6 Tips to keep your car operating smoothly

It is important for a car to operate smoothly, as 5% of fatalities related to motor vehicles are due to negligence in car maintenance. Having a well-maintained car extends its life, ensures safer movement and contributes to a healthy environment.

It’s ideal to have car maintenance plans to ensure your car is in top condition always. Although, all vehicle owners are required to have motor insurance, car maintenance is important to ensure you don’t have reasons to make regular claims on your car insurance.

Here are 6 top tips to keep your car operating smoothly:

1. Check engine oil level- Engine oil is a lubricant which reduces friction between parts of the engine. It also assists in heat dispersion and absorbs heat that is produced in the engine combustion chambers, thus preventing overheating. Itprevents rusting, corrosion and damage of essential engine parts. Since oil is so important for the healthy functioning of the engine, you should take care to regularly check the oil level. Remember to top up with the correct grade of oil as specified by the manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum recommended level when topping up.

2. Regularly check tyre gauge - Correctly maintained tyres can improve mileage, extend the tyre life andare important for vehicle safety while driving at higher speeds on highways. Regularly check tyre inflation, especially when going on long drives. Also make sure wheel alignment is perfect. Vibrations in the steering can indicate problems with tyre balancing.

3. Check the battery performance - You can take simple steps to ensure the car battery is in good condition as it is a key component of the car's electrical system. Faulty batteries can lead to car breakdowns. Make it a habit to regularly check the battery terminals to make sure they are clean and tight. Check the battery electrolyte level. If topping up is needed, use only distilled water. Consider replacing the battery if it has not been replaced in 3-5 years as sometimes batteries can fail suddenly without prior warning.

4. Keep the brakes in good condition - You must be extra careful about keeping the brakes of your car in good condition as they are vital for safety. Be on the lookout for squealing sounds or unusual vibrations whenever you apply brakes while driving. If you encounter such problems, get the brakes checked immediately at a service station. They may need to be replaced. Ensure the brake fluid is full and only use recommended brake fluid for your vehicle

5. Check the lights regularly - Lights are important for vehicle safety while driving at night. Check the lights regularly to make sure they are working properly. You should also check other electrical components like horns and window demisters regularly to ensure proper functioning.

6. Check the Coolant, fans & radiator - Never underestimate the importance of the car's cooling system. Check the coolant regularly and only use recommended coolant for your car. Inspect the cooling system only when the engine is cold, and never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. If the cooling system needs frequent refilling there could be a leak in the system.

Keeping a used car in working condition can be difficult but with regular checking of the above, you’re on the way to ensuring your car is always in good condition.