Anyone who purchases a new or used car has every intention of getting the most out of their vehicle. Among other things, this means keeping it in drivable condition for as long as possible, or at least until they can upgrade to a car that has better features and capabilities.
Yet many car owners simply don’t take the measures necessary to maximize the lifespan of their vehicle, and, as a result, they encounter serious mechanical problems that could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance.
Car maintenance and servicing checklists
Vehicle technology continues to improve all the time, and car engines of today are much more advanced than what your parents grew up with.
Even though modern car engines are a bit more complex now, car services in Dubai give you the list of simple things you can do to keep your car running right are largely the same as they were half a century ago.
Basic car safety checklist
Seatbelts – check tension and belt buckle operation
External Lights – replace bulbs if necessary
Handbrake – ensure that it can hold the vehicle on a slope
Windscreens & mirrors – check windscreens and mirrors for cracks
Windscreen wipers – check wear on wiper blades, replace if necessary
Horn – ensure this works
Fluids – check engine oil and engine coolant levels
Tyres – ensure tyres are at the correct pressures, check treadwear
Spare tyre & jack – ensure they are operational, check toolkit
Fluids checklist
Engine oil
Radiator coolant
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Clutch fluid (manual cars)
Gearbox oil
Differential fluid
Tyres checklist
Tyre pressures
Treadwear and tread depth
Spare tyre
Car jack and tools
Lights checklist
Headlights
Indicators/hazard lights
Brake lights
Reverse lights
Park & Fog lights
Other general things to check
Radiator hoses – check for leaks and cracking
Engine air filter – check that it is clean
Battery – look for corrosion around terminals
Fan belts – ensure none are loose or squeaking on start-up
Unusual engine noises – hard to start, ticking, hissing or clunking
Common mistakes that can cause damage to your vehicle
- Riding your brakes down a long hill
- Using a pressure washer on your engine
- Forgetting to change your oil
- Neglecting to use the parking brake
- Ignoring those funny sounds
If you look under your bonnet regularly, listen for unusual car noises, check underneath the car for new and mysterious leaks now and then, follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual and take care of small problems before they become major ones, you’ll be well ahead of the game as far as keeping your car running smoothly.
And remember that even a perfectly maintained vehicle can get into an accident, so make sure you ‘maintain’ your car insurance as well.
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