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MONTHLY 10 MINUTE D-I-Y CAR MAINTENANCE CHECK
By following this monthly 10 minute do-it-yourself check of your car you will help to prolong its safety, reliability, value and longevity.
You can avoid breakdowns and save money simply by keeping an eye on some of your car's basic components. There are also various sights, sounds and smells that indicate there could be a problem. Use this simple, once-a-month maintenance plan to keep your car in good shape and head off potential problems. Checks to make before you hit the road
Make sure your car is on level ground. Start the engine, let it run for a short while, then turn it off. While your engine's still warm, remove the dipstick, and wipe clean with a lint-free rag. Reinsert the dipstick fully, otherwise you'll get a false reading. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If it's reading low, top up your oil using the correct grade as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Once or twice a month you should wipe over your engine parts and leads with a dry, soft cloth. It may also be beneficial to have your engine professionally steam cleaned once or twice a year. Note: Do not run your engine if no oil is showing on the dipstick.
Windscreen Wipers and Washer Fluid
Washer fluid Fill your washer bottle with clean water and the right amount of windscreen washer additive. Don't use household detergents as they can damage your paintwork and wiper blades. Windscreen wipers Check the condition of your blades, and replace them if split, perished or not wiping your windscreen properly.
Check the radiator coolant level in the plastic reservoir (most cars have them). The level should be between the high and low marks.
Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres, and may make your car less safe to drive. Check and adjust pressure when tyres are cold. You'll find your car's correct tyre pressure on the tyre placard on the inside of your glovebox, fuel cap filler, or inside the driver's door opening. You should check for a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm on any part of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Tyres have indicators in their tread pattern which show (as lines across the tread) when worn down to 1.6 mm. Check your tyres for abnormal wear or damage (such as cracks, bulges or tears).
Look for any frayed, damaged, loose or disconnected wiring. If you find any, notify your mechanic. Check your hoses and pipes. Follow all hoses from one end to the other, making sure they are tight and there are no stains that could indicate a leak. Check the top and bottom radiator hoses, heater hoses, fuel lines and any pipes associated with power steering or brakes. Ask your mechanic to replace any hoses that are very soft, kinked, swollen or cracked.
Make sure all your lights are working, including high beam, stop and reverse lights. If you can't get someone to help you, drive your car up to a wall (or some reflective surface) and look for the reflection. Reverse to the same reflective surface to check your rear lights. Switch off your engine and check all the controls for tightness and function. You may notice excessive brake pedal travel or loose gear shift linkages.
Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluids
The procedures for checking these fluid levels can vary between makes and models. Check your owner's handbook or contact your service centre.
If your battery has caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is about 5 mm above the plates, or between the levels as indicated on the battery case. If low, top up with distilled water and avoid overfilling. Replace the caps and make sure the electrical cables are tight on the battery terminals. The top of the battery should be clean and dry. Note: Your battery is potentially dangerous, so don't check it near a naked flame or somebody who's smoking. Batteries produce an explosive gas when they charge, and the fluid inside is corrosive, so avoid any contact with eyes, skin, clothing and painted surfaces.
Things To Keep An Eye On While Driving
Stop your car and check immediately if:
You should also get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if it:
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