Top 20 Basic Car Maintenance Tips for Longer Life of Your Car

In recent times, India roads have witnessed growing number of cars which is mainly contributed
by the rising middle class interest on cars. All those who have a passion for cars desire to buy the
latest car model equipped with the best of style and technologies. Most of them though
enthusiastically buy new cars but don’t take good care of their cars and ignore regular
maintenance. This ignorance drastically reduces the life of a car. The only thing that matters in
increasing the life of a car is constant maintenance. It will also ensure hassle-free performance
and help improve dependability.

Here are the top 20 basic car maintenance tips for longer and healthy life of your car:

1. The most important thing that matters in car maintenance is washing your car at regular
intervals of time. Keep both the exterior and the interior of your car clean and tidy.
2. Waxing your car at periodic intervals gives a new shine to it and also increases its resale
value.
3. Clean your car interiors weekly using a vacuum cleaner. Clean the carpets, mats, hand
brakes, pedals, and car seats. You can use a soft brush or soft cloth to clean the
dashboard, audio system, and the instrument cluster.
4. Check the condition of the windshield wiper. If you find any kind of malfunctioning or
damage immediately replace it.
5. To clean the mirror and glass surface of your car use a scratch-free microfiber towel or a
glass cleaner.
6. Do check the working and components of your car’s engine at regular intervals of time.
Keep the area surrounding the engine clean and check for any kind of damage in the
engine components. Engine plays a significant role in the functioning of a car and hence
needs extra care.
7. You also need to check the level of engine oil. Regular checking and calibration of
engine oil is very important.
8. Avoid keeping your car idle for a longer period of time as idling may reduce the life of
your car.
9. Never try to clean the surrounding of a hot engine by water as the engine may explode or
it may cause other hazards.
10. You should also change the oil filter in your car as this helps in smooth and effective
filtering of all impurities in the oil and may block the entry of oil in the engine. If in case
the filter is damaged the impurities may enter the engine and hamper performance.
 11. Check the levels of car fluids including steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and
coolant fluid. Maintaining the optimized level of these fluids is very essential for proper
working of a car.
12. Check the condition of your car battery. If you find any kind of wear and tear in the
battery housing immediately get it replaced. Also replace the cables, fluids, and lights of
the battery if required. If there is any kind of leakage from the battery replace the battery
itself.
13. If any of the electrical components in your car are exposed cover them with plastic cover
so that any external factor like water cannot damage them.
14. Transmission also plays a significant role in car’s performance. So closely check the
working of the transmission system as it requires proper handling and attention. Check
the fluid and other components in the system. To ensure better life of the gearshift you
also have to be very friendly while shifting gears using the clutch. It is also important to
select the right gear at the right speed of the car and the condition of the road.
15. Get your car’s air-conditioner check periodically to avoid any kind of major expenses. If
you feel the air-conditioner is not giving the desired temperature immediately get it
checked by an auto expert. The working can be affected by weak car battery.
16. Certain indications like a soft brake pedal, glowing of brake light, squeaking of brake
clearly indicates that there is some problem in the brakes. You either have to change the
brake components or check the level of brake fluid. An anti-lock brake system is too
sensitive to moisture and hence it requires extra care and handling.
17. Check the radiator at regular interval of time as a faulty radiator can affect the entire
automotive cooling system. Check for any kind of obstruction in the air flow of the
radiator.
18. It is also important to check the lights and bulbs of a car. Carefully check the working of
the headlights, taillights, and interior lights. Replace them if required or get it fixed if
there are minor errors.
19. Apply handbrakes only when clutch is pressed or when the car is in neutral. When getting
the car serviced check out blunt notches of the hand brakes. If required replace the
connecting cables.
20. Check the condition of your car tyres. There should be uniform tyre treads. Check
regularly the air pressure and alignment of your car tyres. Also, rotate tyres periodically
to ensure uniform wearing of car tyres.

MAINTENANCE TIPS
For most people, buying a car is a major decision. So it is imperative that one gets the best
performance out of his/her vehicle. Cars if maintained properly last a long time and run
properly.

To know about one’s car it is very important that you go through the owner’s manual which
comes with every vehicle.

