Car maintenance can be daunting and challenging, even for those who have owned cars for many years. It can be even worse for those who don’t know the first thing about cars or have never owned one before. Not everybody is interested in knowing the ins and outs of their vehicle- and that’s totally okay. However, if you’re thinking about owning a car or have just purchased your first one, there are some basic maintenance areas that you need to familiarise yourself with to make sure your vehicle runs smoothy and safely. We’ve put together a quick guide for those who want to learn more about the basics of maintaining a vehicle.
Tyres
Tyres lose pressure as we drive on them. Making sure they are inflated to the right pressure regularly is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. You should be checking your tyre pressure monthly. To do this, you will need to either purchase a tyre pressure gauge, or almost every service station in Australia always has a tyre pressure station. Follow the instructions on the pressure gauge, attach it to the tyre, and read what number it reflects. This number is the tire pressure, or PSI (Pounds per square inch). In most new vehicles, the recommended PSI for your tyres should be on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. If you can’t find it here, you can find it in the owner’s manual or even with a quick google search. The general rule of thumb is that most passenger cars require a PSI of around 32 to 35. It’s very important you pump up your tyres regularly, as low tire pressure can result in lack of control when driving and can lead to accidents.
Checking the oil
This involves removing the dipstick (which is found by locating a bright yellow loop) and checking the fluid levels and quality of the oil. Oil in your car helps the engine run smoothly. If you’re having trouble locating the oil dipstick, there will be instructions in your owner’s manual. If you’re still having trouble, follow this quick and easy step-by-step on how to locate it and check the oil.
When you remove the dipstick, your car should be on level ground. You should also turn off the engine a few minutes prior to checking to allow the oil to settle. When you first remove it, wipe it clean and then push the dipstick all the way in. Remove it again and note the level that the oil reaches up to on the removed stick. The oil level should be between the two marks. If it is lower than the bottom mark, the oil needs to be topped up. If you’re feeling confident, oil is relatively easy to top up yourself and there are various tutorials online on how to do this. You should also be checking the quality of your car oil. Clean oil should be slightly translucent and an amber colour. If you notice that the oil is filled with particles or a dark colour, it’s time to get your oil changed. This can be done at any mechanics for a relatively low price.
Brakes
It’s very important that you keep note of how your brakes feel and sound. Unusual sounds such as squeaking, rattling, and grinding are good indications that there is something wrong with your brakes. High pitched sounds such as squeaking indicate that it’s time to replace your brake pads, while rattling and grinding can indicate issues such as worn-out rotors. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your brakes, you should always get it checked by a professional immediately. The way your brakes feel while you are driving also plays a large part in your safety. If they feel spongy or you need to apply more pressure than normal, this also indicates an issue and should be seen to by a professional immediately.
Whether you’ve just purchased your first car, or perhaps you are just interested in learning more about car maintenance and safety, it’s imperative that these aspects of your car be maintained and monitored. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or are still unsure, contact Auto Leaders and one of our friendly team members will happily assist you.
