Looking After Your Car

Car maintenance is very important in the long run. If you need to sell you car in the future you need all the brownie points you can get during the car inspection! There are some rules you should always follow; wash the car regularly, don't eat or drink and don't smoke in the car either. Start with the simplest things!

• Inspect the car oil filter regularly. Make sure it doesn't get clogged and no water enters the engine oil. Follow the car manual to check when the car is due for an oil change. Make sure you change the oil and the filter once every 5000 km.

• Always check all the fluids in the car and you know there are many fluids in the car. The fluids include the brake, windshield, transmission and transaxle fluids. If anything is low, refill it immediately, if you don't it will effect the working of the car and cause long term damage as well.

• Always check the air in the tyres. Your car manual has the air pressure level at which the tires have to be. If the air pressure is low the car will feel like its dragging and you also risk a flat.

• Make sure your wipers are working and if they are old replace them as they might cause more harm than good. They may cause blotches on the windscreen. Once they start streaking try wiping them or replace them.

• If you hear a screeching sound while the air conditioning is on, have a look at the engine belt. It may be scratched. Repair it immediately to avoid more scratches and tears.

• You don't want the engine heating up so check the coolant level from time to time and fill it immediately when the level drops drastically.

• All the lights should always work they include the headlights, indicators, fog lights, hazard lights and the brake lights. If any aren't functioning well it can be extremely hazardous so repair them quickly.

• Wash your car once a week so it doesn't get stained with grime and dirt. Use a mild detergent and make sure the water is not hard. Wash the tires as well to make sure the drive quality is not affected in any way. Use a soft cloth to wipe the car. Keep the interiors of the car clean and vacuum it from time to time; remember it is not your room or storage space! Wax and polish from time to time, protecting it from scratches and UV rays of the sun, rain and bird droppings.


If you follow these simple steps your car will be in good condition and fare well in any vehicle inspection either for a pollution check or during resale. Self car inspection is extremely important to make sure you know and understand the working of your car. For information on car inspection you can visit www.1300carcheck.com.au