During normal use, you should regularly make simple examinations of the radiator, engine oil, battery fluid and water for the screen wiper. This should be done at least once a week, and particularly before every long trip.

Water in the radiator should be at the maximum level required.

• You should check the battery’s fluid level. For the wet type, the fluid level should not exceed the ceiling, which is the lowest level of the plastic part that is connected to the top cap. Overflowing fluid will release a corrosive acid that can damage the battery’s poles and the engine’s metal parts. All of the battery’s openings should be equally filled with distilled water.
• Check the level of the engine oil. You should have a one-litre can of engine oil in your car in case it is needed. Engine oil is likely to be reduced in off-road or tough driving conditions.
• Water for the windshield wiper is necessary, especially when driving during the rainy season. Wet roads tend to cause water to be splashed on the windscreen, and wiping the windscreen can ensure proper visibility.

These are simple checks that can be done regularly in our everyday use of car. However, before your long trip, you should have your vehicle examined. New cars or ones with a few years of use may not pose serious problems.
But older cars need to be carefully examined, particularly when you are about to travel on difficult roads with a lot of bends and elevations. If that is the case, you should have your cars examined at service centres with the focus on brakes and the clutch.

Clutch: In cars with automatic transmission, clutch is not much in use. However, clutch is still in need for vehicles with a manual shift system. You should have it examined when there are problems like difficulty in pressing the clutch lever, in putting the clutch in its position, or in shifting the gear. If you have the device checked regularly, there is no cause for concern.

Braking system: For modern-day vehicles, motorists can rest assured that their wheels will not get locked for sudden braking. Almost all vehicles of today are fitted with an ABS (anti-lock braking system). However, you also need to have it examined for the sake of safety before travelling on a route that has many curves and goes into a mountainous area.
For those who have 4WD vehicles modified for off-road drives, you should pay attention to the braking system. Opt for quality brake oil and brake pads that can withstand heat. You should also regularly examine the brakes. The more powerful your car is, the better brakes you require. This is particularly true for off-road driving, where there is no room for a mistake.

Tyres: They are like the feet of the vehicle. With bad feet, it is difficult to travel. A simple way to take care of tyres is to fill them with air.
Many people are unsure about the appropriate level of air to for the tyres before a long trip. You should consult the vehicle handbook. Air-filling should be done when the tyres are not hot or after a drive of no longer than two kilometres. Before a long trip, you should add an extra 3-5 pounds/square inch. Also, you should check the spare tyre and fill it with extra air.
Passenger cars and pickup trucks require different levels of air for their tyres.
For passenger cars, the tyre’s air pressure should not exceed 35 pounds/square inch, depending on the size and type of the vehicle.

• In small passenger cars, the tyre requires air pressure between 25 and 30 pounds/square inch.
• In middle-sized and large saloons, the tyre’s air pressure should range between 30 and 35 pounds/square inch.

For pickup trucks, the tyre’s air pressure should not exceed 35 pounds/square inch. But for trucks with heavy loads, the tyre’s air pressure can be added up to 50-60 pounds/square inch.
An over-filled tyre:

• is prone to cause the middle outer surface to wear down;
• leads to reduced flexibility and resistance to pressure and can cause an explosion due to a heavy load or an impact;
• leads to poor stability and contact with road surface.

An under-filled tyre:

• causes the tyre’s shoulder to wear out faster and more easily;
• makes it more difficult to turn or control the steering wheel;
• leads to reduced stability of the vehicle

Lighting system: Make sure that the car’s lamps, tail lights, turn signals and reverse lights are all working. If any of them is not, you should have it replaced, for your safety. You may do it yourself or have a service centre do it for you.

Windscreen wipers: Many motorists neglect or take windscreen wipers for granted. They find out that the device is not fit for use only when they need it. Raindrops on the windscreen can reduce visibility and as a result can be perilous to the driver and fellow motorists. This can be the case on a trip that passes through different areas where abrupt changes in the weather are common.
Regular maintenance of the wiper’s motor, joints and other parts can lengthen its life. The joints should be oiled, preferably with a waterproof lubricant. The wiper’s arm is the most ignored part, possibly because it rarely causes damage. You should check to see if the nuts that hold the joints are firmly in their place. The most important part is the wiper blade.
Do not buy the wiper because of its low price alone. It must suit your use. You should change the wiper every year and opt for a replacement blade with the same length as the old one. A shorter wiper blade means a shorter wiping radius, and a longer blade will rub against the windscreen’s rubber edges and damage itself. Stains on the windscreen may reduce the wiper’s effectiveness. You should clean the blade with damp cloth, rubbing lengthwise. You should do it every time you clean your car even though the wiper has not been in use for a long time. Remember to avoid detergent; it can deteriorate the rubber and damage the car’s paint.