Car maintenance bills and mechanic trips are a burden that I genuinely dislike, almost with passion. So I figured I will need to start this year with some car care knowledge to make sure I’m not stuck with a faulty issue on the middle of a highway OR stuck with major bills I’m not prepared to budget for. We got in touch with online car repair marketplace ClickMechanic and they shared expert tips on into ways that car owners can maintain their vehicles to ensure your precious time is not fraught with maintenance bills and unnecessary trips to the garage. Here are the fabulous tips:
Check Brakes
Being the most important safety feature on a vehicle, checking brakes is paramount to ensuring the year stays free of any issues. Most vehicles now have alloy wheels, so checking for rust and scratches is a lot easier for drivers. Any indication of wear and tear is a sure sign to take your vehicle into a garage. Checking brake condition can save you a headache in the long run. Checking brake condition can save you a headache in the long run.
Inspect the Battery
Routinely inspecting your battery is a must, particularly in the cold initial months of the year. Visual checks that can be done are simple and straightforward, and keep you informed of the health of your battery. Corrosion, casing cracks and frayed connector cables are key indicators to look out for, and are a sure sign that your battery’s life is on the wane. Routinely inspect your battery with routine visual checks
Regularly check engine oil
Engine oil is a vital component of your engine’s functionality, as it keeps it lubricated and at the correct temperature. Changing it regularly ensures that dirt and sludge doesn’t build up in the engine and the moving parts work well. It’s wise to check engine oil regularly, as without doing so, you could be in line for a costly engine replacement further down the line.
Monitor your air filter
Having a clean air filter is another key maintenance tip which can minimise stress. It’s responsible for cleaning the air as it goes into the engine compartment. Keep an eye on this regularly to make sure it is clean, otherwise it will act like a blocked airway and consume more fuel than necessary, amongst other factors.
Inspect coolant levels
It’s the most important fluid under the bonnet, circulating through the engine and keeping the temperatures there optimal. Not having enough of this can lead to your engine cutting out. Look out for an engine warning light or rising temperature gauge to let you know that your coolant levels are a bit low.
Andrew Jervis, co-founder and CEO of ClickMechanic says ‘Car owners can look at these five actionable maintenance tips to ensure their car runs stress-free. Whilst some repairs are unavoidable, the smart money is on keeping an eye on your vehicle and doing some basic checks to avoid issues – excuse the pun – further down the road!”
