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For
most people, buying a car is a major decision.
So it is imperative that one gets the best
performance out of his/her vehicle. Cars if
maintained properly last a long time and run
properly.
To know about
one’s car it is very important that you go through
the owner’s manual which comes with every vehicle.
Secondly,
if preventive maintenance is routinely undertaken then
it not only prolongs the life of the vehicle but also
lessens considerably the chances of a breakdown and unnecessary
trouble.
Although
a car owner’s manual should explain everything about
the maintenance of the car, here we would like to re-emphasise
certain preventive measures which should be done regularly
to get the most out of your car.
The
Engine
One of the
most important things that determines the performance
and life of the engine is the lubricant or the engine
oil. The oil level must be checked at regular intervals
say once in every two weeks and before a long trip. This
can be done by opening the bonnet and pulling out the
dipstick. The dipstick is calibrated and it will indicate
the oil level.
On the dashboard
of almost all cars there is an engine oil light or some
indication. This actually comes on when the engine is
low on oil and lubrication is not happening properly.
So it is in fact a warning light. If this light comes
on, it is time to take the matter seriously. Immediately
check the oil level and if it is low then fill it. DO
NOT DRIVE IF THERE IS NO ENGINE OIL. Normally the oil
pressure light should glow only for a moment and then
go off. If it persists it could be a serious matter and
should be examined in the workshop or by a competent person.
An engine not having proper oil pressure means lubrication
is not taking place as it should, which could result in
serious breakdown of the engine. Remember to take seriously
all the lights on the instrument cluster, they have a
definite purpose.
On recommended
intervals, drain the oil for new one when engine is hot
only and while changing the oil, the oil in the oil filters
too must be changed. Fuel and air filters are also important
parts influencing the performance of the engine. They
too should be checked or replaced if necessary.
Every now
and then check the tension of the fan belt and after certain
duration check it’s condition from inside by removing
it. Remember it operates crucial engine parts like the
water pump, alternator etc.
Cooling
System
In order
to protect the engine from overheating, an efficient cooling
system is very essential. Water coolant level should be
checked at least once in a fortnight, but in summers it
should be more frequent. The ration of water to coolant
should be equal. Particular attention should be given
to water level in the radiator when the engine is cold.
Normally radiators have pressure rated caps. When the
coolant reaches very high temperature, it forces its way
through a valve in the pressure cap. The overflow is then
collected into coolant reservoir. When the engine is cool,
the vacuum created in the radiator draws the overflow
back.
In some cars,
the pressure cap starts to malfunction after a year or
so due to poor manufacturing quality. In such cases, the
coolant evaporates through the defective pressure cap
when it reaches high temperature, instead of flowing into
the coolant reservoir. This evaporation results in the
water level going down. This defective harmless looking
pressure cap can harm your engine if not taken care of
in time. Also time your annual servicing of the cooling
system just before the summer.
Cooling system
hoses, especially before summer should be checked. Any
hose that is cracked, leaking feels hard or spongy when
squeezed should be replaced immediately. While replacing
a hose be sure of its quality, correct size, length and
its shape. Make sure of fittings of the clamps. After
checking the hoses, it also helps to check the fan belt
also, since it plays an important role in cooling the
engine as it drives the water pump.
Fuel
System
It is also
very important to be careful about what and where you
put the fuel from. Firstly, look for trusted quality filling
station even if it means you have to go a little extra
distance because in the long run, it is worth it. The
adulteration and impurities of fuel can lead to a host
of problems for the engine and cause huge expenses. Tropical
and dusty conditions as in India can cause fuel tanks
to have moisture, rusty matter and fine particles which
clog fuel lines and the filters.
Get the tanks
properly checked once a year. Check the fuel and air filters
after 8-10 kms. If you are careful about your fuel system,
then you need not open the carburettor incurring unnecessary
expenses.
Smell of
fuel while driving defective fuel pump, carburettor overflow
or leakage. A simple look at the fuel lines and their
clamping on Sundays for any ensuing damage is always reassuring.
And remember to go through your owner’s manual carefully
and follow what it says about fuel injection systems which
requires different and special care especially regarding
fuel additives, high octane fuel and cleaning of fuel
spray nozzle.
