Ensuring your family and passengers are safe on the road should be a top priority for all drivers. One way to do this is to conduct routine car checks. By performing regular car checks, you can ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and can keep your family safe while on the road. In this article, we will discuss why regular automobile inspections are necessary, as well as how to carry them out. We will also discuss the benefits of keeping your car in good shape and the dangers of neglecting to run regular car checks.
Inspecting your tires should always be a priority when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s functionality in peak condition. As the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, it is essential to regularly assess the situation of your tires to ensure maximum safety for you and your family.
The easiest way to assess tire tread is with a depth gauge, found at most auto stores. Use this tool to measure the depth of the track on each tire, and ensure it meets the recommended depth for your vehicle. If it does not, your tires could be unsafe and need replacing. Look for cuts, bulges, or other deformations in the tire sidewall for any signs of damage. Such defects can lead to a blowout, so promptly replacing any damaged tires is essential. Check that your tires are properly inflated by using a tire pressure gauge. Not adequately filled tires will reduce your car’s fuel efficiency and overall handling ability.
A car Maintenance Routine should go all over your car from wipers to the brakes.
While inspecting your car, lights should be addressed. A check-up of the exterior and interior lights is vital to ensure safety while driving. Ensure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals turn on and off correctly and shine bright in the dark. If any bulbs are burned out, replace them right away. The dome light in the cabin should work in correlation to the door opening or closing.
To keep your family safe while driving, it is essential to ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and functioning properly. Start by looking for any signs of damage, such as frayed edges, cracks, or tears. Remove any dirt, leaves, or other material that may have gathered on the blades before checking them. Check that the blades are placed correctly and that they make contact with the glass while in use. Test them by running them across the windshield and ensuring they provide an even wiping motion. You should replace the wipers if any damage or uneven wiping is noticed. Replacing the wipers is easy and inexpensive and will prevent any potential accidents.
Regularly monitoring your vehicle’s fluid levels is crucial to ensuring it remains safe and operational. The engine oil should be a priority when evaluating your car’s fluids. This oil lubricates your engine’s parts and components. An inadequate supply could lead to an overheated engine or a locked-up system. To avoid these scenarios, inspect your oil every few months or more frequently if you’re an active driver.
Other fluid levels that require periodic checking are brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. The brake fluid helps to guarantee your car can come to a complete stop without difficulty. Coolant keeps your engine from reaching an overly-hot temperature. Transmission fluid ensures your vehicle switches between gears in a fluid motion. Windshield washer fluid should also be checked to ensure it is acceptable. This is particularly helpful for ensuring you have a clear view of the road when driving in wet or icy conditions.
To maintain the optimum performance of your car and the safety of yourself and your loved ones, it is essential to ensure the battery is in proper condition. Usually, if your car has trouble starting, it could be a sign that the battery is beginning to fail. To assess your battery, fasten it securely and check the connection points for dirt and corrosion. If needed, baking soda and water can be used to clean these connection points and ensure they are tightly held. The strength of the battery may be gauged with a voltmeter. It is time to get a replacement if it is below the required level. It is also suggested that if your battery is older than three years, a professional should check it and recommend the right battery to replace it.
Allegiance Automotive can help you assess any of these pieces on a routine car check. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services!