Cars need routine maintenance and if you think that taking the vehicle to an auto repair shop is the only thing you need to do, then you are mistaken. There are routine procedures that you need to carry out to ascertain that the car is in good condition and to spot any issues that will require the expertise of a professional.
Regular maintenance will ensure smooth performance of your car and you will not need to go in for large repairs often. However, it is best to select a Baulkham Hills and surrounds auto repair shop beforehand so that you are fully prepared when you encounter an issue. You can also reduce the amount you spend on a mechanic by learning the basic maintenance procedures that every vehicle needs. The first thing you need to do is to familiarise yourself with the owner’s manual. If by any chance you have misplaced your copy, you will be able to find a softcopy of it online or contact the dealer to access a copy. This manual will list out the intervals that are recommended for maintenance routines such as changing engine oils, when to rotate tyres, when to change oil filters etc. This will give you a basic guideline of what you can do on your end.
The tyres of your car will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear. So you need to check the condition of the tyres regularly every month. You need to find the ideal tyre pressure that is recommended. This will be provided in the manual as well. If you are inflating the tyres, the tyres should be cold. You also need to check on the spare tyre for the vehicle and recheck the tire pressure with a gauge. Some cars don’t come with a spare tyre. They will come with a kit to easily repair the tyre until you make it to an auto repair shop. You also need to check the engine oil levels. Choose the oil depending on the viscosity requirements that are specified in the manual. Infrequent engine oil changes will lead to the accumulation of sediments and this will cause friction in moving parts.
When you change the oil, it is recommended to replace the air filter as well. Generally, this has to be replaced once or twice a year. There are other fluids that you need to inspect in addition to engine oil such as transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid. There is a fill line that you can inspect to check that there is a sufficient volume of each fluid. When you are checking the coolant levels, you should remember never to remove the radiator cap. There is a transparent refill container that will be close to this where you can check the coolant level. There are also belts and hoses in the engine bay that can be inspected. Check for cracks or bulges in the hoses or whether there is any separation. If you see any of this, you can visit a mechanic to get it replaced.