The car maintenance checklist for better performance.
The cars of today’s world are different than they were ten years ago. In fact they are different than they were five years ago. There are sensors, and cameras, and sensors for the cameras. There are warning lights and alert indicators. Not to mention digital readouts of every system that is active in the machine. Additionally, the automated systems. Some of those automated systems have been around for many years and we’ve all encountered them at one time or another. The little yellow check engine light is a prime example and proves the point.
With this in mind, the cars of today’s world take on wear and tear as quickly as any classic muscle car of the seventies. Although there are many differences between the old and the new, the idea of preventative maintenance is as timeless as ever. Furthermore, relying exclusively on sensors and digital output (technology) is not a fully reliable way to approach preventative maintenance. For example, tire pressure. It can change based on the weather. Or the wear on the tire that is in the weather.
It might only be a pound or two but that can change exponentially under the right circumstances. However, the real world confirmation is a known benchmark. For example, individually checking all four tires, creates a benchmark for the car maintenance checklist. In other words, any low tires get proper inflation at the next air pump. That is one advantage of keeping a car maintenance checklist. Up to date information.
Better Performance
Performance is an important part of any vehicle operation. Some vehicles have a high performance design. However, not every courier drives a high performance vehicle. Furthermore, high performance maintenance isn’t necessary to achieve better performance. Having all four tires at, or very near, the same tire pressure, improves performance in a few different ways. Gas mileage is one. And improved handling is another.
Tires and tire pressure are one area that must be on a car maintenance checklist. Checking the tread of the tire is as easy as rubbing it a little. Feel the grooves. Are they deep or shallow? If there are no grooves, but only a smooth surface, tires may be needed. Soon. Up from the tires and on to the lights. They should all work. Not only the headlights, but also the tail lights. And the brake lights. Which includes at least two of them. Parking lights are important too. And don’t forget the reverse lights.
And although checking the blinkers and using them, are two sides of the same coin, it’s still good if they work. There’s no better way to get a little breathing room when that horn dog tailgater is hard at work just behind the vehicle. From there it’s a good idea to check those windshield wipers. Also let’s pop the hood because there’s something to check there as well. Windshield wipers have windshield wiper fluid reservoirs. It’s a good idea to see if this tank is low.
The Car Maintenance Checklist
So far the checklist includes things the vehicle doesn’t do on its own. A light being out is a sneaky one. Additionally, it happens at the most unexpected times. This is why the lights go on the car maintenance checklist. Since they are known for going out at random times a routine check helps mitigate the possible down time. It can also help avoid getting pulled over for a warning, or worse, a citation.
Getting familiar with the vehicle owner’s manual will help with the next part. Since the hood is up, and the windshield wiper reservoir is now full, a quick check of other fluids is possible. Checking the oil is another diy task for the driver that prefers to be one step ahead of the check engine light. There’s an old adage about waiting until the low oil light comes on. It’s best not to. That’s the old adage. A vehicle can be two quarts (or more) low, by the time the check engine light comes on.
Checking the oil in most vehicles is an easy process. There are instructions in the owners manual. Additionally there are Youtube videos, which are very helpful. It’s very insightful to watch an example based on your very own vehicle type. There are other fluids that need checking once in a while, however they require special conditions. Furthermore, if it seems overly mechanical, it is best to let a mechanic lend a hand. Many of the Fifteen minute Oil Change centers offer fluid checks, and some free refills, as part of the service.
Car Maintenance Checklist Performance
Checking the coolant level in a vehicle is dangerous under the wrong conditions. Whenever possible it’s best to let a qualified service center check the coolant levels in the vehicle. If you had a Grandpa that taught you to never open that thing when it’s hot your Grandpa was completely right. And cool. Any lobster can confirm that boiling water is no joke.
After closing the hood it’s a good idea to check for dust. Or grime, or built up bug bits. The windshield, and the side windows, are top priorities here. What looks clean in the daylight is a different story at night. For example, the various color and brightness intensity of oncoming vehicle headlights. A clean windshield can only improve safety for other drivers as well as the courier.
Lastly, check the windows. All of them. Do they all function? Just one of those things. For those who only use vehicle air conditioning, the windows may be rarely used. Therefore a quick test once in a while can’t hurt. This is a basic car maintenance checklist. However, it covers the important areas. Furthermore it only takes a few minutes to do. So it’s schedule friendly. Something every courier can appreciate. Stay safe out there.
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