Identifying fluid leaks and getting them repaired during service center checkups is very important.
15 Jun 2024 | 2320 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Maintaining a car becomes a crucial factor for its increased longevity. From adhering to maintenance schedules to driving habits, here are the essentials for optimal vehicle performance, as outlined by OLX India.
1. Check engine and Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil change is critical for the health of an ...
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Maintaining a car becomes a crucial factor for its increased longevity. From adhering to maintenance schedules to driving habits, here are the essentials for optimal vehicle performance, as outlined by OLX India.
1. Check engine and Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil change is critical for the health of an engine and gearbox, where oil acts
as the lubricant to ensure smooth operation of components. Read the owner's
manual, check oil levels frequently and change oil as it’s required. The process of
understanding selection of right oil, and avoidance of grimy or old engine oil is
important as it prevents friction-related wear, which is an essential element in
preventing engine damage. Failing to follow the oil change schedule will result in
reduced efficiency and expensive repairs. The recommended oil change interval
should typically fall between every 7,000-10,000 kilometres.
2. Routine Fluid Checks
It is important to check and refill the critical fluids like the coolant, the transmission
fluid, the brake fluid and the power steering fluid for high performance of the ICE cars.
Identifying fluid leaks and getting them repaired during service center checkups is
very important. Maintaining consistent fluids by following the owner's manual
minimizes the cost and ensures peak performance. Most fluids (coolant, brake fluid,
power steering fluid) should be checked every month, or at intervals of 3000-7500
miles depending on how old your car is.
3. Scheduled Maintenance
Regular maintenance like changing the oil, replacing the brake pads, and doing the
tune-up according to the owner's manual will avoid the problems. This approach helps save costs, enhances safety, and avoids inconveniences such as battery failure, or engine overheating.
Consistently maintained vehicles enable numerous advantages like longer lifespan, higher efficiency, higher resale value, lower risk of breakdowns, and safer driving as the replacements of the parts occur in time. Ideally, you should take your car for maintenance once every year or every 12,000 kms.
4. Tyre Care
Tire maintenance is crucial because it ensures the safety and efficiency of your
vehicle. Rotate tyres to provide even wear, and replace them when necessary. Routine check of tire pressures as per manufacturer's instructions will prevent wear, improve fuel economy, and enhance safety. Inflating tires according to prescribed limits will provide immediate steering action and adequate brakes during emergency times.
Frequent monthly checks with high quality gauge and adherence to manufacturer
recommendations for pressure maintenance and tire longevity are of utmost importance. Tyre Rotation should be done every 8,000-10,000 km.
5. Brake System Inspections
Regularly inspecting and promptly replacing brake pads and rotors is crucial for
ensuring both the safety and longevity of your car. Brakes are vital for vehicle safety, and any squealing or grinding noises during braking indicate the need for immediate maintenance. Regular checks of brake pads, rotors, and calipers are essential to prevent potential issues, ensuring that your brake system operates effectively and reliably.
Inspecting, and promptly replacing brake pads and rotors is something that ought to
be done regularly if you want your vehicle to remain safe and last longer. Brakes are a crucial safety component in any vehicle, and brake squeal or grind symptoms
must be addressed immediately. Inspections of brake pads, rotors, and calipers
should be done frequently to prevent any potential dangers.
6. Air Filter Replacement
Air filter replacement is a must for a car to deliver its best performance and for the
protection of the engine. Filters capture particles, act to protect the safety of internal
parts. A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency by reducing the engine load and
hence lowering fuel consumption and emissions. Periodic replacements prevent
airflow restrictions, ensuring optimal engine function and preventing issues like spark plug pollution. Performing this task not only improves performance but has positive effects on environmental preservation. Air filters should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, or more frequently in dusty environments.
7. Battery Maintenance
Proper battery maintenance is of utmost importance to have a safe car. Check
terminals for corrosion and clean them as necessary and make sure that the battery
is tightly fixed. Change the battery when it's over 3-4 years old. This is preventative
maintenance and it will help your car to start reliably as well as ensuring that the
battery of your car does not die and will contribute to its total longevity. The lifespan
of a car battery can vary depending on factors like climate and driving habits.
Generally, expect to replace the battery every 3 to 5 years.
8. Engine warm-up
For longevity, avoid any ramping up after the engine is started. The engine should be driven slowly until the temperature reaches the functional value. Predisposing into acceleration before warming up can result in insufficient lubrication which may
cause internal and exhaust component damage. Revving the engine lightly after the
motor is turned on is a smart thing to do for optimal engine health.
9. Don’t overuse the clutch
Do not use excessive clutch force to reduce the possibility of wear and higher costs
of repairs. Lastly, if the clutch pedals are held continuously or unnecessarily pressed, it affects the functionality of clutch springs. Ensure smooth and gentle shift of gears as it reduces the wear of gears and the clutch in manual transmission cars. Don't leave your foot on the clutch pedal after shifting because if you do that, it can cause permanent damage and additional expenses.
10. Proper Driving Habits
Adopt the right driving habits as this will help reduce the stress or strain on your car
engine and other parts. Avoid severe driving, unforeseen stops, and quick speed.
When moving in freezing weather conditions do not push the RPM up to the highest; shift gears smoothly in order to postpone the change in a gearbox. Be careful to avoid racer driving, as this puts the key parts of your car at risk of premature wear, which makes the vehicle use more fuel.
By following these tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your used car and enjoy a reliable and efficient ride for years to come.