Monthly Maintenance Checks For Your Car To Last Longer
If you don't like changing cars like you're changing socks, or if you're buying a car and you would like to make use of it for as long as possible, there's a monthly routine check that you'll have learn to do yourself.
Performing a periodic check on your car, not only that will make it last longer, it will perform better on the road. Also, if you keep a car in good quality, even if you'll sell it many years later, you may get a really good price for it.
Therefore, here are a few things to check monthly, to keep your car on good condition:
These can be checked on a daily basis, as you drive your car to work. The adherence of the tyre to the road can be felt as you drive the car. Just by looking at them, you can tell their grade of wear and tear. However, depending on the weather conditions, you may need to adjust the pressure.
For example, driving a long distance on severe heat may lead the tyres to overly inflate, which could result in a burst. When it comes to the bakes, you need to pay attention to any grinding or scrubbing sounds when you step on them. If brakes become too old and begin to lose their grip, you might need new brake pads.
There are several fluids running through a vehicle, which should receive periodic attention. These are: engine oil, coolant, brake oil, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid. The engine oil check is done with a dipstick (if the oil is dark, requires changing). For the coolant, or the radiator fluid, you simply have to refill the plastic tank. This should not be done while the engine is hot.
For the windshield washer fluid, you should also allow the engine to cool down and simply add washer fluid until the small tank is filled up. As for the transmission fluid, find the dipstick (usually at the back of the engine), pull it out, wipe it off than re-insert it and remove it once more.
Observe the markings and add transmission fluid close to the full line, but try not to overfill to avoid the foaming of the liquid which may damage the transmission.
For this you have to start the car and keep it redundant, then observe the smoke coming out from the exhaust. If it's thick white or black smoke, it's bad news and you should take the car to mechanic.
Old hoses, especially radiator old hoses, may cause fluids to leak. You can determine if a hose need a change just by squeezing it gently, and if it feels crackly, you definitely need a new one. For cables, check especially their ends for signs of corrosion, and of course, if they are corroded, have them replaced.
Of course, depending on the car that you own, there are other things that may require a monthly check. However, the ones here are essential for any car. Also, if you buy a used car, these are some of the aspects that you should check first.