Car maintenance is something people of India always feel proud after owning cars. It is not only a means of transport; it is an important property and sometimes people’s pride. Car maintenance is whether you are in the suburbs of Delhi, along the beaches of Kerala or over the mountains in Himachal Pradesh, it is very important that your car is well maintained. As for the conclusion, it is beneficial to underline that the proper car care contributes to the fact that the vehicle helps you have only pleasant and safe rides.
Read this blog post and learn the 10 most car maintenance essential rules to maintain your car every driver in India should follow. Hence, by reading the following simple and efficient tips, it is possible to maintain your car properly, increase its durability and avoid great expenses on the car repair.
1. Stick to the Manufacturer’s Recommended Service Schedule
Keeping your automobile in good condition is very crucial and some of the things that can be done include the following; One is to follow the recommended periods for services by the manufacturer of the car maintenance. This schedule is intended to maintain efficiency of your car through simple services including oil changes, tire swap and /or general check up.
It is particularly important for motorists to adhere to this schedule since driving conditions differ across various regions all over India. From sweltering heat with high humidity to intense rains during monsoon, your car is fully prepared for all of it when you get it serviced regularly. To know the exact service intervals, you should refer to your car’s manual to see the tasks that are needed on specific stages.
2. Regular Oil Changes
The cars require oil in their engine as it is one of the most important fluids that is required for automobiles. It minimizes friction of the engine’s parts that move, helping to reduce wear and tear. In India especially there is a problem of traffic congestion meaning that the engines are on for quite some time, extending the importance of regular oil change.
Such fluids as dirt or old oil will cause more work for your engine and therefore cause some damages. Most car manufacturers advise that the engine oil should be changed after 5,000Km to 7,500 Km depending on the type of oil used together with driving conditions. One must always consult the owner’s manual to know the right oil to use and when to get it changed.
3. Take Care of Your Tyres
It will surprise you to learn that tyres are the only part of the car which has a direct contact with the road and this is why their maintenance is crucial for your safety. Some of the events which occur on Indian roads are small craters, large craters, debris on the roads, changing weather, etc. It is also important that you examine your tyres often, and for signs such as abnormal wearing, cracks or bulges.
Also, make sure they are inflated to tire pressure recommended by the manufacturers in your cars’ owner’s manual. Low tyre pressure will result in poor gas mileage and possibility of having a flat tyre while high tyre pressure influences handling of the car and wears the tyres unevenly. Of equal significance, you should also ensure that you balance your tyres and this should be done every 6, 000 to 8,000 Km.
4. Maintain Your Brake System
Securing the vehicle through an extended duration is very much possible in the Indian traffic circumstances; thus, a cribbrate brake system is highly desirable. Brake system can be regarded as the most crucial safety feature in any car and thus requires regular check up. In this regard it is wise to take your brake system for inspection to ensure that the brake pads as well as rotors are in good condition.
Whenever you hear any sound, whether it is squealing or the sound of grinding whenever you apply the brakes, then know that it is time for a change. Also, observe the brake fluid and make sure it is at its optimal level; low brake fluid will lead to a poor braking system in your car.
5. Regularly Check Fluid Levels
Your car has numerous fluids it uses to run and hence you should check or top up on the fluids every now and then. Such fluids include engine coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer solution. In the Indian climate which ranges from the hot desert of Rajasthan to the cold zones of North, it is very necessary to maintain the correct level of fluids. For example, engine coolant plays an important role in temperature control of the engine, it prevents it from overheating, which is even more crucial at dry weather.
Likewise, sufficient brake fluid enables one to apply the brakes properly while sufficient transmission enables the gears to shift properly. It is always advised that you check your owner’s manual for the right fluids to be used and the right levels.
6. Battery Maintenance
Battery maintenance is critical in making sure that a car will start at the first try of turning the key. India witnesses extreme climatic conditions varying from very hot summer to an extremely cold winter especially in the northern part of India hence making it very essential to always check on the health of the car’s battery. It is recommended that you take your battery for a test at least once a year, better if this is before the extremely cold or extremely hot seasons.
This might prove useful if you do not want to deal with a battery that is dead. Also, make sure the battery terminals are free of any corrosion if possible as this will help the flow of current. In case your car has a hard time starting or you realize the headlights of the car are not as bright as they used to be then you may need a new battery.
