We humans, are natural worriers. We worry a lot, which is essential in some amounts, because it is a survival mechanism. It saves us from danger and keeps us safe. But, too much worrying isn’t good for you. So if you want to drive fast and spiritedly, or you want to go to long tours with your car, or you drive in rains, snow, or bad roads a lot, or you drive it regularly in jam-packed city traffic, or you think that you are abusing the car, don’t worry. Modern cars are, at least almost all of them are, reliable. They are designed to do that. But if you are a worrier like me, then these are the basic checks that you really need to do, after which you don’t have to worry.
1. Tyres-Tires are the most important part of a car. Arguably. Check your tires regularly, for wear, and replace them when they wear out. It’s not just about safety and road grip, but if you are an enthusiastic driver, tires can be a massive unlock and you will be surprised how big a difference a good set of tires can make. Also, buy good-quality tires and preferably follow the sizes given by the manufacturer. Some examples for good tire companies include, Michelin, Yokohama, and Continental.
2. Suspension-If you care so much about safety, and want to go fast, and go over a lot of bad roads in your daily life, make sure that your suspension is up to scratch. Do timely maintenance as much as you can, don’t skip on it.
3. Brakes-Obviously, if you want safety, your car should stop quickly and safely, at least it should stop, or slow down when you need to, for which you need the brakes. Change the pads and brake fluid regularly.
4. Fluids-All the fluids in the car must be checked and change regularly. Engine oil, brake fluid, gear oil, coolant, wiper washer fluid, etc.
5. Wiper blades and washer fluid-Change these regularly, and prefer keeping a bunch of spare packets of washer fluid if you travel a lot in your car, because they are cheap, and visibility is important. Pro Tip-If you don’t have anything except for water, use cheap shampoo sachets, like Clinic Plus. They cost Rs.2.
6. Engine mounts and hoses-If your car has aged a lot, then get them checked and change them. Engine mounts hold the engine in place, so if your car vibrates a lot and idles unevenly, then open the bonnet, and if the engine is shaking and rattling a lot, then probably you have to check and change the engine mounts. You also should change all the hoses and wiring once your car has aged a bit, it will last for a long amount of time and you probably won’t have to worry about these for a long period.
7. Spare parts availability-If you know that it is difficult to find spare parts for your car then you have to collaborate with a third-party or the manufacturer itself, to ensure that you get a steady supply of spare parts whenever you need them. Do whatever’s necessary, do your homework, so that you aren’t surprised when you need spare parts, and also keep spare money for spare parts if you might need them. Collaborating with whoever promises a steady supply of spare parts can relieve you off a lot of stress.
8. Spare cash and insurance-Always keep spare cash aside, along with insurance, to maintain the car up to scratch, and in case of emergencies. Small things like fender-benders, or big things like gearbox failures can happen. Make sure to keep spare cash to be prepared for it. Many people while buying a car do not consider the amount of money required to maintain the car and keep it up to scratch. Don’t make that mistake. After all, the warranty will only last for so long.
