Ms Fix-It Own The Road By Knowing How To Perform These Key Car Maintenance Checks

Performing basic maintenance for your baby should come as easily as driving it. Car expert Salona Novela explains how.

CHECK TYRES While punctures are common, an under-inflated tyre can build up heat and pressure from the inside, which can eventually cause the tyre to blow. With this in mind, it is important to check tyre pressure, especially when you have done very little driving as no heat would have been absorbed at that stage. Most importantly, though, learn how to change a tyre. Make sure that you have an infl ated spare wheel with tracks and a tyre-change tool kit in your car.

Ms Fix-It Own The Road By Knowing How To Perform These Key Car Maintenance Checks Photo Gallery

REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPERS The summer months are notorious for sudden, violent thunderstorms. When these storms come pouring and beating down your windshield in buckets, the wipers need to work. Brittle and worn-out rubber blades can decrease visibility. They should be changed once a year with genuine parts. This is cost-effective and super-quick. Follow the easy steps on the packaging to replace them.

CHECK COOLANT LEVELS An overheating car can cause a lot of damage to the engine if not attended to immediately. Sitting in traffi c and idling in summer is one of the quickest ways for your car to overheat. Coolants keep the car’s temperature at a good running level. Most cars have a translucent tank next to the radiator with markings on the side. After purchasing the premixed coolant – 50:50 ratio of water and anti-freeze – refi ll the tank, and remember to check levels regularly.

CHECK YOUR BRAKES Your brakes are probably the single most important safety mechanism in your car. If you notice a brake problem, it pays to have it inspected or repaired as soon as possible. Screeching brakes do not necessarily mean there’s a problem, as this could be due to moisture on the brake pads. It is the grinding and scraping sound that should be of concern, as it indicates metal-tometal contact. The cost of repairing brakes increases dramatically as you ignore it, and you may eventually fi nd yourself with permanently damaged brake parts.

CHECK THE OIL You’ve seen petrol attendants squinting at the dip stick to check the oil level, and then wiping it down with a paper towel. That’s all there is to it. Once you have located the dip stick, you are looking for two things: the level of oil (there are markings on the dip stick), and how the oil looks – it should be a brownish-yellow colour. If you are low on oil, you can add another quart, which you can purchase at your nearest petrol station and store in your garage. Happy driving!

Source: Tours Maps