Regular car maintenance is very important for its safety and reliability, especially if it’s a family car in which you transport your loved ones. You know what they say – better to prevent than to cure. It’s the same with cars.
The car for the family is not “just” a means of transportation, but also a place where you talk and get closer on the way to school or work and the place for moments you spend between a bunch of obligations.
Precisely because of these obligations, it’s possible to overlook or delay potential repairs or maintenance that can affect safety. That’s why we made sure to put together a checklist for you which includes routine maintenance, safety measures, and seasonal preparations to prevent potential problems.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance of your car is important for safety and reliability and some steps are better done in advance to extend the life of your car and reduce the chance of unwanted repairs. But be vary, sometimes it’s impossible to predict all the “surprises” that your car has prepared for you, so you need to have both a plan A, and a plan B (just in case). Preparation is key here.
Fluid Checks and Replacements
The oil in the car allows your car’s engine to run smoothly and prevents more serious damage, so it should be checked regularly and changed when necessary. The same goes for the oil in your gearbox which needs to be kept at the recommended level in order to smoothly change gears.
Checking the coolant is important to avoid overheating, especially during longer trips. While for the brakes, we think it’s unnecessary, but never enough to mention that you should regularly check them and their fluid so that you can stop safely.
Tire Check
You should actually check the tire pressure at least once a month for driving efficiency and stability. Even though most new cars now have sensors, you still take a look.
The tread depth should always be according to the regulations for safety and the possibility of slipping. This can also be monitored when changing winter and summer tires. When changing, it’s also necessary to do balancing (rotation and alignment) to ensure even wear and extend the life of the tires.
Battery Maintenance
You don’t have to do too much maintenance with the battery, apart from occasional cleaning of the terminals and monitoring the voltage. You can replace it every few years or when it shows signs of weakening (dimmed lights, the car not cranking as fast as it used to). Don’t ignore this until you end up stuck on the side of the road waiting to get towed.
While car batteries (lead acid batteries) differ in design, chemistry, and purpose, they function similarly to regular household batteries – just in a bigger container. So, they can weaken, wear out, deplete, or discharge, just like regular AAA batteries would.
Brake System Check
As we have already mentioned, the brakes need to be checked regularly, at least twice a year by an authorized car mechanic. But if you hear a screeching sound or feel that “it’s not it anymore” when braking, react immediately.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
You shouldn’t expect it, but you should be prepared for breakdowns or unexpected situations. That’s why we emphasize how important regular maintenance really is, and to further the safety aspect, you could ensure you have all the basic supplies for emergencies. That can be very useful if the situation arises.
Seatbelts (correct and used correctly!) can save your life. Although there is a very small chance that they will wear out or tear, if you notice this, replace them immediately. What seatbelts are to us, car seats are to children and they should also be properly installed and of proven quality. A first aid kit is also required by law.
As additional equipment in your car, put a spare tire (if possible) and a jack with the necessary tools or a tire repair kit. This can also include ignition cables, chargers, flashlights, and the like.
If you want to be more sure that everything will be as it should be, you can consider paying for the roadside assistance service. And don’t forget to regularly wash your windows and rearview mirrors for good visibility.
Seasonal and Long-Term Maintenance
Changes in the weather and weather conditions can affect the performance of your car so don’t let it catch you off guard. Anticipate weather conditions based on the area in which you live/drive and adjust car maintenance accordingly.
In winter, install winter tires, check the antifreeze level, but don’t forget about the heating to make driving as comfortable as possible. On the other hand, during the summer you should check the air conditioning and the amount of coolant. Due to the heating/cooling of the roads, monitor the tire pressure. In spring or autumn replace worn parts because these “rougher” seasons can weaken them.
When it comes to those more intense seasons/weather (e.g., high heat, snow, acid rain, hail, high winds), as additional protection for the exterior (the paintwork), you can use paint protection film (PPF) which helps keep the paint of the car in pristine condition by reducing damage from the sun (UV radiation), road salt or small debris, water spots, scratches, swirls, even rock chips if the PPF is thick enough.
Conclusion
Don’t look at this as a command, but purely as advice on how to make your family car as safe as possible. Regular maintenance will increase safety, and prevent breakdowns, but also save your nerves and money. Or find your own maintenance routine that works well for you and your car – just don’t neglect it, as it could come and come and bite you later on when you least expect it.
With small steps and touches, you can significantly extend the life of your car and prevent some major breakdowns. Meet the safety requirements, but also the requirements of your family so that they’re both happy and safe.
