Maintaining your car’s condition is a critical aspect of driving safely, as it helps it run optimally and extends its lifespan.
Basic maintenance tasks can be completed independently or with the help of a mechanic. The key is to follow the schedules outlined in your owner’s manual for maximum benefit.
Tires
Tires (American English) or tyres (British English) are ring-shaped components that surround a wheel’s rim to transfer vehicle weight from the axle through it and provide traction on any surface it travels over. These pneumatically inflated structures offer an elastic cushion which absorbs shock when rolling over rough features on the road surface.
Modern tires are composed of various raw materials, such as rubber and other synthetic chemicals. Sometimes, textiles and fillers are added to these raw materials for extra strength.
The three primary layers of a tire are the body ply, bead, and tread. These components are secured together either with chemical adhesive or heat.
A tire’s construction is a detailed process with numerous specialized elements. To fully comprehend its function and ensure they work optimally for your vehicle, it’s essential to become familiar with all parts of a tire.
Lights
Lights are essential components for vehicle safety, and are featured in nearly all cars’ design. They illuminate the road ahead, alert other drivers of your presence and signal upcoming turns or overtakes.
Headlights are the primary illumination sources in cars, offering both high- and low-beam beams to illuminate the road ahead. Low beams give a broad distribution of illumination without creating too much glare that could blind other motorists or pedestrians; high beams offer intense center-weighted illumination which helps you see through dense fog.
Tail lights are located on the rear of your vehicle and turn on and off simultaneously with headlights to alert other drivers that you are slowing down or stopping.
Turn signals, also known as blinkers, are located on the front and rear of your vehicle next to your headlights and taillights. They serve to alert other road users (and pedestrians) when you plan to make a turn.
Fluids
Your car requires several fluids to run optimally and smoothly, plus regular maintenance to keep them functioning optimally.
Oil is the primary liquid your car uses to cool and lubricate its internal components. Not only does it reduce friction, protect the engine from damage, and keep dirt out of engine openings, but oil also acts as a lubricant, helping keep them clear and prevents them from sticking together.
Regular engine oil changes are recommended, with the recommended interval being about every 3,000 miles. Different types of oils exist such as fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural or mineral.
Transmission fluid not only lubricates and cools your gears, clutches, and valves in your transmission but it also cleans them, preventing residue buildup that could lead to rough shifting or other issues.
Coolant helps cool your engine by absorbing excess heat and taking toxic byproducts out of the exhaust system. However, coolant can deteriorate over time; thus, having an antifreeze test performed after 50,000 miles is recommended for optimal protection.
Tools
Tools are essential for any successful car maintenance job. Even experienced mechanics need them in order to diagnose and fix problems on their own.
Basic tools should include sockets, ratchet handles, wrenches and pliers. Extension bars and Allen (hex) keys may also be beneficial.
Torque wrenches are essential tools for tightening bolts and nuts that hold your car together. Their built-in gauge indicates how much force should be applied to a fastener in order to guarantee it remains securely in place.
Additionally, a digital multimeter can help determine what’s wrong with your vehicle and which parts need replacement. A jack or jack stand are useful for lifting the car so that you can inspect underneath.
