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20 Essential Car Maintenance & Repair Tips
March 10, 2023
16 minutes
6878 Viewers
When it comes to taking care of your car, you may hear terms like “inspection,” “service,” and “maintenance.” These words all mean the same thing: routine checks that help keep your vehicle safe and in good working condition. The manufacturer will guide you on when to do these inspections, but generally, it’s recommended to get a major check-up once a year or every 12,000 miles.
1. How important is maintenance for my car?
Car maintenance, from a practical perspective, measures the overall health and functionality of a vehicle. It involves more than just the engine or brakes; it includes various systems like the transmission, suspension, tires, and electrical components, as well as factors such as fluid levels and tire pressure.
Extensive studies have explored how neglecting regular maintenance affects the vehicle’s performance and safety. These studies have shown that ignoring basic car maintenance can lead to problems in the engine, braking system, and electrical components, which in turn can compromise the vehicle’s reliability and safety. Such issues may manifest in a breakdown, increased repair costs, reduced fuel efficiency, or even accidents due to malfunctions.
A report from the National Traffic Safety Board highlighted that approximately 20% of vehicle-related accidents are caused by maintenance failures. Additionally, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that poor tire maintenance led to a 15% increase in tire blowouts, which contribute to road accidents.
Since even minor maintenance oversights can significantly impact a vehicle’s performance, regularly servicing your car is crucial to ensuring its proper functioning, safety, and longevity. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections helps your car stay in peak condition, making it safer and more efficient on the road.
2. Inspecting car on daily basis
Performing daily inspections on your vehicle is an easy and effective way to ensure that it remains safe and in good working condition. Simple checks, such as oil levels, tire pressure, and brake function, can have a significant impact on your car’s overall performance and safety. These tasks take only a few minutes but can help prevent more serious issues down the road.
A study by the Automotive Maintenance Research Institute found that regular, daily inspections can reduce the risk of major vehicle malfunctions by up to 30%, ultimately improving driver safety and preventing costly repairs.
For newer vehicles, dashboard warning lights may alert you when something needs attention. For older vehicles, the owner’s manual provides guidance on how to check these items.
If you observe anything unusual during your inspection, it’s essential to consult a professional mechanic. Regular inspection not only improves safety but also helps you understand how your vehicle operates, keeping it running smoothly and reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
3. Light Indicators
You will find a number of indicator lights in your car, the number may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Every brand has its own set of indicators. But these are easily identifiable with the help of the manual. The colour of the light will notify how urgent you have to take action. Because indicator lights are not necessarily the same as warning lights.
- Red indicates problems and malfunctions and should be checked immediately.
- Yellow or orange should be checked as soon as possible.
- Green means that a function is activated.
- Blue is reserved for the high beam.
- White stands for a recommendation or a hint.
4. Tire Pressures
Checking your tire pressure is important for many reasons. It helps your vehicle run efficiently and keeps you safe. Low tire pressure leads to higher fuel consumption and can make braking slower. This increases the chances of accidents.
You should check your tire pressure every week. Most cars have an indicator light that will turn on if your tires are low. Some newer vehicles even have smart systems that send notifications if something is wrong.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underinflated tires contribute to approximately 11,000 crashes and 200 fatalities annually in the U.S. due to poor braking and handling performance.
These simple vehicle fixing tips can save you money and keep you safe on the road. Always stay on top of tire care to ensure your vehicle stays in top shape.
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5. Tread depth
Tires are important for your safety, especially in changing weather. The tread patterns on your car tires help them grip the road and channel water away. This is crucial in wet conditions. Over time, tire tread can wear down, reducing traction.
Many tires come with tread wear indicators, which show when the tread is too low. If your tires don’t have these indicators, you should get a new set. It may cost more now, but it will save you from costly accidents later.
As part of general car maintenance tips, make sure to regularly check your tire treads. Worn-out tires won’t perform well in rain or wet conditions. Always prioritize safety and keep your tires in good condition.
