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| picture credits: hickorymitsubish |
1. THE OIL
The car or engine oil is very important for the smooth running of the vehicle. You can check it level by pulling up the dipstick in the engine segment. You should be checking it on daily basis as it will help prevent your car from further casualties. Also don't forget to change the oil as instructed by the car manufacturer. This will also help in maintaining your car, thus making it to last long.
2. THE TYRE PRESSURE
Checking the tyre pressure of your car on daily basis should be a habit cultivated by every car user. As it is in a popular saying that " a stitch in time save nine." So it is for the tyre pressure of your motor vehicle. It can help prevent accidents resulting from faulty tyres.
3. THE BRAKE/ CLUTCH FLUID
You don't have to wait for your brake to start making an unusual sound before you can start administering proper maintenance to it. Remember early prevention and maintenance will save costs resulting from further damages. Always check your brake fluids regularly to ensure that it is enough to carry the brakes.
As you also know, the brake is a very vital organ of every car. We meet unexpected jams on daily basis. Even as humans, people suddenly bump into us without knowing. So it is for a car or car users. You can unexpectedly bump into another person's which in turn will need the application of brakes. So you now see why brakes are very vital to a car? Learn to maintain them to save lives.
4. BATTERY
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. Battery acid is corrosive, so take care to wash off spills with plenty of clean water. Make sure the terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery is fixed securely.
5. WINDSCREEN WASHER
A plastic reservoir for the washer fluid is almost always mounted in the engine compartment (check owner's manual for location). Fill the bottle with clean water and, if you want, a special windscreen detergent. Do not use household detergents for this purpose. The is done mostly to keep the windscreen clean at all times especially during hazy periods.
6. RADIATOR COOLANT
Check the coolant level at least weekly. If your car is fitted with an expansion / recovery tank check that the coolant level is at or slightly above the 'minimum' mark when the engine is cold, or somewhere between the half and 'maximum' marks with the engine at operating temperature. It's also essential to regularly check the coolant level at the radiator when the engine is cold. It should be full.
If your car doesn’t have an expansion tank, check that the water is within about 25mm of the top of the radiator filler neck when the engine is cold. Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot as you could receive serious burns.
If more coolant is required, add a mixture of clean water and the recommended coolant/inhibitor. Persistent coolant loss indicates a problem, which your mechanic should check immediately.
Other routine checks you should carry out on your car include:
7. Check all exterior lights are working. This can be easily done in the garage by checking their reflection against the walls.
8. Check that glass surfaces (including the mirrors) are clean and free from chips, cracks, and scratches.
9. Check that the windscreen wipers and washers operate efficiently.
10. Make sure the horn works.
11. Test the handbrake to ensure it 'holds' the car on steep hills.
12. Check the condition of the seat belts. Make sure the webbing is not worn, damaged or sun bleached. Test the mechanism by giving the belt a sharp tug to make sure it locks.
13. Check tyre condition, and tread wear and depth.
14. Check for oil spills on the floor of your garage or where your car is parked. This can help you trace problems in your car.
Source: Jacobian Forum