Car accidents are a major cause of death as proven during the recent festive season. Therefore it is important to take precautions for our own safety, and for the sake of our loved ones. One of the best ways to ensure your safety is by regular car maintenance which is basic knowledge that every car owner should know. By regularly maintaining your car, chances are there will be less mishaps due to mechanical failures. Among the basic tasks you can regularly perform include: checking the engine, oil, tyre pressure, and the condition of your brakes. You also need to take your car for regular service. By doing all of the above, it will keep all parts running efficiently and prevents any unwanted stalls, stops or malfunction which may lead to accidents. Here are some tips to keep your car running in optimal condition to ensure your safety.

OIL
Check your engine oil and the filter, change it every 3000 to 4000 kms. This will prevent engine damage due to low oil levels, dirt, and debris running through the system, and keep parts from locking up. It also helps the engine use less petrol. By changing your engine oil regularly, you will enjoy a smooth ride.

TYRES
Driving with bald tyres is dangerous and can potentially cause accidents, particularly if the tyres are in poor condition or incorrectly inflated, which is why it is important to check the pressure of your tyres. Get your tyres examined and rotated, which allows it to wear evenly and last longer. Get a professional to help you check if your tyres still safe. Tyres that have low tread(bald tyres) can blow out in the worst of circumstances, and should be replaced immediately.

BRAKES
Brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car with regards to safety. It is compulsory that your brakes are kept in the best condition possible and it is important to remember that brake problems develop gradually. If you notice a lack of firmness in the brakes, or if you have to push the brake to the floor before anything happens, get it checked. You may have a leak in your braking system, or the brake fluid level may be low. If you are getting a shaking or vibration in the pedal, you may need to replace the rotors, or just re-surfacing. If you get squealing sound, it means your brake pads are wearing thin. If you get grinding sound, or metal-on-metal, there may serious problems and you should check your brakes immediately.
HANDBRAKE
Find yourself a nice quiet road with an incline. Pull the handbrakes on. It should engage within a few clicks. If takes too long, you need to check the cable and rear calipers.

RADIATOR / COOLANT
Nobody wants their car to overheat, a lack of coolant in the radiator can cause this to happen. It is best to check the level of coolant before a long journey. The car manual will help you find the engine coolant reservoir. Make sure the current level is between minimum and maximum levels. If the coolant is low, add extra fluid.
Make sure the car is cool before attempting to re-fill coolant. Generally, check your car to make sure there is no leakage underneath, all lights are working, and everything is in place. All these helps you before any major problem can.
It is also important to have your car serviced at the recommended mileage, depending on your on your car type.  From this, your car will get a thorough makeover, with all the worn out parts replaced. This is essential for keeping your car for a long time and to avoid accidents while driving. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your car is properly maintained and is safe to drive. This way, you will be a safe and responsible driver.

Source : News Straits Times (29.8.12)