Secondly, if preventive maintenance is routinely undertaken then it not only prolongs the
life of the vehicle but also lessens considerably the chances of a breakdown and
unnecessary trouble.

Although a car owner’s manual should explain everything about the maintenance of the car,
here we would like to re-emphasise certain preventive measures which should be done
regularly to get the most out of your car.

The Engine

One of the most important things that determines the performance and life of the engine is
the lubricant or the engine oil. The oil level must be checked at regular intervals say once in
every two weeks and before a long trip. This can be done by opening the bonnet and pulling
out the dipstick. The dipstick is calibrated and it will indicate the oil level.

On the dashboard of almost all cars there is an engine oil light or some indication. This
actually comes on when the engine is low on oil and lubrication is not happening properly.
So it is in fact a warning light. If this light comes on, it is time to take the matter seriously.
Immediately check the oil level and if it is low then fill it. DO NOT DRIVE IF THERE IS NO
ENGINE OIL. Normally the oil pressure light should glow only for a moment and then go off.
If it persists it could be a serious matter and should be examined in the workshop or by a
competent person. An engine not having proper oil pressure means lubrication is not taking
place as it should, which could result in serious breakdown of the engine. Remember to take
seriously all the lights on the instrument cluster, they have a definite purpose.

On recommended intervals, drain the oil for new one when engine is hot only and while
changing the oil, the oil in the oil filters too must be changed. Fuel and air filters are also
important parts influencing the performance of the engine. They too should be checked or
replaced if necessary.

Every now and then check the tension of the fan belt and after certain duration check it’s
condition from inside by removing it. Remember it operates crucial engine parts like the
water pump, alternator etc.

Cooling System

In order to protect the engine from overheating, an efficient cooling system is very
essential. Water coolant level should be checked at least once in a fortnight, but in summers
it should be more frequent. The ration of water to coolant should be equal. Particular
attention should be given to water level in the radiator when the engine is cold. Normally
radiators have pressure rated caps. When the coolant reaches very high temperature, it
forces its way through a valve in the pressure cap. The overflow is then collected into
coolant reservoir. When the engine is cool, the vacuum created in the radiator draws the
overflow back.

In some cars, the pressure cap starts to malfunction after a year or so due to poor
manufacturing quality. In such cases, the coolant evaporates through the defective pressure
cap when it reaches high temperature, instead of flowing into the coolant reservoir. This
evaporation results in the water level going down. This defective harmless looking pressure
cap can harm your engine if not taken care of in time. Also time your annual servicing of the
cooling system just before the summer.

Cooling system hoses, especially before summer should be checked. Any hose that is
cracked, leaking feels hard or spongy when squeezed should be replaced immediately. While
replacing a hose be sure of its quality, correct size, length and its shape. Make sure of
fittings of the clamps. After checking the hoses, it also helps to check the fan belt also, since
it plays an important role in cooling the engine as it drives the water pump.

Fuel System

It is also very important to be careful about what and where you put the fuel from. Firstly,
look for trusted quality filling station even if it means you have to go a little extra distance
because in the long run, it is worth it. The adulteration and impurities of fuel can lead to a
host of problems for the engine and cause huge expenses. Tropical and dusty conditions as
in India can cause fuel tanks to have moisture, rusty matter and fine particles which clog
fuel lines and the filters.

Get the tanks properly checked once a year. Check the fuel and air filters after 8-10 kms. If
you are careful about your fuel system, then you need not open the carburettor incurring
unnecessary expenses.

Smell of fuel while driving defective fuel pump, carburettor overflow or leakage. A simple
look at the fuel lines and their clamping on Sundays for any ensuing damage is always
reassuring. And remember to go through your owner’s manual carefully and follow what it
says about fuel injection systems which requires different and special care especially
regarding fuel additives, high octane fuel and cleaning of fuel spray nozzle.

