MAINTENANCE
TIPS...Compliments of the MeatnPlace
For
most people, buying a car is a major decision. So it is imperative that
one gets the best performance out of his/her vehicle. Cars if
maintained properly last a long time and run properly.
To
know about one’s car it is very important that you go through
the owner’s manual which comes with every vehicle.
Secondly,
if preventive maintenance is routinely undertaken then it not
only prolongs the life of the vehicle but also lessens considerably the
chances of a breakdown and unnecessary trouble.
Although
a car owner’s manual should explain everything about
the maintenance of the car, here we would like to re-emphasise certain
preventive measures which should be done regularly to get the most out
of your car.
The
Engine
One
of the most important things that determines the performance and life
of the engine is the lubricant or the engine oil. The oil level must be
checked at regular intervals say once in every two weeks and before a
long trip. This can be done by opening the bonnet and pulling out the
dipstick. The dipstick is calibrated and it will indicate the oil level.
On
the dashboard of almost all cars there is an engine oil light or some
indication. This actually comes on when the engine is low on oil and
lubrication is not happening properly. So it is in fact a warning
light. If this light comes on, it is time to take the matter seriously.
Immediately check the oil level and if it is low then fill it. DO NOT
DRIVE IF THERE IS NO ENGINE OIL. Normally the oil pressure light should
glow only for a moment and then go off. If it persists it could be a
serious matter and should be examined in the workshop or by a competent
person. An engine not having proper oil pressure means lubrication is
not taking place as it should, which could result in serious breakdown
of the engine. Remember to take seriously all the lights on the
instrument cluster, they have a definite purpose.
On
recommended intervals, drain the oil for new one when engine is hot
only and while changing the oil, the oil in the oil filters too must be
changed. Fuel and air filters are also important parts influencing the
performance of the engine. They too should be checked or replaced if
necessary.
Every
now and then check the tension of the fan belt and after certain
duration check it’s condition from inside by removing it.
Remember it operates crucial engine parts like the water pump,
alternator etc.
Cooling
System
In
order to protect the engine from overheating, an efficient cooling
system is very essential. Water coolant level should be checked at
least once in a fortnight, but in summers it should be more frequent.
The ration of water to coolant should be equal. Particular attention
should be given to water level in the radiator when the engine is cold.
Normally radiators have pressure rated caps. When the coolant reaches
very high temperature, it forces its way through a valve in the
pressure cap. The overflow is then collected into coolant reservoir.
When the engine is cool, the vacuum created in the radiator draws the
overflow back.
In
some cars, the pressure cap starts to malfunction after a year or so
due to poor manufacturing quality. In such cases, the coolant
evaporates through the defective pressure cap when it reaches high
temperature, instead of flowing into the coolant reservoir. This
evaporation results in the water level going down. This defective
harmless looking pressure cap can harm your engine if not taken care of
in time. Also time your annual servicing of the cooling system just
before the summer.
Cooling
system hoses, especially before summer should be checked. Any
hose that is cracked, leaking feels hard or spongy when squeezed should
be replaced immediately. While replacing a hose be sure of its quality,
correct size, length and its shape. Make sure of fittings of the
clamps. After checking the hoses, it also helps to check the fan belt
also, since it plays an important role in cooling the engine as it
drives the water pump.
Fuel
System
It is
also very important to be careful about what and where you put the fuel
from. Firstly, look for trusted quality filling station even if it
means you have to go a little extra distance because in the long run,
it is worth it. The adulteration and impurities of fuel can lead to a
host of problems for the engine and cause huge expenses. Tropical and
dusty conditions as in India can cause fuel tanks to have moisture,
rusty matter and fine particles which clog fuel lines and the filters.
Get
the tanks properly checked once a year. Check the fuel and air filters
after 8-10 kms. If you are careful about your fuel system, then you
need not open the carburettor incurring unnecessary expenses.
Smell
of fuel while driving defective fuel pump, carburettor overflow or
leakage. A simple look at the fuel lines and their clamping on Sundays
for any ensuing damage is always reassuring. And remember to go through
your owner’s manual carefully and follow what it says about
fuel injection systems which requires different and special care
especially regarding fuel additives, high octane fuel and cleaning of
fuel spray nozzle.