Gearing
System
Gear System
of the car is a major component of a car’s drive
system which requires due attention and handling. Firstly
the clutch for manual gears should be completely pressed
before changing the gears and make sure that the clutch
is properly adjusted for free pedal movement for smooth
gear change. This habit also prolongs the life of the
clutch plate. With our kinds of road and traffic conditions,
it is better to familiarise properly with torque strength
(pulling power) of the vehicle. It can always help to
select the right gear at the right rpm in every situation
and avoid straining the engine. Selecting the correct
gear for a given condition and speed is an art which can
be learnt with practise. Apart from checking the oil level
in the gear box, go by the owner’s manual for the
grade of oil to be used. Remember, if you know how to
use gears properly, you are not only preserving your car,
but getting more mileage.
Avoid the
bad and damaging habit of resting the left foot on the
clutch pedal when it is not in use. Secondly, do not rev
the engine too much while engaging the first gear. This
can damage the clutch system. You should practise proper
co-ordination of pressing of accelerator and release of
clutch pedal. Remember, use of the clutch can reveal your
good or bad driving habits.
Brakes
Most brake
problems develop gradually and can be detected before
they become serious by inspecting the system. Most disc
and drum brake systems can be inspected for lining and
pads wear simply by removing the wheel and inspecting
the pads. Sometimes, the brake pedal goes all the way
down. This happens when the rear brake lining is wearing.
Though adjustment screws can mend the clearance between
the lining and drum, these days you have mechanisms which
do the same task automatically, i.e.: adjusting the clearance.
Brake fluid
level should be checked periodically. If the pedal is
spongy then there might be air present in the hoses. There
could be a leak if the fluid level is low (warning light
on the instrument cluster indicates a low level of brake
oil in the system). Have the job done immediately by a
mechanic. Bleeding of the brake fluid may be done at the
time of every second service and general check up of the
whole system should be done after about every five thousand
kilometres.
Hand
Brakes
They should
be applied only when the clutch is pressed. This exercise
will not tax the clutch system. While having the general
check up of brake system, look for blunt notches of the
hand brake and see if it’s cable requires replacement
in case the brakes are not effective.
Tyres
The tyres,
apart from it’s own function of rolling on the road,
also effects the general performance of the car. One should
always have uniformity of tread patterns of all the tyres.
Don’t mix and match different brands or radials with
bias or tyres with different plies. Always check air pressure
on cold tyres and not when they are hot as the air expands
when hot. Having lower air pressure than prescribed will
effect stability during drive, steering becomes more hard
harming the side walls of the tyres. It also causes high
fuel consumption while harming the suspensions and even
excessive air pressure results in faster wear of treads
giving a hard and bumpy ride. Steering can also become
tricky.
To make the
tyres last more rotate them after every 5000 kms. With
the sequence recommended by the owner’s manual. Always
make sure to replace the tyres in pairs. Wheel balance
is required to eliminate Centrifugal force and thereby
overcome the problem of a wobbling tyre. Note one thing
clearly, tyres are an integral part of the suspension
system and just a general look at them now and then would
be a good habit.
Servicing
suspension and steering components should be left to a
reputed garage and skilled mechanics. Again one should
refer to what the owner’s manual says. After every
25-30 thousand kms. Steering system may be inspected and
bushes replaced. Heaving bumpers up and down can check
shock absorbers. If they do not bounce freely after releasing
the bumpers, they should be checked in the garage. After
25,000 kms. The suspensions must be inspected. The shocker
must be replaced in pairs. Inspection and complete proper
renewal of lubricant of wheel bearing after 50,000 kms
is a must. The bearings require thorough cleaning, careful
, close inspection and greasing as they are meticulously
and precisely machined component. Neglecting it means
problems and major expenses.
Electrical
System
Maintaining
the electrical system of a car is also very essential
for trouble free service from the car. Car getting stalled
due to electrical problems can be frustrating and costly.
The easiest and best way to start on these problems and
preventing them is to notice the lights on the instrument
cluster. Read the owner’s manual carefully about
the electrical system. The red light for battery indicates
if the battery is being charged properly by the alternator
or not. There can be several reasons for a battery not
providing current properly, it could be right from defective
wiring to deposits in the terminal to defective alternator
and it’s belt and defective battery itself.
