Car Maintenance and Servicing Checklists

Are you wondering how you can maximize the life and performance of any vehicle? A lot of people are worried about car service costs. However, this does not cost an arm and a leg and there are ways to smartly get the best result for relatively little expenditure. At Perth Auto Mechanic, we get car servicing requests from customers who struggle to keep tabs on all the things they need to check up on in their vehicles.  We made a list of items you should check. Some of these parts of a vehicle need to be checked regularly, while others only need to be checked only in the long run. Be sure to follow the vehicle’s maintenance schedule along with the service interval record.

Car servicing is needed to keep the car in good running order. This takes a little bit of effort. However, you definitely don’t have to be a mechanical guru to keep your vehicle running fine. The biggest hurdle is being aware of what you have to do—and how often—for the best vehicle upkeep. By knowing the basics regarding what your car needs and when one should perform routine car maintenance, you can make sure that your car is in top-running condition.

SHORT TERM CHECK-UPS

For proper vehicle maintenance, check up some of the following :

Coolant and Oil level

Every couple of months, gas fill-ups and particularly before any longer road trips, it’s a good idea to get under the hood of the car and inspect both the coolant and oil levels. Thus preventing the engine from overheating. Low levels of either can result in engine problems if not sorted out.

AIR FILTER

Your engine’s air filter is the device that controls the air that flows into your engine and works to keep out debris and particulate. By making certain that the air filter is flowing the right way, you can improve your fuel efficiency, cut down your emissions, and help make sure the life of your engine.

TREAD DEPTH AND TIRE PRESSURE

Since well-maintained tires are integral for fuel-efficient and safe ride. Thus, make it a habit to visually see your tires often. Check the pressure in your tires every few weeks, and before long trips or carrying extra load.  Always remember to keep a spare tire. You will need a gadget to check the tire pressure.

PARKING LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS

It’s important that the lights on the vehicle are properly functioning. However, oftentimes it can be easy thing to overlook. Once a month, turn on the headlights when you are parked in front of a flat area and check that both headlights are working up to the mark and well-positioned. Walk around your car and look at both turn signals and your parking lights. Have somebody stand behind the car while you use the brakes to be certain that your brake lights are working.

OIL & FILTER

The motor oil in your vehicle’s engine has a whole slew of functions: it lubricates the individual parts, helps act as a sealant against debris, cools the engine down, cuts wear and tear, and helps preserve your engine. Keeping it clean is vital for excellent engine health. Depending on your car and which kind of oil is being used, you may need to change both the oil filter and oil as much as every 3 months or 3000 miles.

ROTATE TIRES

Depending on the vehicle alignment, usage, and several other factors, the tread wear patterns on the tires might vary between the front and back tires. Also, from one side of the tread to the opposite tread. Rotating your tires will help to increase the service life of the tires by more evenly balancing the tread wear, and letting you cut down on noise and vibration problems.

LONG TERM CAR SERVICING CHECK-UPS

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Kind of like the oil in your engine, transmission fluid is what helps keep all of the moving parts inside of the car’s transmission functioning properly. Whether you’re driving a manual or automatic transmission vehicle, it is essential that you have the transmission fluid checked and replaced when needed to avoid expensive transmission damage or replacement. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

SERPENTINE BELT

Although it may seem like a basic piece of rubber, any vehicle’s serpentine belt is critical to keeping your car running by powering up devices such the alternator, air conditioner compressor and air conditioning pump. Visually inspect the belt to make sure that it is free of damage or other wear and tear. Do not skimp on car service costs when it comes to the serpentine belt as otherwise it could provide to be an expensive headache. 

INSPECT SHOCKS AND STRUTS

The shocks and struts on the car function to limit the impact and rebound as your vehicle goes over bumps in the road and are a major part of your auto’s steering system. They should be checked by a professional every 50,000 miles or bring the car in to the shop if you see a decrease in smoothness or loss of control when driving.

BATTERY PERFORMANCE CHECK

Your car battery is one of the most important parts for your vehicle to run. A car battery provides large amounts of electrical current for the starter, engine, and different electronic accessories in the vehicle. Too high or too low temperatures affect the working of the battery, so regular battery testing will make sure that the battery will work well when you need it to.

SPARK PLUGS

The spark plugs in the car engine ignites the fuel and air mixture that ends up powering the vehicle. In case the spark plugs are not working correctly, the engine will be damaged and will not run at optimal capacity. Have a professional check and replace any messed up spark plugs depending on vehicle manufacturer recommendations or when you feel a decrease in the engine’s power. These do not cost a lot of money and you do not necessarily need a cheap car service. 

REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND/ OR FRONT

The differentials are those things that split the torque—or power—from the engine and helps send power to the tires. In rear or front-wheel drive vehicles, there is just one differential. However, in 4WD and all-wheel drive vehicles, there is both a rear and front differential, and potentially even a center differential. Like many components of your vehicle, the differentials need to be kept lubricated to make sure there is proper functionality. Have a car service in Perth check things for you.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a car service in Perth to help you better maintain your car its better to go to tried and tested service like Perth Auto Mechanic for cheap car servicing which is both reliable and helps to increase the performance and shelf life of your vehicle.