Top 10 car maintenance tips for a worry-free drive

Buying a car has always been a dream of every individual, at least in India. That’s how the typical Indian automotive market works! Yes, we all want to own a car, and we end up buying one at some point in our life. A car is not just a vehicle for us, it’s a symbol of status and pride. But when you buy a car, it comes with its own set of challenges.

Maintaining a car is very important to keep it in good running condition. In India, we come across good, bad and worst roads and keeping the car in good shape is a challenge. Chaotic traffic adds to the misery of a car owner. Worry not, we bring you the top 10 car maintenance tips to keep your car in mint condition. The best part is, all these tips are simple and easy, and it can be a very good DIY for you on a weekend!

1. Go through the owner’s manual

First things first, every car comes with an owner’s manual. You must read the manual to know more details about your car. The owner’s manual will give you details such as service interval, engine oil change interval and some basic troubleshooters. So, reading the owner’s manual can solve some basic problems you encounter during the ownership of a car. The service centre or a mechanic will also suggest you to read the manual.

2. Top up/change engine oil

Engine oil is equal to the blood that flows inside the engine to keep things intact. Changing engine oil at regular intervals is very important as it affects the health of the engine. You can easily check the engine oil level through the dipstick or the digital display if it is a digital gauge. During the first service, you can ask the mechanic to show how to check the oil level. Always maintain the prescribed oil level, and check for the quality of oil on a longer run.

3. Check all fluids

Apart from engine oil, there are several other fluids in your car. Important fluids of a car are coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, AC coolant and washer fluid. Always fill the fluids as per the markings. You can take the help of a mechanic if you are not a petrol head! Changing fluids at regular intervals will save you a lot of money, and will keep your car in pristine condition on a longer run.

4. Check battery

Without a battery, your car will not start! Modern batteries are easy to maintain, and you just need to check it once in a while. Check the terminals of the battery for any rusting or damage and clean them frequently. If you are not using the car for a long time, make sure to run the car at least twice in a week to keep the battery alive. On a longer run, changing the battery is also very simple.

5. Check tyre pressure

Check the tyre pressure at least once in 10 days. Under-inflated tyres will not only affect the handling but will also result in more fuel consumption. The tyres will wear out faster if the tyres are under-inflated. Over inflating the tyres is also not safe as it might result in tyre burst. Always maintain the tyre pressure which is advised by the manufacturer.

6. Clean/replace the air filter

Cleaning the air filter is a very simple job. Accessing air filter on modern cars is easy and can be done with basic tools. We recommend you to check the air filter at least once a month. You can clean the air filter or replace it if it is damaged. If your driving in dusty conditions, dust will accumulate on the air filter and will affect the efficiency of the engine. So, keep the air filter clean for the engine to work efficiently.

7. Check wheel alignment

A proper wheel alignment will ensure that your car handles as it should. If the car drifts to the sides when you are driving in a straight line, you need to adjust the wheel alignment. Just go to an authorised wheel alignment centre, and they will do it for you. Also, rotate your tyres to ensure that there is no rusting and the wheel is rotating freely. These precautionary checks will save you from a big bill on your next service.

8. Check/replace the wipers

Wipers are always exposed to harsh weather, and if they are damaged, it can cause you a lot of problems. Damaged wipers can scratch the windshield, and it can be costly repair work. Check the wipers once in a while to make sure they are in good working condition. Replace the wipers once every 2-3 years. You can replace the wiper blades without any tools.

9. Don’t ignore rattling sounds

Never ignore any rattling sounds coming from under the chassis of your car. If you are not sure what the noise is, it’s better to take your car to the service centre and get it sorted. Strange noises are the indication of a big problem coming up, so it is better to fix it at the early stage. Rectifying such problems will save you from a big repair job.

10. Keep the exterior and interior clean

Last but not the least, keep the exterior and interior of the car clean. Wash your car at least once a week and also clean the interior. Do not dump food items, water bottles and unnecessary stuff inside the car. Washing your car regularly will also protect the paint and keep the shine intact.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your car in good condition. A properly maintained car will deliver good performance and good fuel efficiency. All-in-all, a well-maintained car will ensure that you will have a worry-free drive.