Car Safety Checkpoints
Regular maintenance and servicing will not only keep your car running smoothly, safely and in top condition, it will also help in maintaining the car’s resale value.
Hold your mouse over the different checkpoints on the car below and get the low-down on the basics of car safety maintenance.
The engine oil is what lubricates all the metal and moving parts in your engine and prevents them from grinding together and tearing due to friction. Your engine cannot survive without it.
You can never check your engine oil too often. Checks at regular intervals on long road trips are recommended. In between engine oil changes, you can check the oil level by locating the dipstick in the engine bay. The oil level will be indicated on the dipstick. Make sure it is not below the minimum level. Don’t be alarmed if the oil seems to be changing colour, towards a black as this indicates it is working.
To keep your car in tip top condition, always comply with the recommendations and service schedule outlined in your owners’ manual. If an oil change is being carried out by a qualified mechanic, ensure the correct engine oil is used for your car as this may affect your warranty. Usually the oil filter is also replaced in the process.
If changing the oil yourself, click on this link for step by step instructions in Supercheap Auto’s DIY tips.
If your windscreen wipers smear, jitter or squeak, it’s time to change them. Ineffective wipers can effect your abilitity to see the roadahead and therefore impact on your driving safety. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. When fitting blades to a smaller car, the blades can be cut to size. Blades generally slide on, then ‘click’ in place at the ends.
Supercheap Auto stock a wide range of wiper refills to suit most cars. If you’re after that crystal clear look, Supercheap Autoalso stocks wiper fluids to clean, lubricate and condition. Supercheap Auto staff can also help in the fitment of new wipers – simply ask a friendly team member at your local Supercheap Auto store.
A regular check on the windscreen wiper bottle will avoid the inconvenience of running out of just when you need it. The cap is located in the engine bay, usually labelled with a diagram. Just fill it up with clean water and any additives for the ability to see clearly out of your windscreen.
Checking your tyre pressure should be done once a week, ideally when the tyres are relatively cold. Tyre pressure can affect your fuel economy, safety and maximum use from your tyres. Refer to your owner’s manual for the optimum tyre pressure required for your car. When checking tyre pressures also look for any damage such as tatters and tears, punctures, uneven wear, foreign objects and so on. If you detect uneven wear, your wheels may need to be rotated or a wheel alignment may be required.
A coolant is needed to help prevent overheating (antifreeze) and seizure. Coolants should be replaced at recommended intervals as specified in your owners’ manual. In between, it’s worth doing a regular check on the coolant level to detect any leakages or defects. Always check your coolant when the engine is cold. When topping it up, simply locate the coolant in the engine bay, unscrew the top, add the coolant until it reaches the ‘full’ mark, then replace the cap tightly. Supercheap Auto stock a range of coolants in both concentrate and premix form.
Internal controls, tail and brake lights
While this may seem like a basic maintenance task, checking that your controls, dash, tail and brake lights are in full working order can help you avoid a potential accident.
Your brake fluid is the life of your braking system. It’s a good idea to check your brake fluid between services and before a long trip. The brake fluid is usually located toward the back of the engine bay on the drivers’ side. Brake fluid takes in moisture and contaminants need to be avoided where possible.
You can check the fluid level by viewing the markings on the outside. You may need to wipe clean the grime and dirt to see properly. If it needs topping up, Supercheap Auto stock a range of brake fluids; make sure you read your owners’ manual first. Brake fluid needs to be poured slowly to avoid bubbles as this can cause problems for the braking system.
Losing your power steering unexpectedly while driving can prove to be very dangerous as steering becomes quite difficult. To avoid potential accidents, it is important to check your power steering fluid regularly. Your power steering fluid is generally located at the back of the engine bay. Markings should be visible on the outside to determine if the fluid is at a maximum. If not, it is easy to top it up by removing the cap off the top and carefully pouring the fluid. Always used fluid recommended by the manufacturer and don’t forget to replace the cap tightly.
