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Putting together a car is a hard process. Absolutely no doubt about it. However, you probably have a lots of inquiries about car maintenance. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, but we also compiled this exhaustive list so you won’t have to. But if you fail to maintain your car then take our Cash for Cars Adelaide service to earn some income against your useless car.
To make it easier to discover what you need in our comprehensive list, we’ve sorted it by time of year and distance travelled.
Time Plan for Preventative Duty
Here’s a list of seasonal checks you should complete to keep your car running smoothly and for as long as possible. Some of these auto parts need to be examined frequently, while others need attention only occasionally. Always refer to the vehicle’s service interval log and maintenance schedule.
While some effort is required to keep your car in good working order, you certainly don’t need to be a mechanical genius to do so. The most difficult part of maintaining a vehicle is learning what has to be done and how often. You can keep your car in tip-top shape if you are familiar with its fundamental requirements and the frequency with which routine maintenance should be performed.
When it comes time to sell your car, you’ll get more money for it if you can show that you’ve taken good care of it. Even though regular auto maintenance can be pricey, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more pricey repairs.
We’ve made it easier to stay on top of your car maintenance by providing a straightforward, downloadable car maintenance checklist.
Interim Reviews
Verify the following for correct car maintenance:
Levels of Oil and Coolants
Checking the oil and coolant levels while the engine is cool is something you should do once every month or every few petrol fill-ups and especially before any longer road journeys. If either is let to drop too low, it can damage the engine. Find out where these are situated in your car by consulting the manual.
HEPA Filter
The air filter controls the amount of air that enters your engine, preventing harmful dirt and dust from being sucked in. You can extend the life of your engine, reduce emissions, and save money at the pump by checking the air flow through your filter regularly. If you want to know how often you need to do this and how to do it, consult your owner’s manual.
Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth
Regular visual inspections of your tyres are essential to ensuring a secure and economical journey. Every month, and especially before lengthy excursions or when carrying excessive load, make sure to check your tyre pressure. Keep the spare tyre handy. You’ll need a tyre pressure gauge to make sure your tyres are properly inflated. Remember that tyre pressure lowers by one pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winter. How much air pressure your tyres require is specified in the manual that came with your car. Use a penny to measure the depth of your tyre treads.
Lighting (Head, Turn, Brake, Parking)
The lights on your car must be in good working order, yet this is an issue that is often overlooked. Turn on your headlights once a month while parked in front of a flat surface to ensure that they are both focused properly and working properly. Check the parking lights and turn signals by walking all the way around your car. To make sure your brake lights are working, have a friend stand behind the car while you apply the brakes.
Filter and Oil
Motor oil does a lot of things for your car’s engine, including lubricating the moving parts, keeping the engine cool, reducing wear and tear, and protecting against corrosion. A clean engine is a healthy engine. Whether it’s every three months or three thousand miles depends on your vehicle and the type of oil you’re using. The owners manuals of many modern cars advise changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles rather than more regularly. If you aren’t sure what is right for your car, look it up in the manual or ask an expert.
Spin Wheels
Tread wear patterns can differ between the front and rear tyres, and even between the left and right sides of the tread, depending on your vehicle’s alignment, how you drive, and other factors. The tread wear can be more uniformly distributed and noise and vibration issues can be avoided by rotating your tyres regularly.
Wax your Car
Waxing your car once every six months after washing it will not only keep it looking bright, but will also protect the paint and prevent rust. Waxing can help minimize the effects of environmental variables like ozone and UV radiation, which can cause tiny damage to your paint, by producing a protective seal.
Transmission Oil Check Ups on the Long Term
Transmission fluid, like engine oil, is a lubricant that helps the transmission’s moving parts last as long as possible and do their jobs. It is crucial to have your gearbox fluid tested and changed when necessary, regardless of whether you have an automatic or manual gearbox. Always refer to the owner’s manual for guidance.
Fluid for Transfer Case
The gearbox case is what connects the gearbox to the wheels in four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should have the transfer case fluid tested to ensure it is full and free of leaks. Getting beneath the car is a must, thus taking it in for service is suggested.
Check For Bumps
Shocks and struts are an integral part of your car’s steering system, and their job is to dampen the impact and dampen the rebound as your vehicle travels over bumps in the road. Every 50,000 miles or if you sense a decline in smoothness or lack of control while driving, have a professional check them out.
Transfer of Cooling Fluid
Your car’s radiator is an essential part that maintains engine coolness and performance. To prevent the buildup of harmful pollutants and to make sure your radiator is always at the correct level, it is important to clean your coolant system on a regular basis. To find out how frequently your coolant should be changed, consult your owner’s manual.
Fire Starters
Your car’s engine relies on a mixture of fuel and air that is ignited by spark plugs. If your spark plugs aren’t working right, your engine won’t be able to perform at its best. If you notice a drop in engine power or if the manufacturer recommends it, get your spark plugs checked and replaced by a professional.
Belt of the Serpent
In reality, the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor would not be able to function without the serpentine belt that runs around the circumference of your engine. Make sure there are no visible signs of cracks or other damage on the belt. If broken or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, you should get a new one.
Differential (Frontal and/or Rear)
Torque, or power, is distributed from the engine to the tyres using mechanisms called differentials. Unlike 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles, which only have one differential between the front and back wheels, 4-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles typically include two differentials, one at each end of the vehicle. Your vehicle’s differentials, like many other moving parts, require regular lubrication to function properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to checking and changing your vehicle’s fluids.
Regular Inspections
Season and road conditions can affect your car’s requirements. Here are some things to keep in mind when making notes for your car’s maintenance checklist:
Change out the windscreen wipers.
Replacement of windscreen wipers is recommended annually or anytime their performance is diminished. To ensure optimal operation during the winter months, winter wiper blades may also be a good investment. To avoid ice formation, you should also remove your windscreen wipers when your car is parked in the winter.
Testing the Battery’s Performance
One of the most crucial parts of every functioning car is, of course, the battery. The starter, engine, and other electronic components of a car rely heavily on the electrical current provided by the battery. Regular battery testing will ensure the battery will work when you need it, even at extreme temperatures.
Get New Tyres
In the cold and snowy months, you may wish to switch to a winter/snow tyre, depending on where you reside and the winter driving conditions you might encounter. Non-winter tyres lose traction, handling, and stopping ability when the temperature is continuously below freezing because the tyre compounds harden. When it comes to snow, slush, and slippery roads, nothing beats the traction and control of a set of winter tyres.
Vary Coolant Doses
In the winter, you need to make sure your radiator doesn’t freeze up by checking the antifreeze levels. Check your owner’s manual or consult a specialist to make sure, although a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is typically advised.
Conclusion
A vehicle’s lifespan can be extended and its value protected from breakdowns, costly repairs, and other unpleasant surprises if regular maintenance is performed and records are kept.
