New car owners usually just start up their vehicles and drive off, until they encounter a malfunction. If so, you will need to make sure your car is in tip top shape. With the acronym BLOWFFAT, you can easily remember what to check so that you will always be in the know regarding your car’s shape. Here’s the list of things to check:
Batteries. This ensures that the electric ignition will allow you to start your car, and can prevent you from getting stranded. For newer cells (called “maintenance-free”), checking the water level is not required but is still a good practice – more so with older batteries. If suspicious about your battery, make sure you have the contact number of replacement services which can deliver to you in the area or route you will likely be found in the event of failure.
Lights. Make sure all headlights, tail lights, brake lights and signal lights are all functioning correctly. Check that all headlights, taillights, beam function, brake and signal lights are working properly.
Oil – Oil protects your engine’s moving parts from damage due to friction. This is a very important part of engine performance and maintenance, so always check that the oil is at its proper level. Old oil will be dirtier and thinner. To learn more about auto driving visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX42nwqdVRg.
Water. This is run through the radiator and helps keep your engine within normal temperature.
Fuel – You should always make sure you have enough gas, and know what type of gas to load, in the fuel tank. Typically, you should also keep the level at around 1/3rd of the capacity of the tank to ensure that you are not choking the engine’s intake. For more tips about auto driving, you may follow the link.
Fluids. Various fluids enable the operation of several integral functions of the car, and should be checked for proper levels before a comprehensive test-drive. To test these mechanisms, run the car in a secluded, out of the way road or inside a village.
Accessories. These will include the windows, locks, and tools you bring with you. Check everything so that you can keep any personal belongings secure inside the car, and also to ensure that you will have the proper equipment in case something unexpected happens.
Tires. You should check treading on your tires, particularly the front ones, to ensure you have ample grip and control for turning. Particularly for the front tires, make sure the treads aren’t worn out. Make sure you have a spare tire, and that it’s also in good condition.
The list above just details the bare minimum to ensure that the vehicle is operating safely, legally and properly. This list also applies to regular usage, where you should do the check every month at the minimum, or with cars which are seldom used, which need to be checked periodically as well. Please check out the page from the main website if you have questions.
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