As a car owner, it's important to take care of your vehicle to avoid costly repairs in the future, which is especially important when travelling or on road trips. In this article, we'll take you through a list of car maintenance checks to make sure your car is working properly and to minimize the risk of costly repairs during your trip. Our advice applies to motorists who do their own maintenance, as well as those who use car repair services, whether for major repairs or road trip tune-ups.
Importance of Car Maintenance
Making sure your car is in top condition is extremely important for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular maintenance extends the life of your vehicle and can even improve its performance.
Recommended Car Maintenance Checklist
There are several key points to consider when maintaining your car, such as regular oil checks, tire inspection and rotation, brake maintenance and checking fluid levels. In this section, we'll look at these points in more detail.
Regular oil checks
It is essential to check your car's oil level regularly to avoid premature engine wear, which could lead to a costly breakdown. A monthly oil check is recommended, as well as an oil change after every 5,000 kilometers driven, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Tire inspection and rotation
Your car's tires are one of the most important elements of your safety, especially when travelling. Tires should be changed every 10,000 km or every two years, depending on the type of driving and road conditions. Be sure to have your tires inspected regularly, rotate the tires for even wear and adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer's specifications.
Brake maintenance
Brakes are another essential part of your safety. Be sure to perform regular brake checks and replace brake pads when necessary. Brake drums and discs should be checked regularly and replaced if damaged.
Checking fluid levels
Coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid are all important fluids that should be checked regularly to avoid engine damage and system failure. Check these levels monthly and ensure that any fluids that are below the recommended level are replaced.
Pre-trip maintenance
Preparing your car before a trip is another important way to reduce the risk of costly repairs if your car breaks down during your trip. Before you leave, you should carry out the following tasks:
Check the brake pads
- Check the tyres and adjust the tyre pressure if necessary
- Check the oil and fluid levels
- Check the battery
- Maintenance during the trip
Once on the road, it's important to continue monitoring the condition of your car to avoid costly problems. Maintenance points to consider while travelling include
Checking tire pressure and tread depth
Check tire pressures regularly and ensure that they have sufficient tread depth to provide sufficient traction on the roads.
Regular fluid top-up
Make sure you check your car's fluid levels regularly and top up if necessary. Fluids to check regularly include coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid.
Monitoring vehicle warning signs
Warning lights on your car are important to let you know if there is a problem with your vehicle. Pay attention to these lights and don't hesitate to consult a mechanic if any of them come on.
Regular inspection of windscreen wipers and washer fluid
Be sure to check your wipers and washer fluid levels regularly, especially when travelling in inclement weather, to ensure optimum visibility.
Post-trip maintenance
Once your trip is over, the maintenance of your car does not stop there. You should carry out the following maintenance items:
- Check oil and fluid levels
- Clean the interior and exterior of your car
- Have the brakes checked
Follow these costly maintenance points for your car to ensure that your car works properly during your trip and to avoid costly repairs, either by yourself or by a car repair service.