Whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for years, understanding some basic car maintenance can save you. In this guide, we’ll explore 8 essential car maintenance tips that every driver should know. From checking tyre pressure to changing air filters, these simple steps will help keep your car in top shape and running safely for years to come.

Did you know that following the right car maintenance tips can help you keep your car running while ensuring safety and efficiency? The lifespan of your car solely depends on how well you maintain the vehicle. Regular maintenance allows you to increase fuel economy and save you the cost and inconvenience on major repairs  due to unattended problems.

Even though some aspects of car care and maintenance should only be done by a mechanic, there are several basic car maintenance tips you can do on your own. You can always do routine checks and perform minor fixes. Doing this regularly can help you spot any car issues you have sooner.

Check Tyre Pressure Regularly

Under-inflated and over-inflated car tyres pose a protection risk to the lifespan of your tyres, straining the car engine. When car tyres are under-inflated, they create more rolling resistance, causing your engine to work harder to move the vehicle. This potentially wastes your fuel and shortens the lifespan of your tyres. The increased friction can cause overheating and burst the tyre while driving, which is dangerous.

On the other hand, over-inflated tyres cause your car to be less stable and reduce grip. This can lead to a rough ride because the tyres have less contact with the road surface. It is also unsafe to drive through wet or slippery roads.

To avoid these issues, use a tyre gauge to check the pressure in all four tyres, including your spare. Do this when your tyres are cold as heat from driving can cause a temporal increase in the pressure. If you are not sure what the correct pressure should be, check it in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the label inside the driver’s door.

Inspect Fluid Levels

You need to regularly check the fluid levels of the various fluids your car relies on to function properly. These fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant.

• Engine oil: Check it at least once a month and change it as per the manufacturer’s recommended intervals (usually every 8,000 to 12,000 km).
• Coolant: Ensures your engine doesn’t overheat. Make sure to top it off to prevent major engine damage.
• Brake fluid: Essential for proper braking. If it’s low, get it checked for potential leaks.

Change the Oil and Filter

Changing your engine oil and oil filter is one of the most essential and straightforward car maintenance tips that directly impact the longevity of your engine. Over time, engine oil becomes contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and other debris, which reduces its ability to lubricate engine parts properly.

It is important to follow your car’s manual for recommended oil change intervals, which can vary depending on the type of oil used (conventional, synthetic, or blend) and driving conditions.

More so, it is important to use the type of oil specified by the manufacturer and be mindful of the oil’s viscosity rating, especially if you live in a region with extreme temperatures. Regular oil and filter changes will keep your car engine running efficiently and help avoid long-term issues.

Replace Air Filters

Your engine has an air filter to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from entering the engine. When the air filter is dirty, it limits airflow to the engine, which causes the engine to work harder than it should. This leads to more fuel consumption as well as poor acceleration and increased emissions.

Having a clogged air filter can lead to a significant decrease in the lifespan of your engine. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines—typically every 20,000 to 25,000 km. This can help keep your engine running smoothly. 

Test Your Battery

A dead car battery is a situation no car owner wants to go through as it can leave you stranded at the most inconvenient times. It’s important to test your battery’s voltage regularly, especially if your vehicle is over three years old.

After resting the battery for an hour after driving, use a multimeter to check its charge for a more accurate reading. A healthy battery should typically read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts when fully charged. In addition to voltage testing, periodically clean the battery terminals with a brush to remove any corrosion that may interrupt the electrical connection.

If you notice your battery frequently discharging or struggling to start the car, it may be time to get it professionally tested or replaced before it fails.

Should you be stranded on the road due to car battery failure, just call AA Singapore’s 24-hour car battery breakdown assistance service anytime, anywhere to check and service your car battery on the spot. https://aas.com.sg/motoring-services/battery-service/

Inspect Brakes

Your car’s brakes are one of its most critical safety features, and ensuring they function properly is very important. It is normal for brake pads to wear down over time, leading to a reduction in their ability to stop your vehicle from moving quickly and safely.

To ensure that your brake pads are working fine, pay close attention to any unusual noises such as squealing, screeching, or grinding when braking. Also, if you notice any vibration or a soft feeling in the brake pedal, it’s time to get your brakes checked.

Regular brake inspections will not only keep you safe on the road but also prevent more costly repairs, such as replacing the rotors or callipers.

Check Lights and Signals

Ensuring that all your signal lights are working properly is very important in your car maintenance routine. These lights are essential for visibility and communication with other drivers and road users.

Regularly check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and signals. If your headlights or taillights are not turned on between 7pm and 7am, you will be fined $30.

Maintain Windshield Wipers

Good visibility is the key to safe driving, and functional windshield wipers contribute to a clear view in rainy or snowy conditions. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on your driving conditions. Don’t forget to check your wiper fluid levels as well, and refill as needed to ensure your windshield stays clean.

As a car owner, knowing how to carry out essential maintenance is beneficial in keeping your vehicle in good condition, and also to reduce the trips to the mechanic to save money. Should you need more detailed and comprehensive service, AA Singapore’s one-stop service destination is a place to get quality vehicle maintenance. https://aas.com.sg/motoring-services/