A study conducted by the Tire Industry Association found that vehicles with tires that have less than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth are more than twice as likely to be involved in accidents during wet conditions due to decreased traction, significantly increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
6. Rotation of tires and alignment
Improving your car’s fuel economy and road safety relies on proper wheel balancing and alignment. When your tires are balanced and aligned correctly, your car runs smoother and uses fuel more efficiently.
Tires need to be rotated, balanced, and aligned according to the user manual. Many experts suggest rotating your tires every 5,000 miles, but always check your car’s manual for the best advice.
Regular car repair and maintenance, including tire rotation and alignment, help avoid uneven tire wear. This not only saves money but also keeps you safe on the road.
7. The Brake Systems
The brake system is crucial for the safety of your car. All brake systems work together to give you a smooth and secure ride. It’s important to pay attention to any brake warning lights on your dashboard.
If the brake indicator is on, check if the handbrake is still engaged. If it’s off and the light remains, it could signal a problem, like low brake fluid or worn brake pads. In this case, stop your car right away. Call a breakdown service to avoid the risk of brake failure.
Keeping the brake pads clean helps maintain optimal performance. You should replace them when needed to ensure your automotive brake system stays in top shape. Don’t ignore the signs – your safety depends on it!
A study conducted by the Road Safety Foundation in the UK found that inadequate brake maintenance is responsible for around 5% of all road accidents each year in the country, with brake-related issues contributing to an estimated 3,000 serious accidents annually.
8. Battery
A car battery is essential for starting the engine. It supplies power to parts like the starter, ignition coils, and control unit. Once the engine starts, the alternator recharges the battery car batteries.
If the battery indicator turns on, it means the battery is not being charged. The alternator might be the problem, or it could be an issue with the voltage regulator, battery capacity, or a broken V-belt.
First, check the V-belt. If it’s broken, stop the car and call a breakdown service. If your car has electric power steering, do the same. Otherwise, drive carefully to the nearest workshop without turning off the engine.
Car batteries are key to keeping your car running. If you notice issues, address them quickly to avoid further problems.
9. How to disconnect battery properly
When working with car batteries, safety is key. Disconnecting a battery properly is not just about loosening bolts and removing terminals. The first step is always to disconnect the negative terminal. This prevents the risk of a short circuit, which can happen if the positive terminal touches any metal parts of the car.
After disconnecting the negative terminal, if you’re reconnecting the battery, do the reverse. Connect the positive terminal first. For routine maintenance or if you’re not replacing the battery, simply disconnecting the negative terminal is enough to ensure safety.
Always handle car batteries with care. Whether you’re working on batteries for a car, a battery car battery, or a regular car battery for car, following the proper steps will keep you safe.
10. Oil
Your car engine needs a constant supply of oil to run smoothly. Oil reduces friction and prevents parts from wearing out too quickly. The oil pressure switch monitors the oil inside the engine to make sure it’s at the right level.
If the oil pressure indicator lights up, it means something is wrong. There might be too little oil, a faulty oil pump, a leaky oil line, or a damaged bearing. When the light shows a jagged line and “MIN,” it means your car oil engine is low. Top up the oil as soon as you can. If the light stays on, go to a workshop right away. Ignoring it can cause major engine damage.
Remember, always use the right auto engine oil for your car. Regularly check the oil level to keep your engine running smoothly. A good oil for engine keeps your car oils at optimal levels.
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11. Defective Oil Switch
When you start your car, the engine runs a self-test. It checks the oil pressure switch. If the oil lamp lights up and goes out soon after, the sensor is working fine.
If the light doesn’t come on, the oil pressure switch may be broken. A quick visit to the workshop can fix this. Keeping your oil pressure sensor in good shape helps prevent engine damage. Low or high oil pressure can lead to costly engine problems.
Regular checks of the oil for engine and car oils can help keep the engine running smoothly. Don’t ignore the oil pressure warning. It’s key to maintaining your car’s engine oil and overall performance.
12. Coolant Temperature Sensor
Thermostat or often known as coolant regulator separates the two coolant circuits in the car. It is therefore mainly responsible for the car in reaching an ideal operating temperature. The temperature of the coolant flowing past is continuously recorded by the coolant temperature sensor.
