Car maintenance might not sound like the most interesting of activities, but performing regular check-ups on your car will not only help to keep you on the road but it will also save you a lot of money in the long-term.
There are a lot of car parts that can be damaged or worn over time, and there are a number of components that need to be kept topped up with water, oil or other lubricants to help you to get the best possible performance whether you’re doing the short trip to school or a long journey for a family break.
By failing to perform some of the simplest checks on what you might perceive to be an “insignificant” or “less important” part of your car, you actually risk causing further significant damage to the major components in a domino effect.
Certain car parts and systems require each individual piece to either work at a specific moment, or to perform a specific task that then affects another; and if just one of these parts fails or doesn’t do its job when it is supposed to, it can result in serious damage further down the system.
As such it is vitally important that you do a number of checks on your car on a weekly basis. You don’t necessarily have to know the inner workings of your car, you just have to give a few parts some TLC, and here are five key car parts from different areas that you should be checking:
Car Brakes – Brake Pads and Discs
The brakes are among the most important car parts you have. Without them, you won’t be able to come to a safe stop or to slow down the vehicle when you need to. While it is a complicated system that goes from the pedal inside the car to the wheels themselves, the brake pads and discs get through the majority of the work and these are relatively simple to check.
Your brake discs are the large silver parts on the inside of your wheel, roughly the size of a dinner plate. Your brakes work through friction, and over time the discs will start to wear down which results in a decline in brake performance – something nobody wants. If you notice any kind of deterioration in your braking, check the brake discs for any signs of corrosion or pitting, as this can reduce the area and the amount of friction available.
With your brake pads it is important to check on the thickness of the pad itself. Again, over time the heat caused by the friction when you apply your brakes will cause the pads to wear, and when they are worn down to the thickness of the steel backing plate it is time to change your brake pads.
Fluids and Lubricants – Engine Oil
Every engine needs oil in order to stop the metal parts from grinding together and corroding the engine from the inside. If you were to rub two materials together they would start to wear each other down, and this would be the case with your engine. With so many different moving parts, all required to move or to perform a task at a specific moment, being well lubricated is essential.
Different engines require a different type of engine oil and you can find out the right lubricant for your car by checking your owner’s manual or speaking to one of our experts. The oil allows the smooth movement of each part and takes away the heat caused by the friction. Over time the oil level in your car will start to drop as it is used up (or if it leaks), so pay close attention to the dial inside your car or the reservoir under the bonnet. Your dip-stick will allow you to see how much oil you have inside the engine and this should be checked when the engine is cold and the vehicle is parked on level ground for an accurate reading.
Body and Exhaust Parts – Wiper Blades
You might not use your wiper blades too often if the weather is nice, but it can’t hurt to check them on a regular basis so that they are ready for action when the weather turns. It’s entirely possible for your wiper blades to sustain damage when materials are thrown up from the road, and they can start to wear over time like any other car parts.
To check the condition of your wiper blades, run your finger along the rubber strip for any signs of damage, and check your windscreen for smearing. If there are signs of either it could be an indication that your wiper blades are due for a change.
Suspension and Steering Parts – Shock Absorbers
Your shock absorbers are in constant use, flexing every time your car goes around a bend or over a bump. Worn or damaged shocks can result in a 20% decrease in the performance of your braking system and can also seriously affect the ride comfort.
To check the condition of your shock absorbers, pay close attention to several things. Firstly, when you are driving the vehicle, see if it is pulling to one side when you go around a bend. This could be a sign that the shocks on the affected side could be worn. Second, when you apply the brakes, if the bonnet takes a noticeable dip it could be due to damaged shocks. Finally, any signs of uneven wear on a particular tyre or those on one side could be caused by collapsed shocks making the affected corner or side work much harder than the others.
We recently took an in-depth look at shock absorbers in a blog post that you can find here.
Electrical and Lighting Parts – Bulbs
Car bulbs are much brighter and much more reliable than they used to be, but they still wear out just like any typical household bulb. Some vehicles will display warning messages on the dashboard when a particular bulb has failed, but there are also manual checks that you can be doing.
To check the front, rear and brake lights simply park close to a flat, reflective surface and switch on your lights and apply the brakes. If you can see the reflection of each bulb then you know you are okay. For the indicators, hazards and reversing lights it can be beneficial to have assistance so that someone else can check that the lights are on when you flick the switch or put the car into reverse.
Don’t forget that Euro Car Parts is the UK’s number one supplier of car parts and accessories, meaning that we’re here if you need any replacement parts for any make or model. We have more than 250 branches nationwide and offer free next day and standard delivery on all in-stock items. For more details, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experts.