It will always be necessary to make an occasional and planned visit to the Technical Service of the brand of your car or a trusted workshop. However, if these visits are surprising and constant, your routine, comfort, and pocket will be affected.
The following tips will help you prevent this from happening.
- Check the condition of the brakes.
Brakes are synonymous with safety. Therefore, they deserve regular attention. Manufacturers recommend as a preventive measure a change of brake pads at 20 thousand kilometers, especially in the case of the front ones.
However, much will depend on the type and frequency of the use you give it. In this sense, if you feel a vibration or irregular sound every time you step on the brake pedal, check their condition, since in many cases, it is a sign of wear.
- Measure the fluid level
Car maintenance involves constantly checking the fluids that allow everything to function correctly. For example, you may have a checklist for the following liquids on hand:
- Radiator coolant.
- Brake and steering fluid.
- Fuel.
- Engine and box oils.
Main car fluids and how to change them.
- Shock absorbers
Every 20 thousand kilometers of use, you can carry out a simple check. However, the average lifetime given by manufacturers is 60 thousand kilometers.
What signs can tell you that you need to schedule the Technical Service for the shock absorbers? Keep an eye out for uneven tire wear, steering wheel instability, or prolonged car bouncing.
- Air pressure and tire condition
It is convenient to review the signs for which it is advisable to check and change the tires. Make sure they have the optimum air pressure on each wheel. Remember that sometimes, you can change the pressure recommended by the manufacturer between the front and rear tires. (between 30 to 35 psi).
Being below or above the psi levels indicated by the manufacturer can cause wear that deforms the original tread of the tire, reducing its effectiveness.
- Bodywork maintenance
Car maintenance on its body involves cleaning it weekly and avoiding exposing it to the sun for a long time. You can also use protective wax to protect it from dust and contamination.
In addition, internally, you can apply a damp cloth on the dashboard and avoid eating inside the cabin. Especially in this context of quarantine, it is essential to maintain good hygiene habits even inside your car.
- Battery level
The batteries have a constant charge of between 11 and 12.6 volts so that the vehicle can start and use its electrical components. Checking these levels with a voltmeter once a month may be a good idea.
As you can see, you don’t have to be an automotive expert to know how to take care of a car. But it is always appropriate to maintain good communication with a reputable or brand-name automotive service center, especially when you don’t have specific verification tools.
- Straps
The timing belts should be checked weekly. These can run from 60,000 to 160,000 kilometers before requiring a replacement. As a general rule of preventive maintenance, some workshops prefer to replace the belts, even if they are not worn, as a preventative measure and to avoid damaging the engine in the future.
Knowing how to take care of a car will help you avoid an unexpected or urgent visit to the garage.
