To feel safe and secure on the road, two prerequisites are needed: an experienced driver and a properly maintained vehicle. The technical condition of the car determines not only our safety but also that of other road users. Many road incidents are caused by faulty vehicles, which is a preventable risk if we take good care of our car promptly.
Why Regular Car Maintenance is Necessary?
Besides road safety, regular maintenance ensures:
Increased reliability of vehicles, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
Reduced costs for subsequent maintenance and repairs.
Limited harmful emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere.
Reduced fuel consumption due to improved fuel efficiency.
Preservation of the car's good technical condition and appearance, which also affects its value.
How is Technical Maintenance Performed?
Car maintenance is best done at an auto service center equipped with the necessary tools and qualified specialists. However, this does not exempt the driver from some vehicle-related activities required by the manufacturer and described in the user manual.
Which Systems Require Regular Maintenance?
All systems in the car require maintenance and repair at some point, but more frequent maintenance is required for:
How to Tell if Technical Maintenance is Needed?
First of all, you should be familiar with the manufacturer's user manual, where the necessary maintenance tasks and their schedule are specified. Additionally, you should watch out for the following signs:
Appearance of Strange Odors in the Car Cabin Could Indicate:
Puddles of water under the floor mats, which can lead to floor covering damage and corrosion.
Smoke smell and burnt odor, especially the smell of burnt electrical wiring, is a symptom of serious damage. It's advisable to open the hood, disconnect the battery terminal, and seek professional help. Smoke smell also occurs when the engine's heat and sound insulation is burnt.
Fuel smell in the cabin is noticed when there are issues with the fuel tank cap or overfilling.
Smell of oil or exhaust gases in the cabin when the engine is overfilled with motor oil, when the motor oil is old, or when the engine is overheated.
A peculiar sweet smell occurs when the dynamo or alternator's lacquer coating is burnt and is accompanied by flickering lights.
Burning rubber smell occurs when driving with pressed brakes or when the tires are overheated.
Vehicle Movement Accompanied by Strange Unusual Noises:
Clicking when turning the vehicle, heard from the front wheels, is a sign of wear or damage to the steering system.
Squealing from the fan belt indicates the need for replacement.
Rhythmic clicking in the wheel is a sign of a damaged bearing or lodged large stones in the tire tread.
Change in the engine sound indicates overheating, especially when driving at constant RPM. Stopping or changing the RPM in an idle car is sufficient; otherwise, after the car cools down, check the coolant level in the radiator.
Knocking during normal driving is a sign of serious damage and requires diagnostics.
Engine jerking indicates the need to shift to a lower gear; if it persists, the engine and its oil should be checked.
What to Follow When Maintaining the Car?
When performing technical maintenance and repair on the car, it's not superfluous to consider a few simple recommendations:
Always purchase original auto parts and quality consumables.
Periodically apply anti-corrosion coating to your car.
Avoid accelerating and then braking sharply.
When parked, turn off the engine.
Drive at a moderate speed to increase fuel efficiency.
Use the air conditioning only when necessary.
Avoid driving with the clutch pedal constantly pressed and release the clutch pedal fully.
Maintain optimal tire pressure, which will increase their lifespan.
Avoid hitting the wheels on curbs when parking.
Periodically check the condition of the spare tire - it should always be in good condition because you never know when you might need it.