Inspecting and caring for your car before something goes wrong can save you both money and aggravation. Maintaining your car can save your life.
What Can You Inspect Before Entering Your Car?
You can check many items quickly and easily before driving. Make these checks at least once a month and before long drives.
- Fluid Levels
You can inspect the different fluid levels in your car. Check:
- The engine oil when the engine is cool and not running.
- The level of coolant in the radiator overflow tank or radiator.
- The transmission fluid and the fluid level in the power steering and master brake cylinder reservoirs.
- The battery fluid
- The windshield washer fluid
- Belts, Hoses, and Wires
Before you enter your car inspect belts, hoses, and wires.
- Check the fan belt and belts that run the power steering and air conditioning units. The belts may need tightening or adjustment. Replace frayed or cracked belts as soon as possible.
- Check all hoses and hose connections for leaks.
- Look for loose, broken, or disconnected wires.
- Make sure the battery cables are tightly connected and the terminals are free from corrosion.
What Can You Check After Starting the Engine?
Once your engine is running, you should make several routine checks to ensure that your car is operating properly and safely.
- Gauges and Warning Lights
Check these gauges and lights regularly as you drive as they will warn you of a wide range of problems.
- Brakes
Your car’s brake warning light will make you aware of some brake system problems. Always test your brakes as soon as you begin driving. When you step on the brake pedal you should feel firm resistance, and your car should come to a smooth, straight stop.
- Horn
Periodically check to make sure your horn works. If you are driving an unfamiliar car, always locate and try the horn before you begin driving.
- Lights and Turn Signals
Vehicle safety checks find that one out of four cars has at least one light bulb or headlight burned out. Check all exterior lights and turn signals before you drive.
How Do You Know When Your Car Should be Serviced?
Guidelines vary depending on the kind and amount of driving you do and on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Recommended intervals for servicing may be based either on time or on miles driven. Keeping good records will help you maintain a car care schedule.