Drive
Train
Gear
System of the car is a major component of a car’s drive
system which requires due attention and handling. Firstly the clutch
for manual gears should be completely pressed before changing the gears
and make sure that the clutch is properly adjusted for free pedal
movement for smooth gear change. This habit also prolongs the life of
the clutch plate. With our kinds of road and traffic conditions, it is
better to familiarise properly with torque strength (pulling power) of
the vehicle. It can always help to select the right gear at the right
rpm in every situation and avoid straining the engine. Selecting the
correct gear for a given condition and speed is an art which can be
learnt with practise. Apart from checking the oil level in the gear
box, go by the owner’s manual for the grade of oil to be
used. Remember, if you know how to use gears properly, you are not only
preserving your car, but getting more mileage.
Avoid
the bad and damaging habit of resting the left foot on the clutch pedal
when it is not in use. Secondly, do not rev the engine too much while
engaging the first gear. This can damage the clutch system. You should
practise proper co-ordination of pressing of accelerator and release of
clutch pedal. Remember, use of the clutch can reveal your good or bad
driving habits.
Most
brake problems develop gradually and can be detected before they become
serious by inspecting the system. Most disc and drum brake systems can
be inspected for lining and pads wear simply by removing the wheel and
inspecting the pads. Sometimes, the brake pedal goes all the way down.
This happens when the rear brake lining is wearing. Though adjustment
screws can mend the clearance between the lining and drum, these days
you have mechanisms which do the same task automatically, i.e.:
adjusting the clearance.
Brake
fluid level should be checked periodically. If the pedal is spongy then
there might be air present in the hoses. There could be a leak if the
fluid level is low (warning light on the instrument cluster indicates a
low level of brake oil in the system). Have the job done immediately by
a mechanic. Bleeding of the brake fluid may be done at the time of
every second service and general check up of the whole system should be
done after about every five thousand kilometres.
Emergency
Brakes/Hand Brake
They
should be applied only when the clutch is pressed. This exercise will
not tax the clutch system. While having the general check up of brake
system, look for blunt notches of the hand brake and see if
it’s cable requires replacement in case the brakes are not
effective.
Tires
The tires, apart from it’s
own function
of rolling on the road, also effects the general performance of the
car. One should always have uniformity of tread patterns of all the
tyres. Don’t mix and match different brands or radials with
bias or tires with different plies. Always check air pressure on cold
tires and not when they are hot as the air expands when hot. Having
lower air pressure than prescribed will effect stability during drive,
steering becomes more hard harming the side walls of the tyres. It also
causes high fuel consumption while harming the suspensions and even
excessive air pressure results in faster wear of treads giving a hard
and bumpy ride. Steering can also become tricky.
To
make the tires last more rotate them after every 5000 kms. With the
sequence recommended by the owner’s manual. Always make sure
to replace the tires in pairs. Wheel balance is required to eliminate
Centrifugal force and thereby overcome the problem of a wobbling tyre.
Note one thing clearly, tyres are an integral part of the suspension
system and just a general look at them now and then would be a good
habit.
Servicing
suspension and steering components should be left to a
reputed garage and skilled mechanics. Again one should refer to what
the owner’s manual says. After every 20 thousand
miles. Steering system may be inspected and bushes replaced. Heaving
bumpers up and down can check shock absorbers. If they do not bounce
freely after releasing the bumpers, they should be checked in the
garage. After 15/20,000 miles. The suspensions must be inspected. The
shocker must be replaced in pairs. Inspection and complete proper
renewal of lubricant of wheel bearing after 35,000 miles is a must. The
bearings require thorough cleaning, careful , close inspection and
greasing as they are meticulously and precisely machined component.
Neglecting it means problems and major expenses.
Electrical
System
Maintaining
the electrical system of a car is also very essential for
trouble free service from the car. Car getting stalled due to
electrical problems can be frustrating and costly. The easiest and best
way to start on these problems and preventing them is to notice the
lights on the instrument cluster. Read the owner’s manual
carefully about the electrical system. The red light for battery
indicates if the battery is being charged properly by the alternator or
not. There can be several reasons for a battery not providing current
properly, it could be right from defective wiring to deposits in the
terminal to defective alternator and it’s belt and defective
battery itself.
Get
it checked by an auto electrician. Water levels in the cells should be
just above the level of lead plates. During summer the water level
should be checked every week. Deposits of copper sulphate should be
removed with hot water or sand or emery paper and apply petroleum jelly
later. Be sure to have terminal clamps tight and proper caps on it.
