What should be checked in the car to avoid serious expenses?

Maintaining a car in good condition requires the owner to regularly check the level of fluids and other parameters, as well as monitor the behavior of the car. What is worth remembering?

Many everyday tasks can be performed without visiting a car repair shop. In addition to the obligatory check of the level of engine oil and other operating fluids, the driver must also carefully inspect the cab. It is here that the car will display information about malfunctions and problems that need to be visited by a specialist. Together with Stanisław Plonka, a mechanic from Rzeszów, we recall the most important duties of every driver. 

Engine oil level

This is the most important activity that a driver should perform on a regular basis. In the case of new cars, once a month or two is enough, but if you have an older car, it is better to check the oil level every two to three weeks. Of course, as long as the engine is in good running condition and doesn't consume too much oil, the oil won't leak. Checking the condition of the most important lubricant in a car is very important, because its lack means faster engine wear, and a critically low condition is almost a sure spell. Correct refueling of the engine is three-quarters of that indicated on the saber. Minimal oil consumption is normal, even the most modern engines can burn up to a liter of this fluid in the cycle from replacement to replacement.

Level and condition of the brake fluid

Brake fluid is an extremely important element of the system responsible for stopping the car. He is responsible for transferring the braking force from the pedal to the pads. For proper operation of the brake system, there should not be a shortage of fluid, as this will lead to the formation of air locks in the brakes. That is why it is so important to check the condition based on the level indicated on the expansion tank. But the amount of liquid is not enough. Its main feature is the boiling point - the higher the better. Most modern factory fluids only boil above 220-230 degrees Celsius.

But since they absorb water, the boiling point drops over time, even a small amount of water can reduce the properties by 40-50 percent. What does it threaten? Brake temperatures above the liquid's boiling point can cause vapor lock, which reduces brake performance by up to 100 percent. Therefore, it is recommended to check the fluid level regularly, once a week, and replace every two years, or 40-50 thousand. km. When topping up fluid, make sure the system was previously filled with fluid. Two types of liquids are available on the market - DOT-4 and R3. They cannot be mixed with each other. The condition of the fluid can be checked at a car service that has the appropriate equipment. If there is no air in the system, you can add fluid to the expansion tank yourself. It is worth checking the boiling point of the brake fluid at the service station when checking the car before and after winter.

Coolant level and condition

In addition to oil, coolant is an extremely important component responsible for the correct operation of the engine. In winter, it allows the engine to warm up evenly, and in summer it prevents it from overheating. Everything is controlled by a thermostat that opens or closes the small and large circuits depending on the temperature of the liquid. Too little coolant, especially on hot days, can quickly lead to engine overheating, and too much coolant can lead to system leaks. Like engine oil, coolant can also leak in small amounts. Therefore, it is recommended to check the status at least once a month. Large cavities can mean, for example, problems with the head. In summer, many drivers still use distilled water instead of liquid. We do not recommend such experiments. Water is not resistant to boiling, and if you do not change it to liquid before winter, it can freeze in the system and break pipes, radiator and engine head.

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