Get it checked
by an auto electrician. Water levels in the cells should
be just above the level of lead plates. During summer
the water level should be checked every week. Deposits
of copper sulphate should be removed with hot water or
sand or emery paper and apply petroleum jelly later. Be
sure to have terminal clamps tight and proper caps on
it. Also ensure that the cell’s caps are firm and
not cracked or broken. Vents should always be clear for
the battery to breathe properly. If one is not using the
vehicle for a long period of a month or so then remove
the terminals from the battery. This prevents the discharge
and prolongs the life of the battery.
The alternator
in the car plays a crucial role in the current system
as it recharges the battery and provides current when
the engine is running. Always make sure of proper tension
of it’s belt, it’s proper mounting and state
of the drive pulley as well as wiring connected to the
alternator.
If your battery
and alternator are working fine, then the starter too
should work fine, otherwise there could be a problem with
carbon bushes and armatures burnt out or other reasons
like worn out teeth of flywheel.
When the
car goes for regular servicing, it will be a good exercise
to inspect all the wiring and the terminals and circuit
system as well as the main fuse box. Also make sure to
carry extra fuses of different ampere values recommended
by the owner’s manual. Blowing of fuses means problem/s
somewhere along the circuit. Also don’t forget the
starter and it’s related problems. Get all of them
inspected by a good auto electrician.
Overall
Maintenance
Your owner’s
manual lists specific time or mileage intervals between
major and minor services your vehicle requires. Make sure
all these jobs are done in time. Many car owners record
each job in a notebook. A garage, if you have one, is
a more convenient place to keep the recording notebook
and receipts of job done. Always keep the note book with
the day and dates printed on each page and a calendar
page to mark dates in advance as well for inspection,
maintenance and major jobs along with the car’s current
mileage (and date). Apart from the car’s log book,
you can always prepare a reference chart for a quick look
for oil, filters, tyres and other minor and major jobs
done or scheduled to be done.
These are
just preventive measures explained as briefly as possible.
These measures adopted over a period of time, can easily
become applicable knowledge. Over and above, you will
always have experts in different subjects of your automobile
at your dealer’s workshop to consult to. And most
of all to refer to, you always have your car’s owner
manual provided by the manufacturer. They know best about
your car, after all, they created it.
Preventive
Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance is
the periodic inspection and replenishment/replacement
of lubricants and minor components to keep the vehicle
healthy. Every vehicle has a manufacturer's manual that
gives detailed maintenance procedures. There are, however,
some basic steps to good upkeep that every driver should
be aware of.
- Read and heed the owner's
manual
- Choose a good mechanic
and show your vehicle to him periodically
- Appreciate your vehicle's
symptoms. If something sounds or feels wrong, something
probably is wrong
- Follow the maintenance
schedule of the manufacturer and ensure the following:
- Once a week:
- Check engine oil and radiator
water/coolant
- Check tyre pressure
- Check brake and clutch
fluid
- Once a month or 2000 kms
- Get the vehicle serviced
- Ensure proper lubrication
- Every 3 months or 5000-7000
kms
- Check battery, power steering,
gear and transmission fluid levels
- Inspect fan belt, hosepipe
and lights
- Every 6 months
- Tune engine. Check and
adjust carburettor for emission standards
- Change engine oil and
filter
- Rotate wheels
- Check tyres and wheel
alignment
- Every year or 15000 kms
- Check wheel bearings and
the suspension system
- Check brake system. Flush
and refill brake fluid
- Change transmission fluid
- Clean or replace air and
fuel filters
- Check and lubricate door
hinges and handles
- Check all rubber channels
and linings. Replace if required
- Check wheel assembly.
Get the rim and wheel assembly balanced if required
- Always ensure anti-rust
treatment whenever any repair work is carried out
- Every 3 years
- Get a complete check-up
of your vehicle done
- Battery Maintenance
- Check battery every week
and top up water level if necessary
- Always keep battery terminals
clean and cable joints tight
- Apply Vaseline/petroleum
jelly on all terminals
- Ensure correct polarity
while connecting alternator to battery
- As a precaution,
- Do not use non-genuine
parts and lubricants. Always purchase them from the
authorised dealers or petrol pumps
- Do not pour cold water
into the radiator when the engine is hot, as this may
cause cracks on the cylinder head/block
- While washing, ensure
water does not enter into air cleaner or any electric
parts
- Spraying of oil on the
underside of the car is not desirable
- Oil is harmful to suspension
bushes, rubber parts and wiring
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