Every motorist must know how to look after their car. There are various checks that everyone should know how to do so that they can keep their car in tip-top shape, avoid any issues and prolong the life of the vehicle. Additionally, if you regularly go on long-distance journeys then you must perform these checks. Keep reading to learn about some of the most important checks that you should be performing.
The Importance of Regular Checks
First, it is important to learn about why these checks are so important. These checks are important because they can help you to detect and prevent issues with your car. This is important for keeping the car running, but it is also important for safe driving. A car that has an issue is a potentially unsafe one, which could endanger you, your passengers, and other road users. Physical inspections are key so that you can detect issues before they become major problems, such as a cracked windscreen that will get worse over time.
Seasonality must also be considered as the weather can affect your car in different ways. During summer, for example, the heat can cause the tyres to over-inflate. Winter, meanwhile, can negatively impact the battery’s ability to hold the charge.
The Interior of Your Car
First, you should get into the habit of checking the interior of your car. This will include checking that all of the electronics work properly, including the door locks, lights, and windows. You also want to check the general condition of the interior and try to keep it clean and fresh – a worn interior can lower the value and make it a lot harder to sell. You should also keep an eye on the temperature of the car as this can have an impact on the performance. As an example, you can fit thermocouples to the brake disc and pad to record the temperature and ensure that it is at a safe level – the surface temperature has a direct impact on the performance of the brakes.
Car Exterior
There is a lot that you should be checking on the exterior of the car. This includes:
- Fuel and oil leaks underneath
- Lights and indicators working
- Engine exhaust smoke
- Tyre pressure
- Tyre tread depth
- Tyre condition
- Scratches, dents, and dings
Every motorist needs to get into the habit of perfuming the above checks on their car regularly. Performing regular checks allows you to keep your car in the best condition and detect issues before they become major problems. Hopefully, this will help you to avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of the vehicle. Crucially, this is also important from a safety standpoint and should ensure that you are driving a roadworthy car at all times.
