According to NRMA :

Regular car maintenance could be the difference between a well operating vehicle or a hefty mechanical bill down the track.

We’ve put a list of tips and tricks together to help keep your car healthy and running optimally. By doing easy things like checking the oil, windscreen wipers and tyre pressure you’ll feel more confident while driving your car. You’ll also have smaller repair bills when it comes to your annual service checks!

1. Check your radiator and cooling system

Caution: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Let it cool for a few hours to avoid injury.

A quick check of the radiator coolant is as easy as looking at the level in the plastic overflow bottle of most cars. The coolant level should be in between the high and low markings.

Once the engine has cooled, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator, too. If the level is low, top it up with the coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer

2. Check your engine oil regularly

It’s important to check oil levels at least once a month. Problems with your oil can be easily missed if you leave it too long and can cause expensive damage to your engine. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Park your car on level ground
  2. Start the engine, let it run for a short time, then turn it off
  3. While the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick – make sure it’s fully inserted, otherwise you’ll get a false reading
  4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be in between the low and high markings. If the oil level is low, top up your oil but first check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade. Don’t start the engine if there isn’t any oil on the dipstick! An engine with no oil can seize and be extremely expensive to fix

3. Check your tyres

Checking your tyre pressure and general condition can help extend their use and makes your car safer overall. Don’t forget to also check the spare if you have one!

Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres and may make your car less safe to drive. The correct pressure for your car is located on the tyre placard, which is usually found inside one of the front doors.

Pro tip: if you have a spare, you can extend the life of all your tryes by rotating them every so often. Using the spare every so often also helps keep it in better condition – a spare left in the boot for years can dry out, making a blow out more likely.

4. Checking car battery condition

Checking your batter every so often can save you from the inconvenience of an unexpected flat. You can regularly take a look and by doing so, increase it’s lifespan and be confident your car will start every time.

5. Transmission and power steering fluids

Low transmission and power steering fluid could indicate a bigger problem with your car, such as a leak, so you should be aware of how to check them.

6. Maintain your windscreen wipers and washer fluid

Ensuring your windscreen wipers are working at their best and having plenty of washer fluid is essential for clear vision while driving.

Washer fluid

Fill your washer bottle with clean water and the right amount of windscreen-washer additive. Don’t use household detergents as they can damage your paintwork and wiper blades.

Windscreen wipers

If your wiper blades are not cleaning your windscreen properly, or are split or perished, they need to be replaced.

7. Checking your headlights, tail-lights and indicators

Working lights are not only important for yours and others safety, it’s also the law. Test your indicators and headlights often, including the high beams – your car’s reflection in a glass shopfront or on a wall can be useful if you don’t have someone to help you test the reverse and brake lights.

Replace blown globes with the correct type – you can read this on the globe itself.

8.Keep an eye out for warnings

Besides the dashboard warning lights, there are other signs your car may need some maintenance.

You will need to visit a mechanic as soon as possible if:

  • A dashboard warning light remains on
  • You feel any unusual vibrations
  • The temperature gauge reads hot
  • You hear any unusual noises
  • The oil pressure gauge reads low
  • The car has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
  • You experience any abnormalities when braking

You should also take your car to a mechanic if it:

  • Uses more fuel or oil than usual
  • Is difficult to start
  • Runs roughly
  • Leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
  • Has a smoky exhaust

Read more at : Myrna.com.au