Also ensure that the cell’s caps are firm and not cracked or
broken. Vents should always be clear for the battery to breathe
properly. If one is not using the vehicle for a long period of a month
or so then remove the terminals from the battery. This prevents the
discharge and prolongs the life of the battery.
The
alternator in the car plays a crucial role in the current system as it
recharges the battery and provides current when the engine is running.
Always make sure of proper tension of it’s belt,
it’s proper mounting and state of the drive pulley as well as
wiring connected to the alternator.
If
your battery and alternator are working fine, then the starter too
should work fine, otherwise there could be a problem with carbon bushes
and armatures burnt out or other reasons like worn out teeth of
flywheel.
When
the car goes for regular servicing, it will be a good exercise to
inspect all the wiring and the terminals and circuit system as well as
the main fuse box. Also make sure to carry extra fuses of different
ampere values recommended by the owner’s manual. Blowing of
fuses means problem/s somewhere along the circuit. Also don’t
forget the starter and it’s related problems. Get all of them
inspected by a good auto electrician.
Overall
Maintenance
Your
owner’s manual lists specific time or mileage intervals
between major and minor services your vehicle requires. Make sure all
these jobs are done in time. Many car owners record each job in a
notebook. A garage, if you have one, is a more convenient place to keep
the recording notebook and receipts of job done. Always keep the note
book with the day and dates printed on each page and a calendar page to
mark dates in advance as well for inspection, maintenance and major
jobs along with the car’s current mileage (and date). Apart
from the car’s log book, you can always prepare a reference
chart for a quick look for oil, filters, tyres and other minor and
major jobs done or scheduled to be done.
These
are just preventive measures explained as briefly as possible. These
measures adopted over a period of time, can easily become applicable
knowledge. Over and above, you will always have experts in different
subjects of your automobile at your dealer’s workshop to
consult to. And most of all to refer to, you always have your
car’s owner manual provided by the manufacturer. They know
best about your car, after all, they created it.
Preventive
Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance is the
periodic inspection and replenishment/replacement of lubricants and
minor components to keep the vehicle healthy. Every vehicle has a
manufacturer's manual that gives detailed maintenance procedures. There
are, however, some basic steps to good upkeep that every driver should
be aware of.
- Read and heed the owner's
manual
- Choose a good mechanic and
show your vehicle to him periodically
- Appreciate your vehicle's
symptoms. If something sounds or feels wrong, something probably is
wrong
- Follow the maintenance
schedule of the manufacturer and ensure the following:
- Once a week:
- Check engine oil and radiator
water/coolant
- Check tire pressure
- Check brake and clutch fluid
- Once a month or 3000 miles
- Get the vehicle serviced
- Ensure proper lubrication
- Every 3 months or 7000 miles
- Check battery, power
steering, gear and transmission fluid levels
- Inspect fan belt, hosepipe
and lights
- Every 6 months
- Tune engine (Unless the
manufacturer indicates 50,000-100,000 miles between tuneups)
- Check and adjust carburettor
for emission standards
- Change engine oil and filter
- Rotate wheels
- Check tyres and wheel
alignment
- Every year or 15000 miles
- Check wheel bearings and the
suspension system
- Check brake system. Flush and
refill brake fluid
- Change transmission fluid
- Clean or replace air and fuel
filters
- Check and lubricate door
hinges and handles
- Check all rubber channels and
linings. Replace if required
- Check wheel assembly. Get the
rim and wheel assembly balanced if required
- Every 3 years
- Check manual for timing belt
replacement...get it done!!
- Get a complete check-up of
your vehicle done
- Battery Maintenance
- Check battery every week (top
up water level if applicable)
- Always keep battery terminals
clean and cable joints tight
- Apply Vaseline/petroleum
jelly on all terminals
- Ensure correct polarity while
connecting alternator to battery
- As a precaution,
- Do not use non-genuine parts
and lubricants. Always purchase them from the authorised dealers or
petrol pumps
- Do not pour cold water into
the radiator when the engine is hot, as this may cause cracks on the
cylinder head/block
- While washing, ensure water
does not enter into air cleaner or any electric parts
- Spraying of oil on the
underside of the car is not desirable
- Oil is harmful to suspension
bushes, rubber parts and wiring
