In addition to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, this basic car maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of the small problems so they don’t turn into big problems. Taking care of your car by performing preventative maintenance helps ensure you have safe and reliable transportation, but with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to forget about routine car maintenance tasks. Your Easy-to-Follow Auto Maintenance Checklist When it’s time to sell or trade in the vehicle, having detailed service records can also help boost its value. In some cases, failing to follow preventative auto maintenance guidelines could void the vehicle’s warranty. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your car by preventing major malfunctions. When your vehicle is well-maintained, you get better gas mileage, a smoother ride and fewer roadside breakdowns.

Wiper blades on vehicles operating under severe conditions should be checked daily for deterioration.Car maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle ownership.

Check wiper blades regularly (especially during the warmer months) and change blades that may have deteriorated.

It could render your car dangerous, unroadworthy and uninsured. If you have any concerns, get them checked by an automotive technician.

Check that both pedals perform properly and that they are not sinking to the floor.

Ensure you top-up using the correct fluid.

There are typically marks on the reservoirs for you to use as a guide.

Check the fluid levels of the brake and clutch cylinders (if applicable).

A tread depth less than a match-head is unsafe and illegal.

Check for abnormal tyre wear which may indicate incorrect pressure or a wheel alignment problem.

If you have to use your space saver spare tyre, it should not be driven at speeds above 80 kph or for distances exceeding 100km.

Usually, space saver spare tyres should be inflated to 420 kps / 60 PSI.

Check tyre pressure regularly including the spare.

In this situation, consult a battery specialist or automotive technician.

A battery labelled 'low maintenance' or 'maintenance free' could still be low on fluid.

Check the electrolyte level and top up with water if required.

Ensure the terminals are clean and securely tightened.

If the belt appears loose, have an automotive technician make the necessary adjustments especially in newer cars.

Check for fraying, cracks or other signs of deterioration.

When driving, particularly on long journeys, continuously check your oil and water indicators, and warning lights.

Vehicles with air conditioning occasionally drip water from the condenser drain pipe, so any apparent leakage may not necessarily be from the engine cooling system.

Look for signs of oil or coolant leakage on the driveway after your vehicle has been parked.

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. Engine oil tends to get darker in colour as it ages.

Check the engine oil level using the dipstick when the engine is cold - perform this check twice.

Check radiator and heater hoses for signs of deterioration, leakage, softening and loose clamps.

Leaks are indicated by the presence of water or water staining.

Check the radiator core and tanks for leaks.

Check the seal on the radiator cap and for evidence of sludge build-up on the underneath of the cap and in the neck of the radiator.Coolant level should be high when your vehicle is hot and low when your vehicle is cold. Check the operation of the expansion tank (if fitted).Check the radiator coolant level when your vehicle is cold.Check your manufacturer's recommendation. Your vehicle should be serviced at regular intervals- usually every 10,000km or every 12 months (whichever occurs first).Generally, ensure increased fuel or oil consumption, hard starting, rough running or any unusual noises experienced while driving are promptly inspected by an automotive technician.

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Simple car maintenance checklist