Schedule Your Car for General Services – Tips and Tricks

Regular car services can help to keep your car running efficiently. A general service may include checking the lights, dashboard indicator lights, windshield washer fluid, engine oil level, tyre pressure, belts, battery, cables, automatic transmission fluid, engine air filter, hoses, power steering fluid, windshield, wiper blades and more.

If your car is due for general maintenance then schedule a time for it to be done and never delay. Here are a few components that require general maintenance at regular intervals:

Vital Fluids:   You must check the fluid levels of your car frequently, this includes coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid and more. Most cars have transparent reservoir tanks, which will make your job easier.

Belts / Hoses:   You need to check the drive belts and hoses to eliminate deterioration and wear,  glazed, frayed, cracked or cut belts must be replaced immediately. You should also check for any leaks, cracks or bulges when the engine is switched off and is cold.  

Battery:   The battery is one of the major components that can cause major problems on the roadside. You must check the battery electrolyte to know the level, now you can get free maintenance batteries with sealed caps so there may not be a need for regular checks. You must also check the battery to see if there are any cracks or holes, if your battery is older than  three or four years, then consider replacing it.

Brakes:   If your car has any unusual vibrations or grinding noises when the brake is applied then it should be checked urgently as this is coming from the brakes, this is an indication it’s time to replace the brakes.

Cooling System:   Driving on the highway may cause some stress on the cooling system and its engine. If you use conventional coolant in your car and it is about two or three years old then you should consider replacing it, but if the coolant has extended life then you can approach your manufacturer to change it. It’s essential to refill the cooling system with the correct coolant and never refill with straight water, if there is a need to flush the system then visit your service center to get it done.

Air-conditioning:   It is equally important to ensure that the heating system of the car and AC is in good working condition, this can be checked  by running in easy operating modes and ensure the air is flowing and coming out of the appropriate vents. If the AC system is taking a long time to cool inside the car then you need to get it checked.

Tyres:   It is essential to maintain the correct pressure in your car tyres, this will not only make your car ride correctly on the road but will also improve braking while increasing your fuel efficiency. 

You might be interested to read our other blog like Common Car Maintenance Mistakes that most of us do.