The Right Questions: Tips for Novices Who Need Car Repairs

Posted on: 30 December 2019

As a normal part of car maintenance, you will need to perform a series of regular checks on the vehicle. These checks are designed to help make your vehicle run safely, efficiently and reliably for many years to come. There are many things you should check on your vehicle regularly. But some are more crucial to the performance and longevity of the vehicle than others.

Learn some of the most important things to check on a regular basis below.

1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Engine oil performs a range of functions that make it vitally important to the performance and longevity of your car. Some of these functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Keeping the running parts of the engine well-lubricated
• Keeping the engine clean for good health
• Reducing general wear and tear of engine parts
• Inhibiting corrosion of metallic engine components

Over time, engine oil becomes dirty and may break down due to normal car operation. That's why vehicle manufacturers usually recommend that you perform regular engine oil changes. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to know when to change the oil in your engine and the kind of oil that is suitable for your vehicle.

For optimal engine performance, it's advisable that you replace your engine oil filter when you are changing the engine oil.

2. Engine Air Filter

Your engine air filter's job is to prevent dust and other airborne dirt particles from infiltrating your engine. Over time, they become clogged with dirt, hurting the proper flow of air into your engine.

When this happens, your engine will be forced to run harder than it should in order to achieve the desired level of performance. As a result, your car will end up consuming more fuel than it usually does when running at its peak.

Getting your engine air filter checked and replaced doesn't cost much, so you've got no reason to skip this part of your car maintenance routine. 

3. Tyres

The tyres that your car runs on are the only components of the vehicle that touch the ground at all times. As a result, they affect the drivability, comfort and safety of your ride. 

Checking your tyre pressure and the general condition of the tyres should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Properly inflated tyres maximise the performance, comfort and safety of your vehicle, as well as the vehicle's fuel economy. 

4. Brakes 

Realising that you have faulty brakes is one the worst nightmares you can experience while you are on the road. Brake failure means you won't have the power to stop or slow the vehicle down when the need arises. 

Getting your brakes checked regularly is crucial for ensuring your safety and that of your passengers, as well as that of other road users.

5. The Lights 

Your car has several lights. Some of these lights are found on the dashboard of the car, while others are located outside. Regardless of their placement, each light on your vehicle serves an important purpose.

For example, the transmission warning light on your dash will come on when there is a problem with your transmission, while your headlights help to improve visibility at night. Collectively, lights help ensure proper communication between you and your car, as well as between you and other road users.

Get all lights checked regularly to ensure they are working properly at all times.

Be sure to get your car checked by an experienced mechanic or auto technician to ensure everything is done correctly. Remember, your vehicle performance and longevity depend on the car servicing you provide.