Maintenance
Basic car maintenance saves you money and helps reduce the risk of a breakdown. You only need to spend a few minutes each week to do these checks.
Here are some basic safety checks that everyone can do.
- Check that all exterior lights are working. This can easily be done when parking in the garage at night by checking the reflection against the walls
- Check that glass surfaces are clean and free from chips, cracks and scratches
- Check that the windscreen wipers and washers operate efficiently
- Check the wiper rubbers are secure and in good condition
- Make sure the horn works
- Test the handbrake to ensure it ‘holds’ the car on steep hills
- Check the condition of the seat belts for wear, and to ensure they lock when you give them a sharp tug.
- Check tyre pressure and tyre condition including tread depth, which should always be at least 1.5mm across the entire tread width
- Under bonnet checks should include oil and fluid levels, battery water level, windscreen washer fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid and brake and clutch fluid.
Car Care Course
If you would like to learn how to look after your car and are unsure how to change a flat tyre, check the oil, look after your battery or other general maintenance requirements, RACQ has a Car Care Course to put you back in control. A one-day course is held on selected Saturdays in Brisbane.
Call – 3666 9760
Email – techadvice@racq.com.au
Apart from your own maintenance, it is also important to build a relationship with a trusted mechanic. Your mechanic will be able to provide you with information about repairs that you may need to make, giving you time to budget for these expenses.
