A car breakdown can be one of the most frustrating events of the day. Imagine being trapped in the middle of the road under the hot blazing sun while your car refuses to budge…or…the car engine just refuse to start as you’re rushing off to work.
Thankfully, simple vehicle maintenance can save you the frustration and expense of costly repairs. Here are some tips to save you time, hassle and money.
1. Look out for abnormal symptoms or noises while driving
If you observe significantly increased fuel consumption, hard starting or any unusual noises while driving, get your car inspected by an automotive technician. A good, honest car mechanic will usually not charge anything if there isn’t anything wrong with your car in the end.
2. Regular Servicing
Your vehicle should be serviced at regular intervals, usually every 10,000km or every 12 months, which ever occurs first. This alone will help avoid most car breakdowns on the road.
Make sure your car mechanic helps you check your radiator coolant level and if your radiator has accumulated any sludge…or…have suffered any rust or deterioration. Your car mechanic should also check the fan belt and drive belts, the battery health, the tyres and brakes as well as all the fluid levels under your car bonnet, etc.
You’re also advised to keep a car-servicing journal (usually provided by your dealer’s authorized workshops) to record the frequency of various car maintenance tasks.
3. Engine oil
Perform an engine oil level check occasionally (using the dipstick) when the engine is cold. Engine oil tends to get darker in colour as it ages. If your oil is darker than usual and you’re unsure of the mileage or when your last service was, the oil should be replaced.
4. Battery
Check the battery’s electrolyte level and top up with water if required. Ensure the terminals are clean and securely tightened. Buying batteries classified as “low maintenance” or “maintenance free” could help you save time on battery inspections. All new maintenance-free batteries can easily last over a year, so you won’t have a problem here.
The major cause of a car breakdown on public roads is due to flat batteries or punctured tyres. And this can be easily avoided or quickly rectified by ensuring that your batteries are checked regularly and your spare tyres are pumped to the correct pressure. So do these simple checks and you’ll have a smoother drive on the road.
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