MAINTENANCE TIPS
For most people, buying a car is a major decision.
So it is imperative that one gets the best performance
out of his/her vehicle. Cars if maintained properly
last a long time and run properly.
To know about one’s car it is very important that
you go through the owner’s manual which comes with
every vehicle.
Secondly, if preventive maintenance is routinely undertaken
then it not only prolongs the life of the vehicle but
also lessens considerably the chances of a breakdown
and unnecessary trouble.
Although a car owner’s manual should explain everything
about the maintenance of the car, here we would like
to re-emphasize certain preventive measures which should
be done regularly to get the most out of your car.
The Engine
Cooling System
Fuel System
Gearing System
Brakes
Hand Brakes
Tires
Electrical System
Overall Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
The Engine
One of the most important things that determines the
performance and life of the engine is the lubricant
or the engine oil. The oil level must be checked at
regular intervals say once in every two weeks and before
a long trip. This can be done by opening the bonnet
and pulling out the dipstick. The dipstick is calibrated
and it will indicate the oil level.
On the dashboard of almost all cars there is an engine
oil light or some indication. This actually comes on
when the engine is low on oil and lubrication is not
happening properly. So it is in fact a warning light.
If this light comes on, it is time to take the matter
seriously. Immediately check the oil level and if it
is low then fill it. DO NOT DRIVE IF THERE IS NO ENGINE
OIL. Normally the oil pressure light should glow only
for a moment and then go off. If it persists it could
be a serious matter and should be examined in the workshop
or by a competent person. An engine not having proper
oil pressure means lubrication is not taking place as
it should, which could result in serious breakdown of
the engine. Remember to take seriously all the lights
on the instrument cluster, they have a definite purpose.
On recommended intervals, drain the oil for new one
when engine is hot only and while changing the oil,
the oil in the oil filters too must be changed. Fuel
and air filters are also important parts influencing
the performance of the engine. They too should be checked
or replaced if necessary.
Every now and then check the tension of the fan belt
and after certain duration check it’s condition
from inside by removing it. Remember it operates crucial
engine parts like the water pump, alternator etc.
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Cooling System
In order to protect the engine from overheating, an
efficient cooling system is very essential. Water coolant
level should be checked at least once in a month, but
in summers it should be more frequent. The ration of
water to coolant should be relatively equal. Particular
attention should be given to water level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. Normally radiators have pressure
rated caps. When the coolant reaches very high temperature,
it forces its way through a valve in the pressure cap.
The overflow is then collected into coolant reservoir.
When the engine is cool, the vacuum created in the radiator
draws the overflow back.
In some cars, the pressure cap starts to malfunction
after a year or so due to poor manufacturing quality.
In such cases, the coolant evaporates through the defective
pressure cap when it reaches high temperature, instead
of flowing into the coolant reservoir. This evaporation
results in the water level going down. This defective
harmless looking pressure cap can harm your engine if
not taken care of in time. Be aware that loss of coolant
can come from many different areas on your engine. One
of the most difficult leaks to see is a leaking intake.
This is very common on late model General Motor vehicles.
Also time your annual servicing of the cooling system
just before the summer.
Cooling system hoses, especially before summer should
be checked. Any hose that is cracked, leaking feels
hard or spongy when squeezed should be replaced immediately.
While replacing a hose be sure of its quality, correct
size, length and its shape. Make sure of fittings of
the clamps. After checking the hoses, it also helps
to check the fan belt also, since it plays an important
role in cooling the engine as it drives the water pump.
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Fuel System
Get the tanks properly checked once a year. Check the
fuel and air filters when you are getting your oil changed.
Smell of fuel while driving is a sign of a defective fuel pump, carburetor
overflow or leakage. A simple look at the fuel lines
for any ensuing damage is always reassuring. And remember
to go through your owner’s manual carefully and
follow what it says about fuel injection systems which
require different and special care especially regarding
fuel additives, high octane fuel and cleaning of fuel
spray nozzle.
Gearing System
Gear System of the car is a major component of a car’s
drive system which requires due attention and handling.
Firstly the clutch for manual gears should be completely
pressed before changing the gears and make sure that
the clutch is properly adjusted for free pedal movement
for smooth gear change. This habit also prolongs the
life of the clutch plate. With hectic traffic conditions,
it is better to familiarize properly with torque strength
(pulling power) of the vehicle. It can always help to
select the right gear at the right rpm in every situation
and avoid straining the engine. Selecting the correct
gear for a given condition and speed is an art which
can be learned with practice. Apart from checking the
oil level in the gear box, go by the owner’s manual
for the grade of oil to be used. Remember, if you know
how to use gears properly, you are not only preserving
your car, but getting more mileage.
Avoid the bad and damaging habit of resting the left
foot on the clutch pedal when it is not in use. Secondly,
do not rev the engine too much while engaging the first
gear. This can damage the clutch system. You should
practice proper co-ordination of pressing of accelerator
and release of clutch pedal. Remember, use of the clutch
can reveal your good or bad driving habits.
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Brakes
Most brake problems develop gradually and can be detected
before they become serious by inspecting the system.
Most disc and drum brake systems can be inspected for
lining and pads wear simply by removing the wheel and
inspecting the pads. Brake fluid level should be checked
periodically. If the pedal is spongy then there might
be air present in the hoses. There could be a leak if
the fluid level is low (warning light on the instrument
cluster indicates a low level of brake oil in the system).
Have the job done immediately by a mechanic. Bleeding
of the brake fluid may be done at the time of every
second service and general check up of the whole system
should be done after about every five thousand kilometers.
Hand Brakes
They should be applied only when the clutch is pressed.
This exercise will not tax the clutch system. While
having the general check up of brake system, look for
blunt notches of the hand brake and see if its cable
requires replacement in case the brakes are not effective.
