Corrective and Preventive Maintenance

The top maintenance required for your car can be categorized into corrective and preventive methods. Corrective measures are taken after the detection of a defect or breakdown of parts. Preventive measures are aimed at earlier detection of defects before they result in a breakdown. Dont also forget thing like keeping it clean and waxing your car  headlamp are important see our reviews on best wax for car

Periodic Maintenance

There is one more aspect called periodic maintenance. They are carried out after your car completes a specific running distance in miles. You can also get them done after a specific period of time, depending on the advice from your car mechanic.

Periodic Maintenance – Critical Parts

Engine Maintenance

  • Engine Oil: You need to replace the engine oil periodically. The interval varies depending on the car model, engine capacity, and other parameters. The generic guideline is to change it after running specific miles as specified in the manual.
  • best fuel injector cleaner
  • Oil Filter: You may have to change the engine oil filter after every three months or specific running distance in miles.
  • Engine Tuning: Engine tuning is done for enhancing the efficiency and optimizing fuel consumption. It can also prevent the engine from premature breakdown due to defective parts and heating up. It includes inspection of the valve train, carburetors, valves, air and fuel filters, combustion chamber, etc. Periodic cleaning of the engine can help in extending the running time and distance.
  • Coolant Liquid: Replace the coolant liquid at regular intervals. The first step is to flush out the old coolant from the engine parts like the radiator. Make sure you add the anti-freeze solution. The interval of replacement may be longer compared to the other consumables, but it is an essential service.

Battery Maintenance

  • Cleaning: You can clean the battery terminals after removing the connections. It helps in removing the rust and the deposits of dirt. It can also prevent the terminals from corrosion. Recommended interval is every three months. It can vary depending on how fast the alkali material is corroding the terminals. If the terminals are corroded beyond repair, you may have to replace them.
  • Water: Check the battery distilled water regularly and add whenever it goes below the minimum recommended level. Fill the water to the maximum recommended level without making it overflow.
  • Insulator: Inspect the insulator and check whether it has any cracks or damages. You may need to replace it if required.
  • Grease: Apply grease to the battery terminals regularly to protect them from rust deposits and corrosion. Applying excess can result in a damaged electrical connection. Hence, you should apply it optimally as a thin layer to ensure no damages. Not all types of batteries require greasing. So, you need to refer to the manual or consult the expert mechanic before applying it. You may also find alternates like petroleum jelly.

Tire Maintenance

  • Air Pressure: Check the air pressure (standard 30PSI-36PSI) in cold condition. You may use a gauge for doing it. If it is below the value, you have to inflate the pressure to the recommended level.
  • Tread Wear: Visually inspect your car tires for tread wear, tread depth and damages. If the depth is below 2/32″ (penny test) you may have to get it tested by a mechanic and take advice for the replacement. You can consult your car mechanic and retread the tire for extending life without having to replace.
  • Tire Maintenance: Tire rotation and tire balancing are the two crucial maintenance procedures you need to follow regularly. They can help keep your car tires from wearing out. Elimination of vibrations and shocks is a key benefit of the maintenance procedure.

Wheel Maintenance

  • Wheel Alignment: check the wheel alignment with your car mechanic regularly for meeting the OEM standards. You may also need to get the suspension and steering components for proper alignment with the wheel. Wheel alignment can prevent problems related to vehicle pulling (left/right), loose shimmies, and wearing of treads. Cruising and turning get streamlined.
  • Wheel Bearing: inspection and greasing of wheel bearing after complete cleaning is a critical maintenance procedure. Replacement of inner seal will ensure frictionless wheel movement. If there is excessive wearing, it is better to replace the bearings.
  • Wheel suspension: The regular inspection and lubrication of springs, shock absorbers, springs, and the connecting parts to the wheel can stop squeaking and vibrating of the suspension.
  • Chassis Maintenance: Complete lubrication of car chassis once in six months can help increase the lifespan of the car and improve safety levels. It keeps the wheel movement smooth. Braking system will retain its strength and agility. The probability of premature breakdown will reduce considerably over the years.

Brake Maintenance

Regular servicing of brake discs, pads, calipers, and the rotor is very important for ensuring safety on roads. Lubricating the brakes can prevent friction and wear considerably. Your car mechanic will know where to apply the lubricant and where to avoid. If you apply lubrication to the wrong components, it may skid when you apply the brake and result in accidents. Hence, it is critical that you get the brake maintenance done by an expert car mechanic rather than using the DIY procedures,

Periodic Maintenance – Essential Parts

  • Fuel Supply: Periodic inspection and maintenance of fuel tank, injection system, lines and the pump along with the filters help save fuel. Injector and cleaning and part replacement (when required) will help in extending the lifespan of the fuel supply system.
  • Lighting System: regular inspection of the electrical system and the cables can reveal the defects and damages. You need to get the parts replaced for ensuring proper lighting. Polish the headlights, clean the lens and reflectors and replace worn out bulbs. Similarly, you can check the indicator lights, hind-lights, and the others for cleaning and part replacement.
  • Air Conditioner: regular cleaning will keep the mold and mildew away. Check and clean/replace the cabin filter. The cleaning foam spray will be useful in keeping the air quality at the highest levels.

Periodic maintenance, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance are the procedures which can keep your car in perfect working conditions. An expert car mechanic will be the ideal person to perform the procedures to ensure safety and durability.