faulty spark plugs! Your car requires you to check for these issues so it can continue running smoothly. Add to the list: checking the engine oil and coolant levels and keeping them refilled at all times.
While regularly bringing your car to a mechanic can help prevent any major damage to it, you can also monitor your car on your own! Here are some tips that can help:
A faulty spark plug should be avoided: Make sure you're not driving around with a faulty spark plug. If your car's spark plug is covered with fuel or carbon or is blistered, then it can cause a host of problems, even a fire disaster! Here are some symptoms that could mean a faulty spark plug:
If you having trouble starting your car.
If your car's mileage has dropped in recent times, without any other explanation.
When idling, the engine sounds rough and you can feel the vibration.
Replace or reinstall the fuel filter: Depending on the make and model of your car, manufacturers will recommend changing your fuel filter once every 20,000 miles or so. Look up this number in the car's manual. A new filter will provide the fuel pump and engine with unlimited access to clean fuel. This is crucial for the engine to function properly. It will ensure that the engine's fuel requirement is met and that any internal buildup is decreased. Apart from the intervals for fuel filter replacement mentioned in your manual, you may also need to check your fuel filter's condition if your vehicle is stalling or if the fuel pump makes noises.
Maintain Consistent Tyre Pressure: It is important to ensure that your car's tyres are not underinflated and have enough pressure. You can check for underinflated tyres by using an air pressure gauge. If the pressure is between 32 to 35 PSI (pounds per square inch), then it is ideal. Anything below 20 PSI, however, is a cause for concern. You can also instinctively detect low tyre pressure through handling issues, instability on the road, and the appearance of flattening.
Keep an eye on the cooling system: It is extremely important to keep the tank full of coolant since it plays an important part in heat dissipation. A 1:1 ratio of coolant to distilled water is ideal for this. Always keep checking your car engine's temperature gauge on a hot day, and if you suspect that it is way too hot, shut off your car.
Oil and oil filter replacement: Lubrication is crucial for the smooth working of various components in your vehicle. While oil is an important lubricator, an oil filter ensures that the oil being used is uncontaminated and clean. As you may have noticed during car servicing, a change in oil and oil filters is the solution to a host of problems.
Upkeep for batteries: You should always be aware of where the battery is located in your car. Removing the battery correctly and cleaning the terminal contacts are essential things to know and learn as they may be required sometimes. When removing batteries, do not forget to remove or unhook the negative terminal of the battery first. This will effectively turn off the electrical supply and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Your engine's surface should be cleaned: Cleaning the exterior or outside of your car�s engine is almost as crucial as cleaning the inside engine. Even a little bit of dust or junk accumulated in the incorrect location can harm your car's engine. The presence of oil dust can also cause brake failure as the brake fluid may absorb some of it.
Your car needs regular maintenance to stay in good working order. It's crucial to be in touch with your car's needs and to look out for any symptoms of wear and tear while performing maintenance.
To begin with, you can keep a check on your cooling system, bad spark plugs, fuel filter, oil and oil filter and many more. To know the fuel price in your city or know more about caring for your car, download the Park+ app.