Maintain a hygienic and sanitary environment
Driving an impeccably clean car is a satisfying sensation, yet there are also practical justifications for bringing out the cleaning tools.
You must ensure that the number plates, lights, door mirrors, windows, and car lowering system of your car are kept clean according to the law. Dirty number plates are harder to read, and dirty lights and mirrors are not as effective. Moreover, dirty windows can obstruct your view.
It is crucial to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the interior of your car to ensure the proper functionality of the buttons and knobs. The presence of dirt and grime may hinder their proper operation. In addition, litter within the vehicle may obstruct the pedals, gear stick, and handbrake, with litter trapped under the brake pedal being particularly hazardous and may even cause accidents.
Make sure that the liquid levels are maintained properly
To ensure the proper functioning of a car, it requires several fluids including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Keeping track and maintaining the levels of these fluids can be easily done by oneself.
Traditionally, cars were equipped with a dipstick to check the oil level in their engines. However, modern cars use a computer system instead to monitor the oil level and display it on the dashboard. To determine whether your car has a dipstick, you should refer to the manual provided with the vehicle.
If your vehicle has a dipstick, it is recommended to check the oil level when the engine is cold. Wipe the dipstick clean after pulling it out, and re-insert it before removing it again to check the gauge towards the bottom. If the oil on the dipstick is at or below the minimum level, then the oil should be topped up with the appropriate type of oil specified in your car’s handbook. Using the correct type of oil for your engine’s design is crucial in preventing potential problems in the future.
In the engine bay, you can locate the reservoirs of coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Checking the levels of fluids periodically is important, especially when they are near or below the minimum level indicated on the reservoir. To top them up, simply remove the cap and pour in fresh fluid.
Take care of your windshield
It is essential to maintain an unobstructed and undamaged windscreen of your car to ensure proper visibility while driving. Keeping the windscreen washer fluid at an adequate level and ensuring that the wiper blades are clean is crucial.
If you possess knowledge about car maintenance, it may be valuable to check if your wiper blades are worn out. Simply lift the blade from the windscreen and run your finger over it to discover if it feels rough or uneven. It indicates that it requires replacement. You can purchase blades from a local car parts store and they are straightforward to install, but ensure that you buy the correct length.
It is imperative to take care of any chips or cracks in your car’s windshield without delay. Even minor flaws can quickly amplify into major issues. If the chip or crack is too large, or located in certain parts of the windscreen, it may lead to your vehicle failing the MOT.
Inspect the condition of your vehicle’s tires regularly
Maintaining the correct air pressure in your car’s tyres is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Inadequate pressure can result in negative effects on fuel economy and driving experience and potentially dangerous situations. To determine the appropriate tyre pressure for the front and rear, check the panel located on the inside part of the driver’s door.
