People sometimes underestimate the importance of car maintenance. Doing regular checks on your vehicle means that it will run smoothly, which means that you won't have to go through car issues at the most inconvenient times. To avoid those problems, here's a checklist for a biannual checkup.
Car Lights
Lights are not only there to help you see better in the dark, but they also function as signals so you can communicate with fellow drivers on the road. When even just one is broken or not working, it might cause accidents that could put you and your passengers at risk. Check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals regularly.
Engine Oil
Engine oil, which you might also know as motor oil, plays an important part in combustion engines. It lubricates the mechanism so it can operate more efficiently. Without it, the metal parts may start to grind together and cause the engine to overheat. Not only can it cause damage, it can also increase fuel consumption.
Engine Air Filter
The filter ensures that the air entering your engine is clean and that there is actual air coming into the engine. Like all filters, dust buildup means that nothing will be able to come through and your engine will not be able to breathe. When that happens, various complications may arrive such as your engine making noises or not starting at all.
Wiper Blades
If you're in a particularly dusty place, you might be using your wiper blades more often to clear your windshield, which can wear it out or crack it. When that happens, it won't do its job very well and you can end up with a foggy view of the road in front of you. It goes without saying how dangerous it is to not see clearly while driving.
Brakes
You don't need to be told how important brakes are in a vehicle. It helps you maneuver it better and prevent you from colliding with other obstacles. There are a lot of things you need to check such as the brake pads, since they control the "bite" your brake pedal has when stopping. If you're not sure how to check, it's best to consult a mechanic.
Battery
The battery in your vehicle powers the electronics within your car and is required to start it as well. Running out of power can happen at the most inconvenient time if you don't check it regularly. You can do so by heading to a mechanic or other services to test your car battery, especially if you notice that it's getting harder to start your car.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts are necessary to save your life in the event that you get into a vehicular accident, so you need to make sure that all the seatbelts in your car are working perfectly. It's illegal in most places for drivers not to have their seatbelt on when driving. Check all the seatbelt buckles and look for webbing and tears on the belt.
Tires
Since tires take most of the stress during driving, it's best to check them more than twice a year. The pressure of your tire can help with handling. The pressure should be just right as anything more or less can be dangerous. Your tread depth should be monitored as well since it helps with traction and prevents aquaplaning and longer brake times.
