The ultimate car maintenance checklist

Owning a car is special as it provides great comfort and convenience in our daily lives. However, car ownership also comes with certain responsibilities, like periodic car maintenance and comprehensive car insurance with good coverage. Below is the perfect car maintenance checklist for anyone who owns a car in India.

Routine maintenance checklist for ensuring great car health

This is a common practice when it comes to handling cars. One takes his or her car for servicing from time to time and makes small adjustments to avoid a big problem. This should be done every 5,000-10,000 km, depending on the car model or as recommended by the car manufacturer.

1. Oil and filters

a. Replace the oil and oil filter as the manufacturer recommends according to the service schedule. Usually, it is 5,000 – 10,000 km on average, depending on the type of car.

b. If clogged, clean the filter when necessary. Clean/wash the cabin/air conditioning filter every 20,000-30,000 km.

2. Check the fluids

a. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top up if required. The brake fluid should be replaced every two years.

b. Check the condition of the cooling system hoses and the radiator cap. Worn-out and cracked ones should be replaced.

3. Battery and lights

a. Clean and remove dirt accumulating on the battery terminals, and then apply grease to prevent corrosion.

b. Inspect the head, brake, turning indicator, and all other lights to ensure they work; change all burnt-out bulbs.

4. Wheel alignment and rotation

a. Change the tyres after 5,000 to 8,000 km of travel to ensure even wear on the tyre surface.

b. Check the car's wheel alignment often, preferably every 10,000-20,000 kilometres.

5. Safety and comfort features

a. Car surfaces should be lubricated using very small quantities of the recommended grease.

b. Ensure that seat belts are in good condition and that wipers, Air conditioner vents, etc., are in the right state to do their job. Replace or fix them if they cannot perform their duties.

6. Scheduled maintenance

a. Stick to your manufacturer's recommended servicing schedules, such as the tune-up, gear oil change, etc.

b. Some of the timing belts, spark plugs, wires, fuel filters, etc., require replacement according to the schedule.

7. Regular inspections

a. The exhaust, suspension, and steering systems should be checked every 25,000 to 50,000 kilometres.

b. Inspect for any traces of oil, signs of damage, or rust, especially around areas frequently exposed to the element. If necessary, get the work done. 

Basic and general maintenance schedules, car insurance with good coverage, and major maintenance suggestions, as advised by your car manufacturer, will ensure safe and reliable car usage for as long as you want. Extra services such as engine and AC deep cleaning/ disinfection, as well as anti-rust treatment if the car is old or its condition is not good, are also recommended and should not be ignored.

Conclusion

A routine car maintenance checklist ensures that your car is always in its best shape without spending much money on fancy enhancements. Car insurance from Zurich Kotak General Insurance ensures that there are no significant failures or accidents on the road that can cause harm to individuals. Using the above checklist as a reference, you can ensure that your wheels are always in good condition.