7. Replace Filters When Necessary
Probably, one of the most important components of any vehicle are the filters as they influence the performance of the vehicle a lot. Engine air filter, cabin air filter, and fuel filter are also part of vehicle maintenance that needs check up where necessary. In India, primarily because dust and pollution levels are quite high especially in urban areas the dust accumulation in air filters increases more frequently.
Engine air filter which gets clogged can hamper the performance of the engine as well as fuel efficiency of the car, on the other hand, the cabin air filter which gets dirty can degrade the quality of the air circulating inside the car thus making it uncomfortable to drive the car. Change these filters as specified by the manufacturer or as and when necessary especially when you drive in dusty or polluted regions.
8. Regularly Wash and Wax Your Car
Washing the outside of your car is not only important to give it a good appearance, you also have to be protecting it. In India where cars are exposed to different forms of weathers ranging from the rainy season to the hot sunny season, cleaning of cars include washing and waxing. Cleaning your car helps to prevent the accumulation of dirt, ‘road film,’ etc. , which if left on the latter can cause serious harm to the paint job.
Waxing on the other hand covers the surface of your car hence affording it protection in as much as from water, UV and pollution hence your cars paint lasts longer in its new condition. Cleaning and polishing your car is also beneficial in preventing rusting of the car especially if you live in an area with frequent rainfall, near the coast or an area with high levels of humidity.
9. Avoid Overloading Your Car
Extra weight in your car can actually put a lot of pressure on the joints, the engine, the transmission, the suspension, and the brakes. More than this, in India cars are often laden with luggage which is especially so during festivals and family holidays. However, must not forget that every car must be carrying a maximum load of certain amount of weight.
When overloaded one risks to destroy the car, and its features such as handling capacity and efficiency greatly decline. Remember to consult the owner’s manual to determine the load that the car can take in order not to overload the car.
10. Practice Defensive Driving
In India where roads are often bad and driving culture is not very disciplined it is wise to drive defensively. Defensive driving means that the driver has to stay alert and focused to recognize any dangerous situation on the road working out what they should do to avert a common occurrence of an accident. It also assists in keeping you and your passengers safe and adhering to the law as well as decreasing the rate at which your car is worn out.
This means driving slowly, not making sharp turns, keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you and being careful when approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing. Defensive driving can in large measure free your car from accidents and at the same time help you get the most out of it.
Additional Tips for Car Maintenance in India
- Park in Shaded Areas: If you park your car in the sun continuously, the interior of the car will fade off, and the outer part will start getting cracked. To avoid spoiling your car interiors and exteriors, park your car in the shaded areas or use a sunshade while in India.
- Avoid Idling: Certain circumstances include lengthy idle time such as waiting at a railway crossing or in traffic jams, this burns up fuel and puts a toll on the engine. If you believe that you will be idle for more than a few minutes then it is advisable to shut down your engine.
- Use High-Quality Fuel: Though the most common thing that people do is to use the cheapest fuel around, the best fuel helps to enhance your car’s performance, and even the fuel economy. This is especially so because fuel quality may differ and this is especially so in India.
- Address Issues Immediately: Car Maintenance tips include not to overlook the warning lights that may be flashing on the dashboard of your car or any unusual sounds coming from it. If these problems are addressed as soon as possible then they cannot turn into the worst problems which are very expensive in many ways. No matter if it is just a loose belt or an engine warning light, any problem that you noticed in your car should be brought to the attention of a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damages and expenses in the future.
- Prepare for Seasonal Changes: Therefore, India feels the variations in the weather all the year round from very hot summer to heavy rainy season ending to mild winter especially in the North. This means that it is very important to prepare your car for such changes of season as explained below. For instance, prior to the monsoon, one should check his or her windshield wipers, the tread on the tires, and proper working of the brakes. In the winter season make sure the battery and coolant are in good condition and that the heater is operational if you are from a chilly area.
Conclusion
Car maintenance is not only an attempt at preserving the car for a long time, but also a guarantee that each subsequent ride will be safe and comfortable. Due to the variation of driving conditions that exists due to the size of India, it is extremely important to have regular car maintenance.
As a result of following these top 10 car maintenance tips you will be using a safe car that has few mechanical problems and a merchandise that does not require much fixing. You should know that of course, a car that has been well maintained will run better and maintain its value thus, was money well spent. Therefore one has to take time and give his/her car the attention that it deserves so that same can offer quality service for many years to come.
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