D.I.Y. car maintenance checklist
Bunnings Warehouse is now selling automotive supplies. I know that many Bunnings shoppers like to complete renovations and maintenance on their homes or apartments, but vehicle maintenance is just as important for you and your family’s safety.
Most of us rely on our service provider to carry out servicing our vehicles, however, the service is usually at 12 month or 10,000 km /15,000km intervals.
I have recently checked a vehicle that wasn’t due for its schedule service. The oil level was showing below its lowest level. So I thought to remind the Bunnings Workshop community to carry routine checks on their vehicles.
The following checks are recommended in between scheduled services. Please feel free to add anything extra that I may have missed by replying below, and of course, check your vehicle’s user manual for more information.
Fortnightly or monthly vehicle checks:
- Engine oil - check oil level, using oil dip stick. (Some modern cars may not have a dip stick). Check oil level when vehicle is on a flat level surface.
- Radiator coolant - check level when engine is cool, top up with manufacturer specification. If its very low, I suggest you keep a check on it. If it remains low, have a mechanic check why.
- Brake and clutch fluids - check levels, top up with manufacturers specifications. If very low, it could mean that your brake pads are low, have them checked as soon as possible.
- Vehicle lights - check all lights, indicators, headlights, parking lights, rear tail lights , brake lights are in operating condition.
- Wipers - check and replace wiper blades if necessary. Don’t forget the rear blade if fitted, also check and top up your windscreen washer cleaning fluid.
- Tyres - check pressures of tyres (including spare tyre) with a simple hand held pressure gauge, or check at the service station next time fill up or recharge you car. Also check the wear and tear of your tyres.
- Cleaning your car. Keep the car clean, wash regularly to maintain the car, to keep paint work in good condition. You can use a wash and wax product to maintain the appearance of the vehicle.
- Check for oil, water leaks/puddles under car. Have them checked by a mechanic before any problem gets worse.
- Check for warning lights on dashboard, have them checked as soon as possible.
