10 Keys to Car Maintenance
The workshops want to add their grain of sand to contribute to road safety and minimize the environmental impact of cars, but drivers can do much of their part if we take care of our vehicles. Above all, these ten points:
1. Shock Absorbers:
Shock absorbers provide driving comfort and represent a guarantee of safety as they help control the vehicle at high speeds and in risky situations. In fact, it is considered one of the three essential components of the so-called "safety triangle", along with tires and brakes.
The correct operation of a shock absorber depends on various factors, such as the state of the road, the load of the vehicle, the mileage and wear effects such as cold, heat and humidity. The action of these factors causes the effect of the shock absorber to be gradually reduced until it stops working properly. As it is not very noticeable wear for the driver, it is advisable to carry out periodic checks every 20,000 kilometers.
2. Wiper Blades:
In the event of rain, the windscreen wiper blades play a key role. If they do not sweep well and do not properly evacuate the water (or hail or snow), they prevent precious information from reaching our eyes well. A few seconds can be vital. You can extend the life of your wipers. Of course, when the brushes leave areas to sweep, cause strange mists, make noise or jump, the time has come for their replacement. There is nothing worse for its components than prolonged days of sun and high temperatures. Now, in addition, they usually incorporate wear detectors very interesting to incorporate.
3. FILTERS:
You should monitor them at least once a year. Various types of filters are mounted on vehicles:
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Oil Filters:
Normal engine wear implies the appearance of metallic particles that come off the components and end up in the lubricant. The mission of the oil filter is to retain these particles, which could harm the performance of the engine or even seriously damage it. Since the oil replacement periods have been greatly extended in new vehicles and despite the fact that the quality of the filters has improved significantly, it is essential to replace this element every time the lubricant is changed. If you dare to change the oil yourself, you can follow these seven steps.
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Air Filters:
A filter is good condition ensures that the air reaching the engine does not contain abrasive particles. In this way, combustion is carried out in the best conditions and fuel consumption is maintained at the levels included in the vehicle catalog, as is the case with polluting emissions. It is important that the filter is always checked during vehicle maintenance operations. The end of your life depends a lot on the places where you travel. Hence, in case of walking on dusty roads habitually, it is necessary to proceed much more frequently to its replacement than if driving through much cleaner environments.
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Fuel Filters:
Its operation differs in the case of gasoline vehicles: it removes impurities from the fuel before they reach the engine, while in diesel-powered vehicles they serve to remove water and prevent corrosion of the metal elements of the engine. In both cases, their task is essential to guarantee the health of the engine. They should be checked whenever the vehicle enters the workshop for maintenance.
4. Tires:
Many factors influence the useful life of a tire: from the components of the tires and the storage prior to their sale, to the way of driving of its user, to the weather and the characteristics of the pavement on which it rolls. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine an estimated number of kilometers ( there are brands that last longer than others ). However, being the link between the car and the road, its role in safety is paramount.
You must correctly maintain the pressure ratings recommended by the manufacturer. You should always be very aware of the appearance of vibrations and noise, of abnormal wear (greater in some areas than others), of any strange behavior detected in braking. It may be time for the change and even to warn us of failures in other components related to security. when the annual mileage does not exceed 14,000 kilometers. If more kilometers are made, it is advisable to visit the workshop before.
5. Brakes:
With the brakes in poor condition, we will need more meters to stop the car in an emergency. The wear of the components of the brake system depends a lot on the characteristics of the driving and also on the usual means by which the vehicle rolls (traffic jams in the cities, mountain routes, with abundant curves, etc.). Therefore, it is very important that this system is reviewed by a specialist at least once a year. It is not easy to detect it since the brake components deteriorate little by little and, unless the difference is very marked (it goes to one side, it takes time to “react”, noises, squeaks, etc.) in which case the step for the workshop should be immediate. We have already talked about how to keep the brakes in good condition.
6. Lubricants:
Lubricants minimize wear and tear on engine parts, channel metal particles from that wear to the filter, aid in cooling, and prevent tiny leaks in the circuit due to their sealing properties. The service life of lubricants has been greatly increased in modern cars. 20 years ago, the average rate was around 5,000-8,000 kilometers, but today vehicle manufacturers talk about revivals further apart, above the 30,000 kilometers to its new models ... but dilate more than 15,000 kilometers change Lubricants make the engine suffer in excess. The workshops advise checking the level of the lubricant tank (every 1,500 kilometers), an excellent habit that saves a lot of scares ... and that saves upsets and money. If you must replace, choose the type of lubricant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
7. Lighting:
The headlights of your vehicle allow you to see ... and be seen. It is no longer compulsory to carry spare lamps in the car (due to the difficulty of its assembly and even to the electrical risks that the change operation can pose in certain vehicles), it should not be forgotten that it is mandatory to maintain the lighting and signaling in optimal conditions. To do this, it is advisable to check monthly the correct operation of all lights (position, crossing, road, brake, reverse, turn signals and fog lights) and keep their outer surface free of mud and dirt. Likewise, whenever any irregularity is detected (a decrease in intensity, for example), a specialist should be consulted.
8. Exhaust System and Catalysts:
Exhaust systems have a double mission in caring for the environment: they must reduce pollutant emissions and the noise of gases leaving the engine. Its deterioration cannot be avoided, due to its hard task, especially when moving around a lot in cities or on irregular pavements. You will notice leaks or corrosion due to a lack of engine power and an increase in lubricant consumption. Also, and as indicated by the main manufacturers, circulating with catalysts ( highly demanded by friends of others ) or faulty exhaust pipes can increase the danger of fire in the vehicle and cause suffocation and poisoning in closed places. The catalysts cease to cover their protective function of the environment at 80,000 km that does not hurt to review them from 60,000 kilometers. To avoid damaging it, it is advisable to avoid climbing the curbs and warming up the vehicle, keeping the car idling for a couple of minutes before starting off.
9. Timing Belt:
The timing belt synchronizes the four-stroke of the engine, the opening, and closing of the intake and exhaust valves and the spark of the spark plug. It is very important to follow the advice of the vehicle manufacturer because, as it is an element that wears out, its breakage can cause serious and expensive damage to the engine. It is practically impossible for an average driver to detect its deterioration (you can always pay attention ), so the best forecast is to replace it with an average unit based on the manufacturer's recommended intervals. And if you have to buy a new (or used) car, know the differences between the timing belt and the timing chain.
10. Environment:
Some of the parts that are replaced in vehicles are considered hazardous waste and are highly polluting (in addition to being considered a crime). Vehicle repair and maintenance workshops comply with strict regulations for the correct recovery and recycling of waste. If you change any component, go to the nearest clean point. And if you plan to retire your car, do it responsibly.