Gearing System

Gear System of the car is a major component of a car’s drive system which
requires due attention and handling. Firstly the clutch for manual gears should be
completely pressed before changing the gears and make sure that the clutch is
properly adjusted for free pedal movement for smooth gear change. This habit
also prolongs the life of the clutch plate. With our kinds of road and traffic
conditions, it is better to familiarise properly with torque strength (pulling power)
of the vehicle. It can always help to select the right gear at the right rpm in every
situation and avoid straining the engine. Selecting the correct gear for a given
condition and speed is an art which can be learnt with practise. Apart from
checking the oil level in the gear box, go by the owner’s manual for the grade of
oil to be used. Remember, if you know how to use gears properly, you are not only
preserving your car, but getting more mileage.

Avoid the bad and damaging habit of resting the left foot on the clutch pedal when
it is not in use. Secondly, do not rev the engine too much while engaging the first
gear. This can damage the clutch system. You should practise proper co-ordination
of pressing of accelerator and release of clutch pedal. Remember, use of the clutch
can reveal your good or bad driving habits.

Brakes

Most brake problems develop gradually and can be detected before they become
serious by inspecting the system. Most disc and drum brake systems can be
inspected for lining and pads wear simply by removing the wheel and inspecting
the pads. Sometimes, the brake pedal goes all the way down. This happens when
the rear brake lining is wearing. Though adjustment screws can mend the
clearance between the lining and drum, these days you have mechanisms which
do the same task automatically, i.e.: adjusting the clearance.

Brake fluid level should be checked periodically. If the pedal is spongy then there
might be air present in the hoses. There could be a leak if the fluid level is low
(warning light on the instrument cluster indicates a low level of brake oil in the
system). Have the job done immediately by a mechanic. Bleeding of the brake fluid
may be done at the time of every second service and general check up of the
whole system should be done after about every five thousand kilometres.

Hand Brakes

They should be applied only when the clutch is pressed. This exercise will not tax
the clutch system. While having the general check up of brake system, look for
blunt notches of the hand brake and see if it’s cable requires replacement in case
the brakes are not effective.

Tyres

The tyres, apart from it’s own function of rolling on the road, also effects the
general performance of the car. One should always have uniformity of tread
patterns of all the tyres. Don’t mix and match different brands or radials with bias
or tyres with different plies. Always check air pressure on cold tyres and not when
they are hot as the air expands when hot. Having lower air pressure than
prescribed will effect stability during drive, steering becomes more hard harming
the side walls of the tyres. It also causes high fuel consumption while harming the
suspensions and even excessive air pressure results in faster wear of treads giving
a hard and bumpy ride. Steering can also become tricky.

To make the tyres last more rotate them after every 5000 kms. With the sequence
recommended by the owner’s manual. Always make sure to replace the tyres in
pairs. Wheel balance is required to eliminate Centrifugal force and thereby
overcome the problem of a wobbling tyre. Note one thing clearly, tyres are an
integral part of the suspension system and just a general look at them now and
then would be a good habit.

Servicing suspension and steering components should be left to a reputed garage

and skilled mechanics. Again one should refer to what the owner’s manual says.
After every 25-30 thousand kms. Steering system may be inspected and bushes
replaced. Heaving bumpers up and down can check shock absorbers. If they do not
bounce freely after releasing the bumpers, they should be checked in the garage.
After 25,000 kms. The suspensions must be inspected. The shocker must be
replaced in pairs. Inspection and complete proper renewal of lubricant of wheel
bearing after 50,000 kms is a must. The bearings require thorough cleaning,
careful , close inspection and greasing as they are meticulously and precisely
machined component. Neglecting it means problems and major expenses.

Electrical System

Maintaining the electrical system of a car is also very essential for trouble free
service from the car. Car getting stalled due to electrical problems can be
frustrating and costly. The easiest and best way to start on these problems and
preventing them is to notice the lights on the instrument cluster. Read the owner’s
manual carefully about the electrical system. The red light for battery indicates if
the battery is being charged properly by the alternator or not. There can be
several reasons for a battery not providing current properly, it could be right from
defective wiring to deposits in the terminal to defective alternator and it’s belt and
defective battery itself.

