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Keeping up with car maintenance probably isn't the most exciting item on your to-do list. But giving your vehicle a little routine attention (and money) is totally worth it – for your safety and savings. We have 13 car maintenance tips that will help you avoid having to replace your car in the workshop and avoid having to buy a new vehicle for as long as possible. Look!
13 car maintenance tips that will save you money
- Check your spare tyre.
It is equally important to fill up your spare tyre as it is for the four tyres on your car. The last thing you want is to discover that the spare tyre is flat when you remove the jack from the trunk. It's better to spend some rupees on an air pump every few months to inflate your spare tire than to spend thousands on a tow truck when needed.
Maintenance tip: Check the air pressure of the leading tyres and spare tyres once a month.
- Change the oil.
How much can skipping an oil change affect your budget? Oh, plenty. Oil problems are among the most expensive car maintenance problems because oil affects almost everything in your car. So don't miss it. Changing the oil (and filter) costs about 4000 rupees. For the price of a family dinner at a higher-end fast food restaurant, you reduce the risk of engine wear and tear – which costs a lot more than a hamburger and fries
Maintenance Tip: Change the oil every 8,000 kms or follow the automaker's recommendations.
- Keep the battery clean.
Over time, corrosion (which looks like a white or bluish powder) can form on the terminals (those little metal buttons on top) of your car battery. If you don't keep it clean, the battery can crack or simply not work, leaving you stranded. Since a quality car battery can cost up to 20000 rupees - and even more with a tow truck - buying a wire brush and preserving the terminals is money well spent.
Maintenance Tip: Check your battery two times per year and examine it for any signs of corrosion
- Replace the brake pads.
Can you hear a squeak when you apply the brakes?If so, your brake pads may be on their last legs. Replacements can cost up to 25000 per axle plus labor fee if installed by a professional. We know the price may seem high. But this is not something to mess around with. You can't just stop yelling at your feet like Fred Flintstone. Don't have an accident. Keep your brakes working.
Maintenance tip: Check your brake fluid every time you change the oil to make sure it's not dark. If it is, you will need to change the brake system sooner or later.
- Replace the cabin air filter.
Your car's cabin air filter prevents pollutants from entering through the ventilation openings. It's a very important job, so treat your air filter well. Furthermore, using an old air filter that is past its useful life can cause major problems with your air conditioning system. And trust us, you don't want that. AC unit maintenance can cost around 40000 rupees, but replacing it costs around 1 lakh .
Maintenance tip: Change the cabin air filter every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers.
- Get new windshield wipers.
Depending on the make and model of your car, purchasing new windshield wipers can cost between 1000 and 2000 in parts and labor. While it may seem like a high price for something so small, this is another time that safety is the priority. After all, if you can't see the road, you really shouldn't be driving. This. it's not safe. Repairing or replacing your car after an accident will cost much more than new wipers.
Maintenance tip: Inspect your windshield wipers regularly as the seasons change and replace them as needed..
- Rotate your tyres.
Are you aware that by regularly rotating your tyres, you can effectively prolong their lifespan?And truth! Your car's tyres don't wear out the same way. When you rotate them regularly, they'll last longer and you'll save about 2000 per tire, which equates to almost 25-50k for a new set of four.
Maintenance Tip: Make sure to switch your tyres every 5000-8000 km.
- Check the shock absorbers, springs and bars (hereinafter referred to as the suspension system).
The suspension system is one of those complicated parts of your car that you probably don't think about - until it's doing its job and making your ride stronger than a trampoline park. If you find that one of the shocks needs replacing, go ahead and replace all four. Yes, it is unfortunate, but it is ultimately beneficial for the overall health and longevity of your vehicle in the end.
Maintenance Tip: Check shock absorbers and full suspension system every 25000–50,000 km.
- Check the coolant.
If you don't stay on top of changing your coolant, you risk serious corrosion inside your car. Which is both serious and harmful. Coolant affects everything from the heating and air conditioning to the radiator and water pump. For something that has such a big impact on the overall health of your car, you don't want to skip servicing it.
Maintenance Tip: It's a good idea to check your coolant level twice a year - once before warm weather arrives and again before frost arrives.
- Check the spark plugs.
If your engine is having problems, one of the most common causes (and easy to solve) is the spark plugs. And guess what? A spark plug usually costs less than 800 rs. What a small price to pay to avoid a major engine overhaul, as replacing this sucker starts at around 50000 rs.
Maintenance Tip: Inspect and replace your spark plugs approximately every 50,000 kms.
- Check belts and hoses.
Inspecting belts and hoses can save you from huge mechanic bills in the future. Worn belts can cause other damage to important parts of your car. And if you have a weak radiator hose, it can become fully jacked, causing the engine to overheat and stop altogether. And running is, in a sense, the main task of a car engine.
Basic maintenance: Replace the timing belt every 1,00,000 kms and the serpentine belt every 60,000 kms. It is recommended that you replace your hoses every four years or when they show signs of wear.
- Check the headlights, turn signal, brake and brake lights.
Tickets are expensive and can cost you your car insurance. Also, your lights are an important safety feature. They help you find and communicate with other drivers. Release the ticket. Stay safe. Check your lights.
Tip: Ask a friend to help you make sure everything is working properly by testing the headlights, turn signals, headlights and taillights once a month. .
- Do the emissions test.
Depending on the state or county you live in, your vehicle may need to pass a state roadworthiness test. By maintaining the required maintenance on your car, it should go with flying colours. But if it doesn't get a gold star, it's something you'll want to see too. A suspension test will tell you what's wrong and what needs to be fixed so your car can pass inspection - so safe and ready.
Also Read: Tips for Car Maintenance and Safety During Monsoon
