10 basic car maintenance tips for beginners

Your car is a valuable asset, and it's important to take care of it. Regular maintenance of your car can extend your vehicle's life and keep it running smoothly. It can also save you money on repairs in the long run.

In this blog post, we'll share 10 basic car maintenance tips for beginners in Pakistan. These tips are easy to follow and can help you to keep your car in good condition.

1. Check your tire pressure regularly.

Incorrect tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency, shorten the life of your tires, and increase the risk of accidents. If you drive in extreme conditions, check your tire pressure at least once a month.

How to check your tire pressure:

1.  To check the pressure of the tire of your vehicle, use a tire pressure gauge.
2. If the pressure is too low, add air until the recommended pressure is reached.
3. If the pressure is too high, let some air out until the recommended pressure is reached.

2. Change your oil and oil filter regularly.

Oil lubricates and protects your engine's moving parts. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness. Changing your oil and oil filter helps to keep your engine running smoothly.

How to change your oil and oil filter:

1. Turn off the engine and let it cool down for a few minutes.
2. Open the hood of your car.
3. Drain the old oil of your car.
4. Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
5. Locate the oil filter and remove it.
6. Screw on the new oil filter by hand until it is snug.
7. Add new oil to the engine until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick.
8. Close the hood of your car and start the engine.
9. Let the engine run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil.
10. Check the oil level again and add more oil if necessary.

3. Keep your engine cool.

Your car's engine needs to stay cool to avoid overheating. Check your coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed. It would be best if you also had your cooling system flushed and inspected every two years.

How to check your coolant level:

1. Open the hood of your car.
2. Locate the coolant reservoir.
3. Check the coolant level. The coolant level should be between the full and add marks.
4. Add coolant to the reservoir if necessary.

How to flush and inspect your cooling system:

1. Take your car to a qualified mechanic to have your cooling system flushed and inspected.

4. Check your brakes regularly.

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. It's important to check your brakes regularly to make sure they are working properly. Look for any signs of wear or tear, such as worn brake pads or rotors, and have your brakes repaired or replaced if necessary.

How to check your brakes:

1. Turn on your car and press the brake pedal. The pedal should feel firm and responsive.
2. If the pedal feels soft or spongy, have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic.

5. Check your lights regularly.

Make sure all of your car's lights are working properly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. This will help you to see and be seen at night and in bad weather.

How to check your lights:

1. Turn on all of your car's lights.
2. Walk around your car and make sure that all of the lights are working properly.
3. Ask a friend or family member to help you check your brake lights and turn signals.

6. Keep your windshield clean.

A dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make it difficult to drive safely. Clean your windshield regularly, especially inside and out. It would be best if you also used rain repellent to help keep your windshield clear in wet weather.

How to clean your windshield:

1. Spray your windshield with a windshield cleaner.
2. Wipe the windshield with a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the windshield is clean.

7. Replace your wiper blades regularly.

Wiper blades wear out over time and become less effective at cleaning your windshield. Replace your car wiper blades every six months if they are not cleaning your windshield properly.

How to replace your wiper blades:

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.

2. Slide off the old wiper blade.

3. Slide on the new wiper blade.

4. Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.

 

8. Keep your interior clean.

A dirty car interior can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Vacuum your car regularly and clean the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces with a damp cloth. 

How to clean your car interior:

1. Vacuum the floor, seats, and trunk of your car.
2. Wipe the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces with a damp cloth.
3. Use a carrera Dashboard cleaner to get a new look of your cars dashboard with the premium fragrance.

9. Wash your car regularly.

Washing your car regularly helps to remove dirt, grime, and other pollutants that can damage the paint. You should also wax your car every few months to protect the paint and make it look its best.

How to wash your car:

1. Rinse your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Apply car wash shampoo to your car using a sponge or wash mitt.
3. Wash your car from top to bottom, starting with the roof and working your way down to the wheels.
4. Rinse your car again with water to remove all of the soap.
5. Dry your car with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to wax your car:

1. Apply a thin coat of wax to your car using a sponge or microfiber cloth.
2. Buff the wax into the paint using a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the entire car is waxed.

10. Have your car serviced regularly.

Even if you follow all of the above tips, it's important to have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. This will help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause major damage.

 

Conclusion:

By following these basic car maintenance tips, you can help keep your car in good condition and extend its lifespan. This will save you money on repairs and help you to stay safe on the road.
Also, read 5 Best Auto Care Products in Pakistan