Automobile maintenance tips

Buying an automobile is not just enough. There are several automobile maintenance tips that are to be followed in order to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

Engine- For protecting the engine, frequently oil it after every 5,000 kms running. One must follow the manufacturers' advice on oil and filter changes. The engine oil, transmission fluid and fuel are systems that need thorough checking and replaced periodically.

Tyres- At regular times, rotate the position of the tyres and you must balance them at around 10,000 km. There are under-inflated tyres that one must check. A regular check for stone and gravel in the tyres is compulsory.

Brakes - top up the brake fluid reservoir occasionally when you notice that the brakes tend to become wobbly and act slowly.

Battery - for the prevention of corrosion, one must clean the battery terminals from time to time and apply a light coat of grease. Check the level of distilled water in the battery and see that the plates are covered at all times.

Interior - regularly vacuum the interiors which will prevent the deposition of sand, dust, grime, salt, etc that otherwise damage the floor surface. Wipe the dash, seats and instrument panel and rear parcel shelf. You can use special car cleaners and not household stuff for cleaning. Clean the leather interiors with specific products and avoid cleaners with high alkaline content as they bleach the color off the leather.

Exterior - wash windscreens with water and soap followed by clean water wash. Then use chamois leather to dry the spots. When the car is dry, use methylated spirit dipped rag and water solution to polish the glass.

Lights- make sure that lights are clean and are working fine. Check the brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle. Make sure that all your lights are clean and working, including the brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.

Hoses - Inspect the hoses and belts every month. If a hose looks bad or feels hard, then it is time for replacement.

Exhaust - Check for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Also look for holes in muffler or pipes. Change the rusted or damaged parts and have the emission checked every year.

General Tips - Always use genuine spare parts for your car.

Give your car an anti-rust coating before the monsoons. For Bike Maintenance there are the following tips:

1. Regularly check the tyres and air pressure.
2. Check your tyres for cuts and scrapes on the tyres that might result in a blowout. Also keep checking the tyre treads once every week and the wheels are balanced and the alignment checked if the wear is uneven.
3. Check the engine oil level every day before you ride your bike. The oil level should be between upper and lower marks. Top up the engine oil if required and also check for oil leakage.
4. Check the two-wheeler body surface regularly to ensure good surface finish. Before cleaning the bike, see to it that the ignition switch unit, H.T. Coil and silencer are covered with plastic sheets.
5. While cleaning the bike, use low pressure water. The painted surfaces must be washed only with water.
6. Take periodic checks of the motorcycle battery for a long life. Check the electrolyte levels against the top and bottom markings on the battery shell. Top up with distilled water. Check for battery leakage.
7. Clean the sparks regularly. You can clean the spark points with emery paper.
8. Keep the carburettor clean by regularly cleaning the carburettor float chamber and other parts. Clean the jets by forcing compressed air through them.
9. Keep the brakes spaced in the right way. If kept too tight or too loose, is dangerous. Brakes must be tightened as per the rider's requirement.
10. Check the cables frequently for kinks, bends and frayed ends. Replace if the strands appear broken.
11. Ensure that the insurance cover is done in the valid time frame.

12. For Scooter maintenance, these are the following tips: Regularly clean the mobility scooter which will prevent dust, dirt and grit from entering the moving parts and causing wear and tear.
13. Always prevent your scooter from rusting and keep it dry at all times possible. By drying fabrics such as the seat, will ensure a longer life of the scooter. It is also advisable to purchase a wet weather cover to prevent against the rain.
14. Maintain the battery at all times. Ensure that you follow the guide lines of the manufacturers while charging the battery. This ensures that you receive the maximum travel range.
15. You must spend time reading the manual and ensure better maintenance. Ensure regular servicing which is possible at home itself.
16. In the case of front brakes, one must ensure that the brake fluid levels are in the normal state.
17. The rear brake pedal should be regularly checked to ensure that it is free of any trouble.
18. In the case of a low tyre pressure, ensure that it is inflated as per the guidelines and that in case of more they should be deflated.
19. Free movement of tyre should be ensured and service center must be called immediately.
20. If there are problems in starting the vehicle, it indicated low fuel and one must refill the fuel levels.
21. Horn, lights and fuel gauge need to be checked thoroughly before riding your scooter.
Automobile maintenance is all about efforts on your side to ensure that you get better mileage and be hassle free from abrupt breakdown of your vehicle.