Guide to Car Maintenance – How to Stop an Accident Happening
Car maintenance is stereotypically a male chore; however, as the age of the independent woman surges on it is important that we get to grips with every day to day task. Cars are a particularly important thing to get to know as they provide endless freedom not to mention allowing us to access jobs.
Here is a beginner’s guide to car maintenance so that you can start being less reliant on your male counterparts, spend less on repairs, and not have to face the fear of breakdowns which can be dangerous, especially for women. Breakdowns can also result in accidents which can be particularly serious on highways, so make sure you know of a specialist attorney in your area, for example, a Los Angeles truck accident attorney before making long journeys.
Visual Inspections and General Awareness
It is important to be aware of your car and takes responsibility for its wellbeing. Each time you approach your car do a quick visual inspection to check for any obvious faults, for example, flat tires, broken windscreen wipers, or faulty headlights. While you are driving listen out for any unusual sounds as this might be a sign that there is something wrong with the engine. It will be really helpful for the mechanic if you are able to tell them exactly where the noise is coming from and what it sounds like. A sudden cracking noise from your windscreen may also indicate you’ve just been hit by a stone, so if you spot any damage, head to your nearest glass repair shop as soon as you can to ensure the crack doesn’t get worse. To find your nearest, search for car window repair Atlanta or something similar depending on your area and head straight to it. Leaving a cracked windscreen can result in the entire thing shattering when you go over a pothole or speedbump, which can put you and other road users at risk.
Warning Lights
When you purchase your car, take the time to read through the instruction manual so that you are familiar with all of its functions. Most importantly, make sure you are familiar with the warning lights so that you can take immediate action if necessary.
Tires
Check your tires every couple of weeks to make sure they have been pumped up to the correct capacity. Not looking after your tires can result in them wearing quickly, and they are expensive to replace.
Belts
Seatbelts are a crucial safety function in your car. Therefore, it is really important that you check that all your seatbelts are in good working order regularly.
Oil
Check the oil level in your car using the dipstick. Clean the dipstick before placing it back into the oil, then retract it again and use the indicator level on the dipstick to make sure you have enough. Oil keeps your engine running smoothly.
Coolant
Coolant, as the name suggests, keeps your engine cool. Therefore, it is important to make sure your coolant levels are up to scratch. Usually, the coolant container is clear and has a handy indicator line, so it is very easy to see if there is enough.
Screenwash
You can use water, but it is better to use proper screen wash to top up as it contains alcohol and therefore does not freeze in winter. Without screen wash, you could find yourself with a dirty windscreen that obliterates your vision.
By following these simple, easy checks, you are making sure that you are independent and that your car is being properly looked after. Looking after your car also means that it will last longer between repairs, therefore saving you money. It also gives you peace of mind by minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which is particularly important for women.
