Cars are machines and need to be taken care of for good performance. Lot of attention is required, if not in detail but to the minimum level failing which a car can give you nightmares.
Treat your car as your best friend and give proper attention.
The returns will be peace of mind and the machine will never ditch you when it is in demand during any crucial moment.Your journey is most important, however to make it more convenient it is important to do some preliminary checks before beginning your journey. Irrespective if it is a drive to the office and back or on a long journey. Make sure you check the things before starting your car.
1. Check the tyre pressure
Make sure you keep a check to look out for a flat tyre. Also regularly top up the air in your tyres to maintain the optimum pressure. If the tyre is flat, replace it with the spare and get the flat tyre repaired. Do not ever drive the car with a flat tyre.
2. Check all fluid levels
You don’t need to check the fluid levels on a daily basis but do so once every 15 days or at least on a monthly basis. Top off the fluids whenever necessary.
3. Clean all the glass area
The front and the rear windscreen, ORVMs, rear view mirror all comprise of the glass area on your car. Make sure that they are cleaned and the visibility is high at all times. Dust particles may settle over night, that’s why it is better to wipe the rear view mirrors before beginning your journey.
4. Check your mirror to make sure you have good visibility
Adjust the rear view mirrors for your most optimal view. You should be able to see the small portion of the rear end of your car along with the lane next to it on your outside rear view mirrors (ORVM). The cabin rear view mirror should look through the rear windscreen and should guide you as to what’s exactly behind you.
5. Check all the warning lights
If your engine is showing you any warning lights, please do not ignore it. Adhere to it and check out what the problem is. The check engine light would mean taking the car to the garage, or the oil warning light could mean, you are running on old oil and it is time for replacement. If the car is heating up too often, make sure you top off with coolant before starting your journey. Also check if the instrument cluster comprising of the odometer, speedometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge are working or not.
6. Check the brakes
Before you set out on your journey, make sure to check the brakes and see if they have the needed stopping power. If you feel the brakes are not effective enough, first head to the service shop or get top off your brake fluid before you begin your journey elsewhere. Ignoring your brakes can result into a life threatening situation.
7. Check under the car for obvious leaks.
Driving with leaking fluid may cause failure of the steering, brakes or radiator.