Checklist For a Tension Free And Smooth Ride in Your Car

Here is a checklist of 10 points how we can enjoy a smooth ride in our car. The automotive engine is the heart of our car and is obviously precious to it
as our car is precious for us. And it's very much within our control to keep our car fit and running smoothly. Aside from the normal service routines, focusing on the following critical automotive check-up areas can forestall car from coming to a standstill at a bad time.


Engine Coolant Levels -

• Locate your car's coolant reservoir tank, most often you'd find it on the side where the passenger sits.
• Measure it up against the markings on the reservoir to know the coolant levels accurately.
• If you find that the levels aren't up to the mark, you can easily make them so by adding a 50/50-mix solution that most automobiles' parts stores stock.

Automotive Lubricant Engine Oil Levels

Check the oil levels with an oil dipstick. Take it out and wipe it clean to see whether the car's lubricant level is at the al right or not ('Full' or 'Add.').

• Perform a second check, just to be sure. If you need to 'Add' the oil, you could either do it yourself or help yourself to a service station.
• Also look at the color of the engine oil. If you find that it's black in color then it's high time you replaced it, if not then it's ok. But remember that diesel engine oil turns black earlier than the gas engine one's.

Brake Fluid Levels

• Locate the brake-fluid container on top of a metal cylinder, at the back end of the engine bay and on the driver's side.
• A see-through container lets you assess the fluid levels visually. In case it isn't, then you'd need to lift open the lid to perform the check.
• Fill it up or leave it as it is based on your findings.

Windshield Washer Fluid Levels

Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Its location is hardly a convention, and varies with your car make, model, etc.

• Fill it up if you find its levels decreasing, normally a gallon of it should cost you about $5.

Air Pressure
Check the tires' pressure when they are cold and not when the vehicle has been driven.

• To know appropriate pressure for your car's tires, don't go by the prints under the "maximum pressure" on the side wall of the tire. Rather, refer to the owner's manual or the sticker inside the door-jam.
• It's a good investment to purchase an electric tire pump for your car. If you don't have one already, it isn't difficult to find air pumps at most gas stations around the country.

Exteriors
Last, but not the least is to perform an external check of your vehicle. Before you hop on behind the wheel, take a walk around it and look for any piece that's missing or out of place, viz. headlights, brake lights, wiper blades, etc.

• Don't touch the radiator cap when the engine is hot, the radiator is under pressure in a hot engine.
• Caution is to be exercised when handling anti-freeze, as it's highly toxic. Keep it off yourself at all times.