Get it checked by an auto electrician. Water levels in the cells should be just above
the level of lead plates. During summer the water level should be checked every
week. Deposits of copper sulphate should be removed with hot water or sand or
emery paper and apply petroleum jelly later. Be sure to have terminal clamps tight
and proper caps on it. Also ensure that the cell’s caps are firm and not cracked or
broken. Vents should always be clear for the battery to breathe properly. If one is
not using the vehicle for a long period of a month or so then remove the terminals
from the battery. This prevents the discharge and prolongs the life of the battery.

The alternator in the car plays a crucial role in the current system as it recharges
the battery and provides current when the engine is running. Always make sure of
proper tension of it’s belt, it’s proper mounting and state of the drive pulley as
well as wiring connected to the alternator.

If your battery and alternator are working fine, then the starter too should work
fine, otherwise there could be a problem with carbon bushes and armatures burnt
out or other reasons like worn out teeth of flywheel.

When the car goes for regular servicing, it will be a good exercise to inspect all the
wiring and the terminals and circuit system as well as the main fuse box. Also
make sure to carry extra fuses of different ampere values recommended by the
owner’s manual. Blowing of fuses means problem/s somewhere along the circuit.
Also don’t forget the starter and it’s related problems. Get all of them inspected by
a good auto electrician.

Overall Maintenance

Your owner’s manual lists specific time or mileage intervals between major and
minor services your vehicle requires. Make sure all these jobs are done in time.
Many car owners record each job in a notebook. A garage, if you have one, is a
more convenient place to keep the recording notebook and receipts of job done.
Always keep the note book with the day and dates printed on each page and a
calendar page to mark dates in advance as well for inspection, maintenance and
major jobs along with the car’s current mileage (and date). Apart from the car’s
log book, you can always prepare a reference chart for a quick look for oil, filters,
tyres and other minor and major jobs done or scheduled to be done.

These are just preventive measures explained as briefly as possible. These

measures adopted over a period of time, can easily become applicable knowledge.
Over and above, you will always have experts in different subjects of your
automobile at your dealer’s workshop to consult to. And most of all to refer to, you
always have your car’s owner manual provided by the manufacturer. They know
best about your car, after all, they created it.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance is the periodic inspection and replenishment/replacement

of lubricants and minor components to keep the vehicle healthy. Every vehicle has
a manufacturer's manual that gives detailed maintenance procedures. There are,
however, some basic steps to good upkeep that every driver should be aware of.

 Read and heed the owner's manual

 Choose a good mechanic and show your vehicle to him periodically
 Appreciate your vehicle's symptoms. If something sounds or feels wrong,
something probably is wrong
 Follow the maintenance schedule of the manufacturer and ensure the
following:
 Once a week:
 Check engine oil and radiator water/coolant
 Check tyre pressure
 Check brake and clutch fluid
 Once a month or 2000 kms
 Get the vehicle serviced
 Ensure proper lubrication
 Every 3 months or 5000-7000 kms
 Check battery, power steering, gear and transmission fluid levels
 Inspect fan belt, hosepipe and lights
 Every 6 months
 Tune engine. Check and adjust carburettor for emission standards
 Change engine oil and filter
 Rotate wheels
 Check tyres and wheel alignment
 Every year or 15000 kms
 Check wheel bearings and the suspension system
 Check brake system. Flush and refill brake fluid
 Change transmission fluid
 Clean or replace air and fuel filters
 Check and lubricate door hinges and handles
 Check all rubber channels and linings. Replace if required
 Check wheel assembly. Get the rim and wheel assembly balanced if required
 Always ensure anti-rust treatment whenever any repair work is carried out
 Every 3 years
 Get a complete check-up of your vehicle done
 Battery Maintenance
 Check battery every week and top up water level if necessary
 Always keep battery terminals clean and cable joints tight
 Apply Vaseline/petroleum jelly on all terminals
 Ensure correct polarity while connecting alternator to battery
 As a precaution,
 Do not use non-genuine parts and lubricants. Always purchase them from
the authorised dealers or petrol pumps
 Do not pour cold water into the radiator when the engine is hot, as this may
cause cracks on the cylinder head/block
 While washing, ensure water does not enter into air cleaner or any electric
parts
 Spraying of oil on the underside of the car is not desirable
 Oil is harmful to suspension bushes, rubber parts and wiring