Car maintenance 101: How to take care of your car
Knowing how to maintain your car could be the difference between smooth driving or dealing with costly repairs and servicing down the track.
We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you keep your vehicle in good condition.
Why is car maintenance necessary?
One of the most effective ways to kill a perfectly good vehicle is by neglecting basic maintenance. Many people think that just because their car is running, there are no problems to fix – however, this is one of the biggest mistakes you could make.
Car maintenance is essential for many reasons. Not only does it improve your safety on the road; it may help you save money in the long term.
If you’ve been hearing a mysterious clunking sound from your brakes, driving with a cracked windscreen, or always forgetting to change the oil – or you just want to maximise your vehicle’s lifespan – the following tips could make it easier for you to maintain and service your vehicle regularly.
Basic car maintenance checklist
Inspect your tyres
By checking the tyre pressure and general condition of your tyres, you can easily extend their lifespan and improve their safety. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure by using a tyre gauge, either your own or one from the local petrol station.
You can extend the life of all your tyres by rotating them regularly to prevent uneven wear. When you book your car in for a service, they should do this for you anyway, but you can always ask to be safe.
Change the oil
Doing a regular check of your car’s oil and changing it when needed will keep your engine functioning well. It’s good practice to check your oil each month and change it according to what’s outlined in the car owner’s manual.
You have two options when it comes to changing your oil. You can easily do it yourself once you’ve learned the necessary steps for draining fluids, setting the correct oil level, and disposing of the old oil. Otherwise, you can take it to a service centre for professional assistance.
Check the battery
Occasionally checking your battery may save you from dealing with a car that won’t start. If you find that your vehicle is taking longer than usual to start or that your battery hasn’t been changed in a while, then it may be worth investing in a battery charger to increase the longevity and performance of your car. You can also have service professionals change your car battery if it stops working completely.
Check the fluids
Fluids help your car survive, so it’s important to check them regularly and replace them when needed. Several fluids should be kept at the appropriate level to ensure your vehicle continues to run correctly. This includes:
- engine oil,
- coolant,
- power steering fluid,
- brake fluid, and
- transmission fluid.
Any fluid leak will impact the way your car functions.
Test your vehicle’s lights
Your headlights are vital in keeping you safe when driving. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a few extra steps to ensure they continue to shine bright. This includes cleaning the lenses, replacing the bulbs, and getting them professionally checked if they become damaged.
Conduct regular maintenance checks
If warning lights are continuing to flash on your dashboard, it may be time to get your car checked by professionals. With regular maintenance checks, a professional can inspect and replace other components of your vehicle that are damaged, faulty, or need repairs.
For more information on taking care of your vehicle, check out our list of DIY tips on car maintenance.
Look after your vehicle with Bingle Car Insurance
Beyond the upkeep of your vehicle, it may be a good time to consider if you need car insurance.
Bingle offers Comprehensive Car Insurance and Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance. While both cover you for accidental damage to other people’s cars and property (caused by the use of your car), only Comprehensive Car Insurance will cover accidental loss or damage to your vehicle up to its market value[1].*Limits and exclusions apply. Read your PDS for the full details.
*The following exclusions apply: we do not cover general wear and tear of your car or any structural, mechanical, electrical or electronic failure or breakdown.
[1] Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions in the PDS.
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