Essential Maintenance Checklist For Working Parents: Keeping Your Vehicle in Peak Condition
As a parent, you want to be certain that your vehicle is safe and fit for getting you and your kids places. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure that your car keeps running well, saving you money and giving you peace of mind in the process. A lot of essential car maintenance is easier to do at home than you might think – though you should always be aware of when it’s time to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic.
With a bit of planning and prep, you can ensure that your vehicle keeps running perfectly for years to come. You’ll need to know what your car needs and be aware of any warning signs to watch out for. You should check various elements of the vehicle regularly, whether you think they’re needed or not, as it might not always be obvious that something is amiss.
Get Some Tips From the Pros
Thanks to the internet, we all now have a wealth of knowledge right at our fingertips, which can be incredibly useful for doing basic car maintenance. Naturally, some things should only ever be undertaken by a professional, so exercise caution when doing any repairs or maintenance that you’ve not done before successfully. There are plenty of videos online made by professional mechanics that educate car owners about the dos and don’ts of vehicle maintenance. They can be an incredible resource to help you keep your car in peak condition.
Make Sure the Fluid Levels are Right
It helps to have all the necessities at home should you need them, including:
- The right oil for your vehicle
- Windscreen fluid
- Antifreeze
You should check your vehicle’s fluid levels regularly to ensure they don’t run down without you realising. It can be risky to head onto the road without suitable levels of various fluids, so you should check the levels at least once per month and immediately before any long drive. Also, be aware that it can be dangerous to open the radiator when the car is hot after use – always top up fluids on a cold car.
Make Sure You Have Plenty Of Fuel
A common headache for many drivers is the panic of seeing the fuel light come on mid-trip. Most cars will still have enough petrol to safely get you to a petrol station for a top-up, but prevention is better than a cure. Before you set out on any trip, consider how far you’re going and how much fuel you’ll need. Make sure to factor in traffic and road conditions, which can have an impact on your fuel consumption.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Damage
Keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of damage beyond expected wear and wear is crucial. You should also keep an ear out for any sounds your vehicle might be making that could signal trouble. Knowing what your car sounds like when it’s healthy is a good way to ensure that you pick up on any issues quickly. It’s always best to have a professional take a look if you see or hear anything unusual with your car.
Ensure the Windscreen is Safe
Windscreens take a lot of pressure throughout the course of a car’s lifespan – they are hardy, but sometimes issues can occur. An errant bit of debris can easily cause a crack or other damage that will need to be dealt with immediately. Sometimes it can be tough to see if there is damage to the windscreen, particularly if it’s been a while between cleanings. It’s a good idea to give your windscreen regular cleans inside and out so that you can be confident that everything is working as it should.
Consider Getting Some Snazzy Upgrades
There’s a lot to be said about giving your vehicle a little extra wow factor – and plenty of ways to do it. You might consider upgrading the tech you have in the car with an improved sound system or inbuilt satnav. A new paint job can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into an older vehicle. You could also consider investing in a personalised number plate that will give your car character and make sure you never lose it in the supermarket car park again! Regtransfers has some fantastic options that any parent will love for their family vehicle. You will then be able to sell personal number plates later on, so consider it an investment!
Know When to Replace the Wipers
Wipers, like any part of your car, can wear out and need replacing. Though many drivers head over to the mechanic to do this replacement, it is actually a quick and simple job that you could do yourself at home. Different cars will have different techniques for releasing the wiper blade, and you should be able to determine the correct way using your vehicle’s log book or online manuals and guides. You’ll also need to make sure you have suitable replacement blades for the size and shape of your windscreen.
Involve the Kids
It’s never too early to start learning about car maintenance, and if you instil a love of learning and curiosity at an early age, this will benefit them throughout their lives. Any tasks you undertake with your kids should always be age appropriate – make sure that any possible dangers are taken into account. You can involve them in the car maintenance more and more as they get older so they’ll be ready and know what to do when they get their own first vehicles.
Check the Lights
A fundamental of any car maintenance routine is making sure the lights are all in working order; this is a great opportunity to have the kids help you out. It’s best to check them when it’s dark out as you’ll be able to see for sure if the lights are working. Go through each light system in turn and have the kids or another helper tell you if the corresponding light is coming on. Make sure to test everything, including:
- Brake lights
- Hazard lights
- Dipped headlights
- Sidelights
- Full beams
- Fog lights
- Indicators
Remember the Spare Tyres
In addition to checking the main tyres, you should also regularly check to ensure that the spare is in good working order. Since it is not in use, there should be minimal wear and tear to contend with, but you should be aware of the tyre pressure. Make sure that you check the pressure before any long road trips, and know that you’ll need to travel to the nearest mechanic if you do have to change out a regular tyre for the spare. You can find the correct pressure for your spare tyre in your vehicle’s log book and top it up with a simple air pump if needed.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of car maintenance you can do at home that will help your vehicle last longer. Not only does maintenance help you keep your car in safe and healthy working order, but it can also help give you and your family a comfortable and enjoyable ride as you travel from place to place. Make sure that you do essential maintenance regularly, checking on fluid levels and lights at least monthly. Make sure you understand how to do the maintenance you need, and always consult with a professional mechanic if in doubt.
