A well-maintained car will cost low in maintenance. Logbook service on time of the vehicle could reduce the running cost, fuel and other repair costs. Scheduling regular service also helps to notice problem early and repair the issue before it leads to bigger problem meaning bigger cost. Without checking the car regularly, simple issues such as leak of oil or worn out timing belt could lead into entire engine disaster, which cost a lot more to be fixed.
Find out more!A well-maintained car will cost low in maintenance. Logbook service on time of the vehicle could reduce the running cost, fuel and other repair costs. Scheduling regular service also helps to notice problem early and repair the issue before it leads to bigger problem meaning bigger cost. Without checking the car regularly, simple issues such as leak of oil or worn out timing belt could lead into entire engine disaster, which cost a lot more to be fixed.
Fault in headlight, under-inflated tyres or leak in brake fluid tank are all consider minor problem. However, it could lead into serious accidents if it is not checked. Regular maintenance is vital to avoid unexpected expense, to take most out of your investment. Moreover, it will also give you a decent return at the time of selling.
Logbook Service or Manufacturer's Maintenance Recommendations: Your car's service book / schedule for maintaining certain things. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations it helps prolong the wear & tear and maintain the performance of your vehicle.
| Maintenance items list | Petrol Cars | Diesel Cars | Hybrid Car | Electric Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine engine change oil and oil filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Keep all fluids upto their required level | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Replace spark plugs | Nil | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Injectors clean | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Fuel Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Replace Air filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Replace coolant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Replace brake fluid | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission/Gearbox oil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Transfer case/Front diff oil (4WD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Rear Differential oil (4WD/RWD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nil |
| Rotate tires as per mechanic’s recommendation. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Check the tire pressure of all tires once a month. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spare tire pressure | Yes | Yes | Nil | Nil |
| (Models Vary) | ||||
| Software update for modern cars (Usually after year 2012) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Check with Car Dealer for recalls. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Hybrid Car’s battery maintenance (ReferManual) | Nil | Nil | Yes | Yes |
| Car battery Replacement (Some cars required update after battery change refter Mechanic/Dealer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other maintenance needed as per recommended by manufacturer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Engine Timing Chain/Belt Replacement as per manufacturer’s recommendation usually after 100,000 kilometres
The timing chain or belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. It controls the timing of the valves in an internal combustion engine. If timing chain/belt breaks while driving, it could damage the engine and would require to be replaced immediately. It is major and costly repair.
Replacing timing chain/belt is a major and costly service. So, it is good idea to save future expenditures by having several things done at the same time. For instance when you get car’s timing belt replace, you could also request your mechanic to do following as well.
This will save money in the long run and the above maintenance are not expensive if it is all done in one job. Since the mechanic has to dismantle above mention parts to get to the timing belt. Labour is not higher for assembling with new parts instead of putting old parts back after dismantle.
Modern engine is equipped with timing chain which usually last longer than timing belt. Check the manual about their maintenance and
Use a Tankful of High-Octane fuel
Once every few months, fill up a full tank with high-octane fuel. It will keep injectors clean, keep out gunk from pistons and the catalytic converter. These are the costly things to repair or replace. Keeping them clean means running your car more efficiently.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter and stay away from dust allergies:
Not many people know that the passenger cabin of many cars has an air filter. It gets dirty after several years and should be replaced for cleaner air in a car cabin.
Car Battery Maintenance:
Car battery is charged by alternator in case you are driving occasionally or driving for a very short distance. Its means your car battery not charging properly and have high chance to fail quickly. In this situation you can buy a battery charger which are easily available from Auto stores. Once a weak or in 2 weeks charge your battery to full. This will keep battery alive and you can get maximum life out of it.
Repair Scratches Before They catch Rust:
Scratches tend to appear as soon as you take your outside by brush up, reversing car or open doors next to you in parking area. The weather like hail, road gravel or even the rough elements in the air that blemishes on your car's surface
Good products are available in a market which could be applied after regular wash. Or for better and long term paint, protection ceramic coating also a good option.Custom color code, touch up paint bottle or pen are easily available at auto parts stores. Touch up works in both ways covering scratch and saving from rust.
