Aren't you maintaining your car well by adhering to service
intervals, giving it regular washes and keeping it dust-free? There's quite a
bit more you can do to keep your car as good as new.
By taking care of any minor issues as soon as you can, you can
avert serious problems that would lead to expensive repairs.
How to check the engine oil ?
Park your car on level ground and turn the ignition off. Wait a
while so that the engine oil drains into the oil pan. Remove the engine oil dipstick.
If you don't know where the dipstick is, go through your owner's manual - it
will show you where to find it. The dipstick usually has a bright handle saying
"engine oil". Wipe it with a clean rag or tissue. Then put it back
all the way down into its place. Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be at the "FULL" mark. It isn't a big problem if
it's a bit lower than the 'Full' mark, but top it up anyway. If the oil is
black and opaque, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly brown,
it'll do. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's admissible but it
will need to be changed soon; the sooner the better. If the oil is white (the
colour of coffee with milk,) it means that the engine coolant is mixing with
the engine oil. This indicates an internal engine problem, for example, a blown
head gasket - have your car checked at authorized service center.
How to top up the engine oil ?
It is better to add the same type and brand of engine oil that
is already being used. Add a little at a time, wait a while to let the oil
drain and then check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it still isn't
full, add some more - but don't go over the mark. Don't forget to put the
dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you are finished topping the
oil up.
How to check automatic transmission fluid ?
Park your car on level ground and start the engine. Set
transmission lever to the "P" (Park) position, and let the engine
idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, please check the owners'
manual for details). Pull the transmission dipstick. Check your owner's manual
to find where transmission dipstick is placed in your car if you don't already
know where it is. Wipe it with a lint-free clean rag or tissue. Then insert it
back carefully all the way down into its place.
Pull again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it
should be above the "COLD" mark. If the engine is hot, the level
should be at the upper end of the "HOT" mark. If it's just a little
bit lower you don't need to worry. If you do, go ahead and top it up. Check the
fluid condition also: if it's black and has a burnt smell, your transmission
isn't going to last. Normally it should be clean and transparent, as in the
image. New transmission fluid is red in colour. Over time it turns brownish. If
it is brown, check your owner's manual, it may be time to change it. Some
manufacturers require transmission fluid changed at 60,000km, others specify
that you never have to change it - check your car's manual for information
pertaining to your car.
How to top up the transmission fluid ?
It's very important to use only the transmission fluid specified
in your owner's manual. For example, some Chrysler transmissions need a
specific fluid and regular fluid like Dexron II may even destroy the
transmission. Add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe and do
not overfill it. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid flow down. Start the
engine. Check the level again.
Engine coolant
Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may
cause serious damage to the engine.
How to check the engine coolant level ?
The coolant level should be between the "LOW" and
"FULL" marks in the coolant overflow tank. If it is lower, top it up.
If there is no coolant in overflow tank or you have to top it up quite often,
have your car inspected, there is probably a coolant leak.
::::Caution::::
Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine
is hot! The fluid is under pressure when the engine is hot, and might spurt out
and burn you. Turn off the engine, and when engine is cool enough (a few
minutes after the engine has been turned off,) simply add a coolant into the
overflow tank.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure at least once a month. If you don't have a
tyre pressure gauge please invest in one, it is worth every penny. You can find
the recommended tire pressures for your car in the owner's manual or on the
tire pressure placard. Some cars have it on the inside of the doors as well.
The maximum pressure listed on tires is NOT the ideal pressure! Refer to the
owner's manual for the ideal pressures.
Rotate tyres at every other oil change - it will ensure that all
tyres wear equally. If you feel vibrations at cruising speed, have your wheels
balanced. There is a safe limit for tread wear. If the tire is worn below this
limit it is a safety hazard. Refer to the result of mechanical inspection.
Uneven tire wear indicates alignment problem or problems with your suspension.
Improper alignment causes increased tire and suspension
component wear and poor handling. In worst case scenarios, improper alignment
may throw your car into a skid, especially on a wet road. If a car pulls to one
side, wanders or feels unstable on the road, have the alignment checked.
Alignment that has been done properly will make your car's ride a lot more
enjoyable.
CV joint boots
Most modern vehicles are Front Wheel Drive, and they all have CV
joints (Constant Velocity joints) used to transfer the engine's torque to the
front wheels. The CV joint is greased on the inside and sealed by a rubber boot
that unfortunately, may break. If the CV joint boot breaks, the grease escapes,
dirt and water enters and the whole axle unit may become inoperative in a short
while. There is a CV joint located on the internal side of each of the front
wheels. You can check CV joint boots visually by looking inside the front wheel
arch from the front of the car with the wheel turned as far as it will go in
that direction. The boot should be dry. If it is broken you will see grease all
over the area. If the boot is broken, it needs to be replaced. If not replaced
in time, the whole axle shaft will need to be replaced which will cost you more
than replacing just the boot.
This should be can be a guide for vehicle owners. A well maintained car will save you a lot of money.
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