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Tires
The tires, apart from its own function of rolling on
the road, also affects the general performance of the
car. One should always have uniformity of tread patterns
of all the tires. Don’t mix and match different
brands or radials with bias or tires with different
plies. Always check air pressure on cold tires and not
when they are hot as the air expands when hot. Having
lower air pressure than prescribed will effect stability
during drive, steering becomes more hard harming the
side walls of the tires. It also causes high fuel consumption
while harming the suspensions and even excessive air
pressure results in faster wear of treads giving a hard
and bumpy ride. Steering can also become tricky.
To make the tires last more rotate them after every
3000 miles with the service sequence recommended by
the owner’s manual. Always make sure to replace
the tires in pairs. Wheel balance is required to eliminate
centrifugal force and thereby overcome the problem of
a wobbling tire. Note one thing clearly, tires are an
integral part of the suspension system and just a general
look at them now and then would be a good habit.
Servicing suspension and steering components should
be left to a reputed garage and skilled mechanics. Again
one should refer to what the owner’s manual says.
Heaving bumpers up and down can check shock absorbers.
If they do not bounce freely after releasing the bumpers,
they should be checked in the garage. The wheel bearings
require thorough cleaning, careful, close inspection
and greasing as they are meticulously and precisely
machined component. Neglecting it means problems and
major expenses.
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Electrical System
Maintaining the electrical system of a car is also very
essential for trouble free service from the car. Car
getting stalled due to electrical problems can be frustrating
and costly. The easiest and best way to start on these
problems and preventing them is to notice the lights
on the instrument cluster. Read the owner’s manual
carefully about the electrical system. The red light
for battery could indicate the battery not being charged
properly by the alternator. There can be several reasons
for a battery not providing current properly, it could
be right from defective wiring to deposits in the terminal
to defective alternator and its belt and defective battery
itself.
Get it checked by an auto electrician. Water levels
in the cells should be just above the level of lead
plates. During summer the water level should be checked
frequently. Be sure to have terminal clamps tight and
proper caps on it. Also ensure that the cell’s
caps are firm and not cracked or broken. Vents should
always be clear for the battery to breathe properly.
If one is not using the vehicle for a long period of
a month or so then remove the terminals from the battery.
This prevents the discharge and prolongs the life of
the battery.
The alternator in the car plays a crucial role in the
current system as it recharges the battery and provides
current when the engine is running. Always make sure
of proper tension of its belt, its proper mounting and
state of the drive pulley as well as wiring connected
to the alternator.
If your battery and alternator are working fine, then
the starter too should work fine, otherwise there could
be a problem with carbon bushes and armatures burnt
out or other reasons like worn out teeth of flywheel.
When the car goes for regular servicing, it will be
a good exercise to inspect all the wiring and the terminals
and circuit system as well as the main fuse box. Also
make sure to carry extra fuses of different ampere values
recommended by the owner’s manual. Blowing of fuses
means problem/s somewhere along the circuit. Also don’t
forget the starter and its related problems. Get all
of them inspected by a good auto electrician.
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Overall Maintenance
Your owner’s manual lists specific time or mileage
intervals between major and minor services your vehicle
requires. Make sure all these jobs are done in time.
Many car owners record each job in a notebook. A garage,
if you have one, is a more convenient place to keep
the recording notebook and receipts of job done. Always
keep the note book with the day and dates printed on
each page and a calendar page to mark dates in advance
as well for inspection, maintenance and major jobs along
with the car’s current mileage (and date). Apart
from the car’s log book, you can always prepare
a reference chart for a quick look for oil, filters,
tires and other minor and major jobs done or scheduled
to be done.
These are just preventive measures explained as briefly
as possible. These measures adopted over a period of
time, can easily become applicable knowledge. Over and
above, you will always have experts in different subjects
of your automobile at your dealer’s workshop to
consult to. And most of all to refer to, you always
have your car’s owner manual provided by the manufacturer.
They know best about your car, after all, they created
it.
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Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance is the periodic inspection and
replenishment/replacement of lubricants and minor components
to keep the vehicle healthy. Every vehicle has a manufacturer's
manual that gives detailed maintenance procedures. There
are, however, some basic steps to good upkeep that every
driver should be aware of.
- Read and heed the owner's manual
- Choose a good mechanic and show your vehicle to
him periodically
- Appreciate your vehicle's symptoms. If something
sounds or feels wrong, something probably is wrong
- Follow the maintenance schedule of the manufacturer
and ensure the following:
- Once a week:
- Check engine oil and radiator water/coolant
- Check tire pressure
- Check brake and clutch fluid
- Every 3 months or 3000 miles:
- Get the vehicle serviced
- Ensure proper lubrication
- Check battery, power steering, gear and transmission
fluid levels
- Inspect fan belt, hosepipe and lights
- Rotate wheels
- Every year or 15,000 miles:
- Check tires and wheel alignment
- Check wheel bearings and the suspension system
- Check brake system
- Change transmission fluid
- Clean or replace air and fuel filters
- Check and lubricate door hinges and handles
- Check all rubber channels and linings. Replace
if required
- Check wheel assembly. Get the rim and wheel
assembly balanced if required
- Every 3 years:
- Get a complete check-up of your vehicle done
- Battery Maintenance:
- Check battery every month and top up water level
if necessary
- Always keep battery terminals clean and cable
joints tight
- Apply Vaseline/petroleum jelly on all terminals
- Ensure correct polarity while connecting alternator
to battery
- Do not pour cold water into the radiator when the
engine is hot, as this may cause cracks on the cylinder
head/block
- While washing, ensure water does not enter into
air cleaner or any electric parts
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