Basic Maintenance Checks
In between professional vehicle maintenance checks, there are many basic checks you can do yourself. Most vehicles come
with built-in technology that alerts when you need to conduct these checks. They are usually in the form of symbols on the dashboard that light up when you need to check, with the most common ones being the check engine, tyre, oil, and temperature gauges. Before driving, check to ensure that your tyres are fit to drive by checking the air pressure in each, checking that front and tail lights are working, ensuring your windscreens are clean and your wipers are functioning properly.
There are also under-the-hood checks that you should do before leaving home that mitigate against road crashes due to a mechanical defect. These checks include checking your engine oil, transmission fluid level, engine-coolant level in the overflow tank, and checking your car battery for acid leaks and corroded connections. If you are not sure where to look or how to conduct these checks, read your owner’s manual for specific instructions based on your vehicle’s make and model. Conducting these basic checks will help you to advise your auto-mechanic during your regular maintenance check and also let you know if you need to take your vehicle to a professional before your next road trip.
Whether it’s one last road trip to end the summer, or preparing your vehicle for your daily commute, ensure that you are playing your part to prevent road crashes. Malta and the Road Safety Unit urge all road scholars to demonstrate proper road safety.