From the inside to the outside, it is essential to take care of your car to maintain its condition over time. Find all our tips for maintaining your car on a daily basis.
1. Check levels regularly
Regularly checking fluid levels is an excellent habit to have. This action prevents the risk of breakdowns, mechanical problems and possible accidents.
To begin, park your vehicle on level ground. Turn off the engine and open the hood. You can start checking the different fluid levels. Be careful, some fluids may be hot.
Transmission fluid
Checking the transmission fluid is usually done with the engine running and still warm. Referring to your vehicle’s owner’s manual, locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Pull the dipstick out completely and wipe it with an old rag, then lower the dipstick back into the crankcase. Pull it out again and read the fluid level indicated. Check that the fluid level matches the level indicated in the manual and adjust if necessary.
Engine oil
Please note that the engine oil level should be checked 1 hour after turning off the engine. Otherwise, you risk being sprayed with hot oil or reading the level incorrectly. The operation to be carried out is exactly the same as for the transmission fluid. Again, you must check that the level is between the two marks on the dipstick.
Brake fluid
Using your vehicle’s manual, locate the brake fluid reservoir. You can usually check the level by looking through it. If not, open the reservoir cap and look inside.
Power steering fluid
Like brake fluid, power steering fluid is located in a plastic reservoir. The reservoir has two lines: one for a hot engine and one for a cold engine. Consider the line that corresponds to the condition of your vehicle.
Coolant
Again, check that it is located between the minimum and maximum level indicated.
This is the liquid used to clean the windshield. Inexpensive, it removes insects and dirt that remain stuck on the windshield of the car. In winter, opt for an antifreeze windshield washer fluid to avoid unpleasant
2. Check the condition of the tires to maintain your vehicle
Tires are the only point of contact between the car and the road. Driving with worn tires is synonymous with danger. Indeed, the smoother the tire, the higher the risk of skidding, loss of control of the vehicle and puncture. It is therefore advisable to maintain your tires properly .
The treads on the tire must be deep, visible and well sculpted. The Highway Code specifies that they must not be less than 1.6 mm. You can easily check their depth using the wear indicators in the main grooves of the tire.
It is advisable to check the tire pressure at least once a month. To do this, go to a gas station or get a nanometer.
Check the side of the tire. Look for any bulges or tears. If not, it’s time to change your tire!
3. Monitor the brakes
To do regular maintenance on your car, monitor the brakes. The mechanic should check the brake pads and discs at least once a year. He will also have to see if the brakes do not present abnormal noises or unusual squeaks.
4. Protect the car from bad weather
Your car lives to the rhythm of the four seasons. Rain, snow, heat, sun prematurely damage the bodywork of your vehicle. To best protect your car, invest in a full protective cover and sun visors. Another tip for an impeccable car: park in the shade and avoid parking under trees.
5. Check the lights
Driving at night with poor lighting or a burnt-out bulb is very dangerous. To see and be seen, regularly check all your lights: position, dipped, main, reversing, stop, fog lights, and don’t forget the indicators. Tip: get help from someone else to do this.
