If you have just passed your driving test and are looking forward to owning your very first car, you will need to learn about vehicle maintenance. The average car comprises of around 30,000 separate components and things can and do go wrong, especially when servicing is not carried out. If all this sounds a bit daunting, here are some of the basic tasks that need to be done when servicing your car.
The Engine
Whether gasoline or diesel, the engine is the power unit and perhaps the most important task of all is to replace the engine oil, along with the oil filter. This needs to be done every 5,000km or thereabouts (see owner’s manual) and you should use the specified brand and grade of oil. Check the oil level every few days, topping up when necessary, as it is critical that the engine has lubrication. Engine belts (fan & alternator) need to be checked for wear and tear and correctly tensioned, while the air filter should either be replaced or cleaned. If you are looking to buy your first car, check out Saint John’s best used car dealer who has a great range of used cars at affordable prices.
Brakes
A set of front and back brake pads would typically last 40-50,000km before they are replaced, while the hydraulic fluid levels should be monitored. When inspecting the vehicle, take a look at the brake discs, which should be smooth; if brake pads wear down to the rivets, this will score the disc and a replacement disc is certainly not cheap.
Tires
Your tires are the only contact you have with the road and you should regularly inspect each tire, looking for bulges or tears and there should be at least 5mm tread depth. Tires should be inflated to the correct PSI, which you can find in the owner’s manual and every time you are about to use the car, take a walk for a quick visual inspection, including the tires.
Full Service History
When you purchase the car, ask the dealer about servicing, which would be a service they offer and you can book the service via the dealer’s website. When you decide to sell the car, it should have a full service history, details of which can be found in the rear section of the owner’s manual.
Don’t take chances when it comes to your car, rather book it in with a local garage when the mileage interval arrives and let the professionals take care of the maintenance.
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