Simple car maintenance: even you can do it

Constant use of your car exposes it to wear and tear and eventually to damages. Thus, it is imperative that regular car maintenance should be performed to make sure your car keeps working. However, car maintenance goes beyond changing your engine oil and making sure the fuel tank is full. While some may consider it a big hassle to keep their car’s in check, regular maintenance is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your car. Carmudi Philippines has these 9 easy to follow steps on maintaining your car’s optimum performance:  

1. Prepare a checklist

List the parts of your car which you think needs your attention. Basically they are your cars engine, tires, brakes, fuel and other liquids, windows and windshields, interior and lights. Remember all of these with the help of the acronym WEB - FLITE.  

2. Engine

Clean your engine once or twice a year to remove accumulated rust and dirt. Grimes can easily be removed by wiping it with a cloth. Tougher dirt, however, would require steam cleaning.  Change your car’s oil every time it travels 5000 kilometers.  

3. Emission

Check the smoke coming from your exhaust pipe especially if you are using older car models. Have an emission test at least once a year. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) fines P1000 for first time smoke belching offenders.  

4. Brakes

Brake failure is among the leading causes of accidents in the country. Check your brake system, belts and battery regularly and have a mechanic look at them once a month. If you had your car for the long of time, check if it still has a brake fluid.  

5. Fuel

Is your car getting the fuel efficiency your vehicle company promised? If not, chances are  that there is something wrong with your engine. The fuel you are using should have compatible octane levels with your car’s engine, especially for those with low to moderate compression. Extra octane in premium gas only translates to additional cost, not car performance.  

6. Windows and mirrors

Replace broken mirrors, windshield wipers and windows the moment you noticed them. Never mind the cost, as these parts ensure your safety on the road.  

7. Interior

A clean and well maintained interior not only gives its passengers comfort, it is also one of the things buyers look for second hand cars. Should the time come for you to sell your car constantly vacuuming and cleaning your interior could spare you the troubles later.  

8. Lights

Check your lights regularly especially if you constantly travel at night hours. Aside from that, check also if the lights are already dim and unrecognizable in a distant.  

9. Tires

Before going on long travels check whether your tires’ pressure are to the standards of the car’s manufacturer  using tire gauges. Inspect whether your tires are showing tread wear indicators and replace them before they are worn beyond limits.   Should you ever need a professional car service company to perform your car’s maintenance visit:  

Total Auto Servitek/ TIP Insurance Services

Bldg. E Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City (02) 570-1617; 0922 865 3652 www.tipinsuranceph.com Mondays- Saturdays (9AM-6PM)  

Motor Tech Inc.

Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City (02)571-3527; 0918  919 8684; 0918 922 3475 facebook.com/motortechinc Mondays- Saturdays  (8:30 AM- 5:30 PM)  

MJ Auto Shop

Metrowalk, Ortigas, Pasig City (02) 923 6269; 0917 630 8370; 0922 864 7667 Mondays- Saturdays (9am-10pm)