A Guide to Car Maintenance: Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Owning a car is a big responsibility. Like any major investment, a vehicle requires proper care and maintenance to run smoothly for years. Many small tasks, from oil changes to brake inspections, make a big difference in your car’s life and performance. Staying on top of maintenance also helps you avoid costly repairs.

By following this routine maintenance schedule outlined by the experts at ACKODrive, you can extend the life of your vehicle and maximise your investment.

Basic Maintenance Tasks to Remember

• Change the engine oil and filter – every 10,000 kilometres
• Rotate tyres – Every 5-6 years
• Inspect and replace air filters – Every 12,000 Kilometres
• Flush and replace coolant – Every 24 months
• Replace spark plugs – Every 50,000 kilometres
• Change automatic transmission fluid – 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 kilometres
• Replace timing belt – 1,00,000 to 1,60,000 kilometres
• Flush brake fluid – Every 2 years

Set reminders on your phone, write maintenance tasks in your calendar, or use the trip meter in your vehicle to keep yourself accountable. Staying on schedule with basic maintenance goes a long way.

Understanding Your Fluids

Multiple fluids are circulating through your vehicle, each with an important job. Check all fluid levels monthly and top them off as needed. Here’s a guide to knowing what to look for:

• Engine Oil: Lubricates the moving parts in your engine. Check the dipstick monthly and change the oil based on mileage.
• Coolant: Cools the engine and heating system. It should be flushed per the maintenance schedule.
• Brake fluid is critical for safe stops. However, it absorbs moisture over time and must be replaced every few years.
• Power steering fluid: Provides steering assistance. Check levels monthly.
• Transmission fluid: Lubricates the transmission. Vital for automatic transmissions.
• Windshield wiper fluid: Provides visibility—refill as needed.

Tyre Care 101

Your tyres take a beating and endure wear and tear with every mile you drive. Take care of your tyres, and they’ll take better care of you throughout life’s adventures. Here are some tips:

• Maintain proper air pressure: Check tyre pressure monthly when tyres are excellent. The PSI specific to your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual or door jamb.
• Rotate tyres: Swap the front and back tyres every 5-6 years. This helps the tyres wear evenly so you get the most kilometres out of them.
• Align the wheels: If your vehicle is pulling in one direction, vibrating, or your tyres show uneven wear, it likely needs a wheel alignment. This adjusts the angles of the wheels so they work in precise harmony.

Taking good care of your tyres leads to better performance, mileage, and safety out on the road.

Scheduled Service Checks

In addition to your monthly checks, be diligent about regular professional inspections. Most mechanics recommend service checks based on time or mileage benchmarks, whichever comes first.

Here are some key things professionals examine during maintenance visits:

• Battery, wiring, hoses and belts
• Brake system components
• All lights, horn, wipers etc.
• Wheel bearings, alignment, suspension system
• Leaks, emissions, engine performance
• Fluid levels and condition

Service techs have the expertise and diagnostic tools to catch issues you can’t detect. They also know precisely what to look for based on your vehicle’s age and mileage.

Trust their recommendations for repairs and replacements. Addressing problems early on improves safety, prevents more significant headaches down the road, and keeps your vehicle running smoothly for longer.

DIY Maintenance Tips

While some tasks call for a professional, here are a few basic maintenance jobs you can easily tackle yourself at home with minimal tools and know-how:

• Wiper blades: Visibility is crucial for safe driving. Replace blades every 6 months or when they start leaving streaks.
• Air filters: A dirty air filter can lower fuel mileage. Replace according to the maintenance schedule.
• Fluids: Check oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and other fluids monthly and top them off as needed.
• Batteries: Use a battery tester to check the charge. Replace car batteries every 3-5 years or when they no longer hold a charge.
• Tyre pressure: A portable air compressor helps maintain the correct air pressure without the help of a professional.

Finding a Repair Shop, You Can Trust

Not all mechanics and repair shops are created equal. Finding one you can trust makes caring for your car much more manageable.

• Check reviews: Search online and read customer reviews to get a feel for quality, customer service, pricing fairness and more.
• Ask around: Personal recommendations from satisfied family, friends, and colleagues carry much weight.
• Discuss pricing: Ask for estimates in writing and clarify conditions for authorising work before services begin.

Prioritise Safety Above All Else

While fuel efficiency and longevity motivate us to maintain our cars properly, safety is the most compelling reason to stay on schedule. Brakes, tyres, lights and critical components wear down over time and require vigilance. Don’t cut corners here.

Conclusion

Properly caring for your vehicle by sticking to a routine maintenance schedule is important for extending its lifespan, optimising performance, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring safety on the road. From frequent at-home fluids and tyre pressure checks to bringing your car in for professional service at regular intervals, making vehicle maintenance a priority will maximise your investment and minimise headaches.