For all the car drivers, here is a list of things which should be checked regularly so that it would increase the lifetime of the vehicle as well as prevent your car and the loved ones from the accidents which would occur as a result of these flaws.
1) Tyres –
Tyres play an important role in a car i,e it,
a) Maintains or changes the cars direction.
b) Transmits vehicle propulsion and breaking.
c) Supports the weight of the car.
d) Softens the impact from the road
It is simple to maintain the tires just check the tread, age and also the pressure quite often.
2) Brakes –
It is important to check the vehicles braking system at least once a year. The examination would include inspection of rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, brake fluid level and brake lining wear. If you notice any of the following
a) Your brake system warning light flashes
b) Your car takes longer to stop than normal
c) Loss of grip when braking
d) The feeling of your car pulling left or right when braking
e) A sloppy, soft or low brake pedal
f) Shuddering through your steering wheel when braking
g) Squeals, screeches and high pitched noises when breaking
Then the car must be taken right away to company technician and get those flaws repaired in order to avoid those horrible accidents.
3) Steering –
Don’t go on the super cool looks of the steering wheel within the car, but it is outside how the steering connects the front wheels actually matters. If the steering comfort is not good then get it repaired immediately with an experienced technician because many accidents take place only due to the drive errors. And to prevent those accidents, excellent functioning of the steering wheel is a must.
4) Fluid Levels –
In order to keep your vehicle running smoothly, it is important to check all the fluid levels regularly which would only take a few minutes of their busy schedule. Some of things to be checked would be Coolant level, Battery level, Engine Oil level, Brake Fluid level and Transmission fluid level.
a) Coolant level: Coolant should be changed every 30,000 kms or every two years as a general rule. Check your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your vehicle.
NOTE: Do not open the coolant water cap when the engine is hot, this could result in serious personal injury!
b) Battery level: Most batteries have a three-to-five-year life span, but they can last longer with maintenance, including checking their fluid level.
c) Engine Oil level: Under normal driving conditions, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 kms. Consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific needs.
d) Brake Fluid level: Check your owner’s manual to determine how often you should check your brake fluid. Once a year is usually sufficient.
e) Transmission fluid level: Pull out the transmission fluid dipstick located at the back of the engine near the firewall. Wipe it off, replace it and pull it out again. Check the level against the markings at the bottom of the dipstick. A low level should be addressed immediately with a transmission specialist.
5) Lights –
It is always unsafe for all those drivers who never bother to check their cars headlights, tail lamps and turn indicators. At the time of night driving, the car coming from the other side without a proper headlamp or either one of the headlamp being burned out could cause serious accidents. Also the rear tail lamps should be checked for the proper functioning even on the press of the brake pedal because the tail lamps at the rear indicate the vehicles behind whether it is slowing down or not. Apart from this, the turn indicators should also be checked which is indicates the other vehicles coming from all possible directions that where this car would be turning or moving to.
6) Ball joints –
A ball joint is used for allowing free movement in two planes at the same time, including rotating in those planes. Combining two such joints with control arms enables motion in all three planes, allowing the front end of an automobile to be steered and a spring and shock (damper) suspension to make the ride comfortable. Always avoid taking sharp turns at greater speeds because it may cause the ball joints wear apart, which in turn would cause the driver lose the control over the vehicle.
7) Fuel lines –
Yet another important component a car is the fuel line. It can have certain problems which are not good for the vehicle as the fuel may not reach the engine. Check for cracks and other issues in the fuel line which would obstruct the fuel supply.
8) Windshield Wipers –
Visibility is extremely important for safe driving. If your current wipers are not wiping well or leaving streaks, change them immediately. It is recommended to change the wiper blades at least once a year.
9) Timing Belt –
Some of the visual signs that indicate it’s time for belt replacement are abrasion/misalignment, cracking, glazing or pilling. One way to make sure your belts are up to par is to schedule a belt replacement during a routine checkup and it is advised to have a timing belt replaced at least every 60,000–100,000 kms.
10) Rust –
It is better to maintain the body and other parts of the vehicle either fully polished or lubricated because Rust accumulated on the body parts would cause the car to lose its structural integrity as well the body panels would much more fragile during an accident.
Also see – Tips for Increasing your Car’s Lifespan
Tips to Inspect and Replace your Car Disc Brakes and Pads
Source – Jalopnik.com
