Do you use your European car for daily commutation, or is it your long-journey partner? Whatever it may be, you must take care of your car regularly to ensure a fun, safe and uninterrupted ride.
While it may not seem so, your car is a delicate machine. Hence, it needs regular check-ups to ensure that everything is running smoothly. So, if you have the question, “What should I check daily on my car?” on your mind, here is a detailed checklist to help you.
Daily Car Maintenance Checklist: What Should I Check Daily On My Car?
| Front Windscreen | Make sure to check your windscreen daily for any fresh chips to prevent them from developing into cracks. You can use resin to repair chips in a way that results in a smaller excess than replacing the entire windscreen. However, cracks can not be fixed and will need replacement. So, if you find a crack in your windscreen, get it replaced immediately. |
| Condition of Tyres | Walk around your car to check for your tyres. See if there are any punctures, like nails, abnormal lumps, broken glass, or any rips or tears. |
Weekly Car Maintenance Checklist
| Water Coolant Levels | Check the levels of fluid in your water coolant tank every week. Low-level coolant can overheat the car’s engine. Make sure to turn off the engine and let it cool before your check the coolant tank. The coolant level should be ideally between the minimum and maximum indications. Top it up if it’s below the said level. |
| Front and Rear Lights | Properly working lights are a must when you drive in the dark. Hence, check that your main beam, headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights are aligned and fully functioning. You must also pay attention to the cracks in the lenses, if any. |
| Windscreen Washer Fluid Levels | Your washer bottle should always have enough fluid so that you can keep the windscreen clean at all times. Test the jet nozzles surely to ensure they are not blocked. And if they are, fix these as soon as possible. |
Bi-Monthly Car Maintenance Checklist
| Oil Levels | The purpose of engine oil is to keep all internal components cool. To check the oil level, the dipstick should indicate the ideal range. If necessary, more oil can be added. If the oil appears black and smudges, a complete oil change may be necessary. |
| Check Tyre Pressure and Tread | Inappropriate tyre pressure can cause uneven wear and increase the chances of skidding. Hence, you must check tyre pressure at least twice a month. Turn to your vehicle’s manual to know the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. The legal standard for tread depth is 1.6mm |
| Windscreen Wiper Blades | The wiper blades should operate quietly when the vehicle is in motion. There should be no screeching or scraping sounds. It’s also important to ensure they move smoothly across the windscreen without any juddering. They should not leave streaks behind. It’s also crucial to check the rubber blade regularly for splits and tears, as it’s a fragile component. Neglecting proper maintenance of your wiper blades could result in eventual damage to your windscreen. |
| Brakes | Brakes are hard to inspect with the naked eye. However, you can check for any unfamiliar, weird sounds, such as grinding when braking. If you notice these noises or the brake pedal feels spongy, it may indicate they need replacement. As such, get your brakes inspected by a European car specialist near you. |
Additional Things To Check
| Power Steering Fluid | Check for the power steering fluid level about once a year. It should remain consistent with no drop in their levels. |
| Brake Fluid Reservoir | A vital component that needs to be checked once a year. Ensure to have an optimal level of hydraulic brake fluid. This means the fluid in the brake reservoir should be close to the “full” mark. If you’re aware of significant wear in your brake pads, it’s worthwhile to check if a top-up is required quickly. |
| Mud and Dirt | The longer dirt remains settled on your car, the faster it can corrode the clear coat of paint. This ultimately leads to rusting of the metal base. To prevent this, it’s important to wash and wax your car regularly. Not only does this keep your car looking clean with sparkling mirrors and a visible registration plate, but it also helps to protect the paint from corrosion. |
Things To Check On Car Before A Road Trip
Besides all the above things that need to be checked, there are other essential components you must inspect before heading off on a road trip. These are:
- Check Car Batteries
Leave a dead battery unchecked, and you will get stuck on the side of a road during your trip! So, regardless of the season you’re travelling, make sure to check your car batteries. Ensure they are charged fully.
Generally, car batteries wear out within five to seven years of use. Signs such as difficulty starting your car are signs of worn-out batteries. Before you leave for your trip, check the date on the top of the battery and see if you need a car battery replacement near Melbourne. - Change Air Filters
Dirty air filters can stop fresh air from entering your car and its engine. This can prevent the smooth functioning of your car, causing the engine to consume more fuel. It’s a good idea to get your cabin and engine replaced quickly. It will also indicate if you need to get your AC unit serviced. - Check For Spare Tyres
Finding that your spare tyre is flat or damaged when you experience tyre trouble can be troublesome. To avoid this, it’s essential to check that your spare tyres are fully inflated and free of nicks or punctures.
If you’re heading on a long road trip, it’s a good idea to replace your spare tyre if necessary and ensure you have all the tools required to change a tyre. Taking these steps will ensure that your journey is safe and your tyres are reliable. - Check the Validity Of Your Car Insurance
Before embarking on a long car journey, it is crucial to verify the validity of your car insurance policy and ensure that it has not lapsed. If it’s time for renewal, it may be beneficial to obtain a comprehensive policy. - Don’t Forget To Refill Your Fuel Tank
As obvious as it may seem, you could forget to refuel your fuel tank amid the excitement or hustle of your trip. Make it a point to fill your fuel tank to its capacity a day before your trip begins. Doing this will ensure your trip isn’t ruined because of a silly miss.
Conclusion
Car maintenance is crucial for your safety and a smooth ride. The above-discussed car checks should be carried out regardless of what you use your vehicle for. Remember, a few minutes of car inspection could save you hundreds and thousands of bucks in repair costs.
As the leading European car specialists in Melbourne, BCS Prestige can help you take care of your vehicles professionally. We have hands-on experience with repairing and servicing many vehicles, like- Peugeot, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Audi. So, whether you are kickstarting a long road journey or facing some issues with your car during your daily commute, come to us. We will inspect your vehicle to detect any potential issues and give you the best car service your vehicle deserves.
For more details or to book your appointment, call us on (03) 9501 0010
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