How healthy is your car? What you should know about vehicle health checks
To keep your car performing at its optimum, health checks are a must. Not only do regular health checks increase your car’s lifespan, they ensure it remains in tip-top condition. Here’s a simple guide.
A vehicle health check is an examination of your car’s major and minor components that needs to be carried out regularly and professionally. In between professional checks, you the owner/driver should be educated and aware of the signs your car is not performing well or is in need of physical repair.
Like you, a vehicle should be kept in good health, running properly and safely. A proper vehicle check should spot potential issues before they become significant problems.
Reasons for conducting vehicle health checks include:
Keeping yourself and others safe on the road. A check will identify any potential issues that could compromise the safety of your car.
In the long run, your car should run more efficiently, saving you money at the petrol bowser, and reducing your car’s emissions.
There will be less wear and tear on your engine and it will run cleaner.
That surprise breakdown rendering you on the side of the road, missing your important appointment will be far less likely as your car’s reliability will improve.
Having up-to-date maintenance records is excellent for resale value as it shows a potential buyer that you have taken good care of your car. This could lead to a better trade-in deal and even help your car to sell faster and for a better price in a private sale.
It’s essential to maintain a regular schedule of preventative maintenance that includes having your vehicle professionally inspected at least once a year as part of your car service history.
Keep a logbook that has recorded service dates and your registered mechanic’s details either stamped or handwritten.
Any maintenance work carried out on the car should also be listed along with the odometer reading. Be sure to keep a copy of your mechanical invoices.
A standard inspection should cover a check of components such as brakes, oil levels, tyre pressure, and other vital engine parts.
Mechanics will also look for signs of wear and tear in other parts of your vehicle, such as the cooling system, belts, and hoses.
Let your mechanic know if you have experienced anything unusual with the car such as any strange sounds, vibrations, or faults. This leads to the next point.
A car is a major investment. Don’t be afraid to get to know it well. Pop the bonnet and learn its basic structure such as where the engine and battery and radiator are.
Learn where to check and top up oil, coolant, and windscreen fluid. Check your window wiper blades – if they are stiff, torn, or perishing, they may need replacing.
Check your tyre tread for any wearing that is unusual or uneven and ensure all tyres are always adequately inflated.
Is your car slightly pulling to the left or right when you are driving? You may need a wheel alignment. While you’re at it, have your tyres rotated to help with even wearing and longevity.
While driving, listen out for any unusual rubbing, rasping, or squealing sounds, especially when braking.
Don’t ignore those flashing warning lights and symbols that pop up on the dashboard on occasion. They could be telling you something vitally important and you can check your user manual if you are unsure what the warning means.
For example, a rectangle with a plus and minus symbol is a battery warning that usually requires immediate attention and a steering wheel followed by an exclamation mark is a power steering warning.
There are two types of dashboard warning lights which are coloured red and orange. Red indicates a serious car problem that needs to be checked immediately and orange indicates the issue is less urgent but must be checked as soon as you can.
Finally, if you are concerned or unsure about anything regarding your car, it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic between professional health checks – just as you would visit your doctor for a persistent cough.
It’s better to face a small cost now to avoid a big expense in the long run, and you will get to that important appointment safely and on time.
