10 Essential Car Maintenance Tips: Definitive Guide [2020]

A vehicle is one of the most prized possessions. With easy payment options and vehicles across different price ranges, nearly everyone owns a car today. Those who already own a car would agree when we say that a car is like family. It is an important part of our daily lives and we have so many fond memories of it. Therefore, it needs to be maintained properly. Otherwise, fond memories can quickly turn into nightmares.

In this article, we will be discussing the 10 essential car maintenance tips to ensure that your ride remains in perfect condition. Before doing so, let us see the top advantages of maintenance.

Advantages of Routine Maintenance:

1. Higher Resale Value

Given the choice, would you prefer to buy a product that is poorly maintained over a product that is properly maintained and cared for? The answer is no! No one would like to buy such a product. The same applies to poorly maintained vehicles. There is no reason to invest in such a product because there is always the possibility that vital components are near the end of life due to a lack of proper care.

On the other hand, if a vehicle has been looked after with great care, the resale value would be greatly improved. People might even pay more than the asking price.

2. Clean and Healthy Environment

Dirt, mud, and other contaminants are removed during maintenance. This prevents the car from harbouring harmful bacteria that can negatively impact the health of people using that vehicle. Likewise, maintenance also ensures that each vehicle component works in top condition.

This reduces the strain on the environment and can improve the air quality among many other things.If you are living in areas with strict environmental laws, it is better to care for the vehicle than to pay fines.

3. Saves Repair Costs

During car periodic maintenance, all vehicular components are tested to ensure that they are working properly. This way, any potential problem can be diagnosed before it gets serious. For instance, if there is a problem with the AC, car repair shops would diagnose the problem during periodic maintenance and fix it right away.

However, if you do not invest in maintenance, the problem would go undetected. Over time, it can impact other components. The repair bill will be much greater than the maintenance bill. Therefore, choose wisely.

4. Improves Performance

Most of you would agree when I say that a properly maintained vehicle will not break down suddenly nor lose its edge when it comes to performance. However, the same cannot be said for poorly maintained vehicles. They can break down suddenly without a warning. As a result, you may miss an important meeting.

Likewise, if this happens during a leisure trip, it can ruin the whole vacation. Your insurance provider might also not cover the damages fully. Instead of taking any unnecessary and completely avoidable risks, we recommend our readers to invest in timely maintenance.

Maintenance Tips:

Now, let us look at the top 10 essential car maintenance tips that will improve the vehicle’s performance and help you avoid costly repairs.

1. Tires

There is no doubt that tires are amongst the most vital components in a vehicle. After all, why shouldn’t they be? They are the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the road surface. In addition to this, they are responsible for braking, acceleration, handling, and even carrying the weight of the vehicle in addition to the passengers. Therefore, they need to be in top condition.

Speaking of condition, make sure that there is adequate tread depth left. Using a tire with a tread below 1.6 mm is illegal in the UAE and many other countries. It is why companies offering car maintenance in Dubai recommend buyers to replace their tires when the tread nears this limit. Furthermore, the tire pressure needs to be kept at the recommended levels.

Over and underinflated tires are equally dangerous. Such tires can burst while also putting unnecessary strain on the wheel, suspension, engine and other components. Many people are unaware but such tires also lead to poor fuel consumption. Therefore, always pay attention to the tires during maintenance.

2. Engine Oil

Another key component of maintenance is engine oil. Make sure that the oil is changed regularly to ensure that the engine works in perfect condition. Failure to change the oil at the right intervals can result in a hefty repair bill. With a little experience and guidance, the oil can also be changed without the need for professional help.

3. Lights

Imagine driving down the road at night with dirty lights. Well, instead of imagining, we recommend cleaning the lights right away. Dirty lights are a serious safety hazard because they prevent the driver from getting a good look ahead. This increases the likelihood of an accident.

Likewise, if the lights on the back of the car are dirty, the cars coming from behind might be unable to see that there is a car ahead. Again, this increases the probability of an accident. Therefore, make sure that all lights are thoroughly cleaned to ensure perfect visibility for yourself and others.

4. Air Filter

Getting clean air into the engine is a vital component of the combustion process. All of us know that there are dirt particles in the air. The air filter prevents these particles from getting into the engine and wreaking havoc in it. Therefore, make sure that the air filter is changed regularly to prevent issues. Keep in mind that engine-related repairs are quite costly.

5. Fluids

In addition to the engine oil, many other key fluids need to be kept at recommended levels. For more detailed information, revisit your owner’s manual. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are among the different fluids that you need to carefully monitor and ensure that they are at the recommended levels. Whether it’s a car repair shop in Dubai or anywhere in the world, all would agree with this.

6. Wash & Wax

Regular car wash ensures that dirt and other contaminants are removed. This improves the overall look of the car, while wax protects the paint job. Overall, wash and wax are necessary and they often go hand in hand. Washing alone is not enough just like waxing. There are wax products that tend to last for 3-6 months. Therefore, you do not need to apply it every week or month.

7. Air Conditioning

Another key component of car periodic maintenance is AC servicing. Make sure that the compressor is working properly and AC vents are thoroughly cleaned. An AC breakdown is costly to repair.

8. Car Insurance

Although not directly related to maintenance in the traditional sense, checking up on your car insurance regularly is a good habit. Make sure that the vehicle is still covered by insurance and keep out for good deals. Also, it helps in keeping all insurance-related documents up to date. Therefore, if a need arises, you’ll already have everything at hand.

9. Windscreen

Just like the lights, the windscreen needs to be properly cleaned. Otherwise, it can impede visibility which is never a good thing. A simple wash can remove the dirt. If you feel that it is still dirty, you can use cleaners that are made specifically for use on windows.

10. Electrical Audit

Have a professional workshop conduct an electrical audit of your vehicle. This involves making sure all electric components are in good condition. Even a small electric failure can be costly to repair. Therefore, it is always wise to make sure that all electric parts are working properly.