Simple Vehicle Maintenance - Car maintenance is an activity that can be done by anyone, whether male or female. Driving alone is also not just a man's job. Now many women also drive alone.
Vehicles of course need checking and maintenance, so that vehicle performance is maintained properly. This will also prevent traffic accidents due to engine failure.
The answer. Can .
You don't have to understand car engines in detail to maintain them. Just do simple maintenance at home so that your favorite vehicle lasts longer.
If you hear the words "car maintenance", maybe some people will think that this activity is complicated and tiring. In fact, you can do it in a simple way.
You won't need any special tools to do this. So, there's no need to be afraid or lazy to start.
Here are some car maintenance tips that you can apply at home:
1. Warm Up the Engine
If you rarely drive, you should routinely warm up your car engine about 3 times every week. If you're too busy, at least heat it twice a week.
It would be better if you could heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute every day. Please warm up the engine with the transmission in neutral and without turning on the AC.
Why does the engine need to be warmed up regularly as a form of car maintenance? If the engine is not turned on for a long time, the battery will not be charged (the battery will drop) and the oil quality will decrease (the oil will settle).
There are other impacts if the engine is rarely warmed up. Namely, an oxidation process occurs which can damage the chemical formula of engine oil. Therefore, if you rarely drive, take time every week to warm up the engine.
2. Check Tire Condition
Tires are the most important component in a vehicle, how could they not be, they are the ones that come into direct contact with the road asphalt. one of which will be very dangerous if the tires are thin or worn out. So what can we do to check tires?
ü Make sure to check the tire thickness. Each tire is generally equipped with a tire thickness indicator, usually with a triangle symbol at several points on the side of the tire OR a Tread Wear Indicator (TWI). . This sign is an indicator if the tire is approaching thin or a recommendation to replace it immediately.
ü Make sure to check the tire pressure before driving or do it regularly every week. that the tire pressure will decrease during use, even when the vehicle is not in use. Tire pressure is adjusted for each vehicle. You can look at the vehicle manual or look at the sticker on the vehicle (usually attached to the vehicle body on the inside driver's door). With the right tire pressure, it will also provide driving comfort. Not only that, the tires will also last longer.
ü Also check whether there are objects stuck in the tire. For example, sharp objects or gravel. Such objects can damage the tire tread and cause subtle leaks.
Tire-related car maintenance is important so that driving safety is maintained. Especially if you travel long distances, it is very important to check the tires.
3. Check fluids and oil
There are many fluids in the car that need attention.
ü Water in tank reservoir
This is the radiator storage water that is connected to the main radiator. make sure the water is filled above the minimum level and/or level with the maximum level (not full, because empty space is needed in the tank)
ü Brake fluid,
This brake fluid is very fatal if it runs out. Make sure the brake fluid is filled above the minimum level and/or equal to the maximum level (do not fill it up, because it requires free space in the tank). And also check the color.
If it starts to get dark/dirty, it's best to immediately go to the nearest repair shop to have it replaced. Generally, brake fluid usage is around 40,000 km or 2 years of use
ü Radiator water
Make sure the radiator water is full. You need to remember and pay attention, to check it you have to have a cold engine. because there is a risk of spraying if the engine is on or when the engine is hot. . Also make sure to look at the color of the coolant.
If it starts to get dark/dirty, it's best to immediately go to the nearest repair shop to have it replaced. Generally, radiator water usage is around 40,000km or 2 years of use
ü Engine oil
Make sure the engine oil is filled above the minimum level and/or equal to the maximum level (not full, because empty space is needed in the tank).
Not enough engine oil will cause a rough engine sound and the engine will heat up quickly and even cause damage to the engine's internal components.
Engine oil that is too full will cause heavy pulling or less responsiveness.
If it starts to get dark/dirty, it's best to immediately go to the nearest repair shop to have it replaced. Generally, radiator water usage is around 10,000km or 6 months of use
ü Transmission oil
Make sure the transmission oil is filled above the minimum level and/or equal to the maximum level (not full, because empty space is needed in the tank).
Not enough transmission oil will cause a rough engine sound and the engine will heat up quickly and even cause damage to internal engine components.
Transmission oil that is too full will cause heavy pulling or less responsiveness.
If it starts to get dark/dirty, it's best to immediately go to the nearest repair shop to have it replaced. Generally, radiator water usage is around 40,000km or 2 years of use
ü Wiper water
Also check the availability of wiper water which is useful for cleaning dirt on the car windshield. You can fill this section with normal water or add washer fluid
Everything should be at the level recommended by the manufacturer. So, carry out car maintenance by checking the fluids thoroughly. Starting from checking the availability of water, checking the color and checking for leaks if possible.
4. Check the Lights
Another car maintenance that is no less important is checking the lights. Make sure all the lights are functioning normally, without any going out. Starting from the front lights to the rear lights.
Headlights and rear lights are useful in helping visibility at night and making the car visible to other road users. Don't forget to also check the brake lights to avoid the vehicle being hit from behind when slowing down.
5. Clean the car regularly
Don't be lazy about cleaning your car, from the carpet, upholstery, to the dashboard. At least clean it from dust using a vacuum cleaner.
The glass part should also not be overlooked in cleaning. So that the glass is always clean and clear. Of course, frosted glass will interfere with your vision when driving.
Cleaning your vehicle will prevent you from possible bacteria and viruses. Because cleanliness will bring comfort and be able to maintain the health of passengers.
Also clean the outside by washing the car. Wash regularly once a week. You don't need to wash it too often, but don't wash it too rarely either. You can use special shampoo to wash your car.
6. Routine ServiceDoes a rarely used car need to be serviced? It doesn't matter whether your car is frequently used or not, servicing is still mandatory. When service is carried out regularly, you will know what things need extra attention.
Don't underestimate driving safety. For example, if a component needs to be replaced, replace it immediately. Like broken brake pads or rear view mirrors.
Service at a repair shop needs to be done when the car has traveled 10,000 KM. or it's been 6 months.
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