A defective thermostat will send incorrect data to the control unit and the display on the dashboard. This can affect cooling, starting behavior, fuel consumption of the car, and other distresses.
13. Warning light for the coolant temperature
The coolant temperature is too high and can cause the engine to overheat. The reason can be many, for example, inadequate cooling water, a broken V-belt that may be causing the water pump to stop being driven, or a defective sensor. Shut the engine immediately and let it cool down. Then add the appropriate coolant, if necessary water too. Be careful not to scald yourself. If the indicator is still on, you should immediately go to the nearest workshop.
14. Airbags
Fault in the airbag. Airbags or belt tensioners may fail in case of emergency. Reasons can be a defect in the control unit, the airbag itself or the sensors. The indicator also lights up if the front seat airbag is deactivated due to a child seat. If you have not turned off the airbag, you should go to a workshop and have it checked.
15. Buckling up
Thousands of lives are saved around the world by the seat belt. Fastening seat belts stops you from being thrown out of the vehicle in case of an accident which is lethal. Buckling up safely is easy just follow these simple notes:
- The shoulder belt should be away from your neck and situated in the middle of your chest.
- The lap should be adjusted low and tight. Place it across your hips and not the stomach,
- On no occasion the shoulder belt should be behind the back or under the arm.
There is an indicator for seat belts on the dashboard. If it is on that indicates at least one of the riders is not wearing a seat belt, there might be some additional beep. Seat belts save lives and are mandatory in most countries. So make sure everyone is using seat belts. Sometimes heavy items of luggage on the seat also may trigger the indicator. You can put the luggage on the trunk.
16. Save Fuel
Start driving immediately after starting, when cold, every engine needs more fuel. Therefore, warm the engine gently to operating temperature. This protects the environment and the wallet. Drive with foresight and as constant as possible, Acceleration phases only as long as required. The vehicle uses less fuel when driving at a constant speed.
Avoid unnecessary gear changes, skip gears if possible. The motto is: “Shift up early, shift down late”. Drive in the highest possible gear. Switch off the engine when it is not running. In the case of short waiting times, it should be borne in mind that each starting process causes wear on the engine, starter and battery.
The indicator in the dashboard notifies if you need to refuel. If the light is on then the fuel tank is almost empty, a fuel shortage can turn into an unwanted expense. Refuel in the nearest gas station. You can still drive around 15-18 miles depending on the manufacturer.
17. Use vehicle accessories to save fuel
Air conditioners, seat heaters and parking heaters should be switched on if “well-being” while driving is required. Otherwise it should be turned off. These facilities ensure the driver is in a comfortable state therefore more concentrated on the road. In this way costly and time-consuming damage can be avoided
We talk to a professional mechanic from a leasing van company and they say “If your car has cruise control, it should be used to drive efficiently. It keeps the car in constant speed. It is effective on motorways or flat roads. But on hilly roads the cruise control costs fuel unnecessarily.”
18. Engine control
Your engine control is encountering problems. The causes can be many: for example, a defect in the emission of pollutants, in the lambda probe or broken cables. Perform an engine check promptly and take it to the nearest specialist for further inspection.
19. How much a car inspection cost?
It can’t be said how much a car inspection might cost in general. There are too many variables that can affect the total price. The workshop you choose matters. Though authorized workshops are more expensive, it is easier to prove that the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. The repair that would have to be done is the key factor. Depending on how many parts are to be replaced, the costs for the inspection might increase. It is best to have the workshop prepare a cost estimate before the inspection.
20. Make a living out of your Expertise
If you find it too difficult (which it is!!) To pay attention to every detail you can learn how to take care of it. If you lack the basic things about cars like checking the spark plugs or even changing the wipers, It means you have to worry. All of these can be learned very easily and the internet offers complete useful advice on the subject.
Car Mechanic training is an excellent course and is suitable for anyone interested in working as a car mechanic in auto repair/maintenance or who simply wants to learn more about these topics. If you’re an individual looking to excel within this field, then Car Mechanic Training is for you.
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