Before starting on that trip to ‘balik kampung’ or even to the nearby supermarket, you can save
yourself hefty repair bills or inconvenient breakdowns by doing routine and simple checks on your
car’s health status.
Car maintenance tips
Can you remember when you last sent your car for a scheduled service? Not many people can.
Whilst regular servicing of your car is important, there are also some simple checks that you can do to
ensure your car is in good condition before you hit the road:
1. It’s a good practice to always check on fluid and oil levels, tyre air pressure and battery condition.
2. Ensure that your windscreen wipers are working and examine the wiper blades - replace them if
they are worn or torn or if the rubber has turned hard. Fill up the washer reservoir to the maximum
level too. It helps to have good clear vision while driving in wet weather conditions.
3. The fluid levels in the brake and clutch reservoirs should be topped up to the recommended
marks. Clean the covers before you remove them for filling and use only the correct fluid types.
4. Cooling system levels should also be checked and topped up only when the engine is cool to
prevent any injury. Try to inspect around the radiator and hoses to detect any leakages and
attend to them soonest.
5. Engine oil level should be checked by removing the dipstick, wiping it with a clean rag, replace
and take it out again to note the oil level which should be at the maximum line. Top up if near the
minimum level with a suitable oil.
6. With today’s modern batteries, topping up with battery water is a thing of the past as most are
fully maintenance-free and require only very minimal inspection. Take for example the Hitachi
MFX battery. The Hitachi MFX battery not only has a 2-year warranty but also a battery condition
indicator on the lid to make it super convenient for you to determine its health.
Check that the battery connectors are fixed firmly and tighten if loose. Clean off any corrosion that
you find around the terminals with a mixture of hot water and baking soda and dry all surfaces
after.
7. Do examine if there are any cracks or leaks on the battery casing and if any, get your battery
dealer or mechanic to double check the condition.
8. Tyres should be inflated to the correct pressures and their sidewalls closely checked for cracks,
tears, bulges and cuts. Make sure that there is at least 2-3mm of tyre tread for safe driving as
anything less is dangerous.
9. Do remember to check the spare tyre in the boot and make sure you have a car jack and
standard tool set for emergencies.
10. Balance and align your tyres and rims regularly for a smooth and safe drive.
11. Brake systems must also be checked for wear and tear and effectiveness by your mechanic to
ensure safe stopping always.
12. Lastly, take a walk around your car and note that all signal lamps, headlights and taillights are in
good working condition and that all glass windows are clean and clear of any obstructions. Do
drive safely, observe traffic regulations and have a safe and worry-free trip always.
This article is brought to you by Hitachi MFX automobile battery. The Hitachi MFX battery is
available at over 5,000 dealers nationwide and in Sabah and Sarawak.
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