You should get into the habit of doing a monthly check on your car. Have it coincide with a regular event such as the first weekend of the month. - Check tyre pressure once a month. You can do this at the servo - or even better, keep a tyre gauge in your glove box. They are only $10 and will make sure you get an accurate reading.
- Check the tyres have no cuts or bulges and make sure the tread is not wearing too thin. A tyre repair centre will check your tyres for free.
- Check all your lights are working - it's a hefty fine if they're not and can be very dangerous, especially on rainy nights. Check at night - turn on the lights, press the brakes and flick the indicators.
- Be aware of the battery condition. Dim dash lights or if an engine turns over slowly are indicators that your battery is going flat.
- Check the oil - this one can save you thousands. Always check with a warm engine (but not a running engine). Check with the dipstick and top up the oil if needed through the oil filler tube.
Generally if something is about to go wrong then your car will start to show signs. Here's what to look out for: - Noises. Does the car usually make that noise? Pinpoint where and when it started - it could be a number of things.
- If the car is pulling to one side and the steering feels weird, you may have a tyre or wheel alignment issue.
- A clunky sound when changing gears could indicate something wrong with the transmission.
- Check the temperature indicator on the dash to make sure the car is not overheating.
Important things to know before getting behind the wheel:- How to control the car in an emergency situation.
- How the car handles in the wet.
- The correct tyre pressure for the tyres (written on the tyre placard which is either on the side of the driver's door or in the glove box).
- The correct seating position to minimise risk of injury in the event of an accident.
- How to change the time on the dashboard clock. It can really drive you absolutely crazy when it's wrong!
Galmatic run nationwide car-care workshops and defensive driving courses for women. Book into a workshop or sign up for their monthly e-newsletter at Galmatic or call (02) 9970 6677. Who looks after you cars regular maintance? Share the advice with us and other readers.
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