Delay Your Car’s Service Bills: Best Preventive Maintenance Practices

Key Highlights:

• A proper preventive maintenance procedure ensures a good balance between form and function throughout the car’s ownership.
• In the used car market, buying a more expensive, well-maintained car is the better bet than a significantly cheaper, ill-maintained example.
• Preventive maintenance methods vary greatly with driving habits and road conditions.

Cosmetic Preventive Maintenance

Regular Washing and Cleaning

Dust, mud, rainwater stains and pollutants settle quickly on a car’s body panels. Regularly washing your car prevents dirt from causing scratches and paint damage in the long run. Use a mild car shampoo and a soft cloth or sponge in the recommended manner to avoid swirl marks and paint stains. Pay attention to the lower parts of the body, as these areas tend to collect more grime.

Waxing and Polishing

A layer of wax creates a protective coat on the paint. It guards against UV rays, bird droppings, liquid spills and tree sap. Waxing once every three months is usually enough for most climates. Polishing before waxing helps to restore shine and removes light scratches.

Interior Protection

The dashboard and seats are constantly exposed to sunlight and heat. Use sunshades when parking outdoors to reduce fading and cracking. There are multiple surface protectors and waxes to ensure your car’s dashboard remains factory fresh for a long time. Leather seats should be cleaned with dedicated solutions and conditioned regularly to prevent drying and tearing. Fabric seats can be vacuumed and protected with water repellent sprays. All-surface wet wipes are also helpful.

Window and Glass Care

Windscreens and windows must remain clear for visibility and safety. Clean them with glass cleaners that do not leave streaks. Avoid using rough cloths as they can scratch the surface. Check wiper blades often and replace them when they harden or start leaving lines.

Tyre and Wheel

Washing keeps tyres in optimal operational conditions and prevents premature cracking. Applying tyre dressing or polish keeps them clean and black while protecting against sun damage. Alloy wheels also require regular cleaning, as brake dust build-up can cause scratches or even mild corrosion over time. Proper tyre balancing, rotation and wheel alignment should be done at regular intervals.

Underbody Care

In coastal areas or regions with heavy rain, the underbody of a car is prone to rust. Regular washing of the underside prevents salt and mud deposits. An underbody anti-rust coating provides long-term protection and should be considered as an investment.

Functional Preventive Maintenance

Engine Oil and Filter

The engine needs clean oil to lubricate moving parts and prevent wear. Outdated oil loses viscosity and collects dirt that can damage the engine’s internals. Regular oil changes at intervals recommended by the manufacturer are the best way to maintain engine health. Always replace the oil filter along with the oil to avoid contamination.

Coolant System Care

Engines operate at high temperatures and rely on coolant to prevent overheating. Check coolant levels regularly and top up as needed. Over time, engine coolant loses its ability to protect against corrosion and should be replaced according to schedule. Inspect hoses and the radiator for leaks or cracks.

Brake System Checks

Inspect the brake pads regularly and replace them if they are worn excessively. Furthermore, brake fluid absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness over time. Flushing and replacing brake fluid at regular intervals ensures optimal braking performance. Unusual noises or vibrations during braking should never be ignored.

Battery Maintenance

Modern batteries are mostly maintenance-free but still require occasional attention. Keep the terminals clean and free of corrosion. If the car is not driven for long periods, the battery may discharge. A trickle charger can be used to maintain the health of your battery. Always replace the battery when it shows signs of weakness, such as slow cranking or dim lights.

Tyre Pressure and Alignment

Driving with incorrect tyre pressure reduces fuel efficiency and causes uneven wear. Check pressure at least once every two weeks and always before long trips. Wheel alignment and balancing prevent mechanical strain in the steering system while also extending tyre life. Inspect the spare tyre as well so that it is ready when needed.

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter prevents dust from entering the engine while ensuring enough air enters the system for combustion. A clogged filter reduces performance and fuel economy. Replacing it at regular intervals is crucial for any ICE vehicle.

Cabin Filter Replacement

If the cabin filter is ignored for long, the entire AC system might be compromised, leading to inefficient cooling, inaccurate climate control and even mould formation. The cabin filter should also be replaced sooner than recommended if you drive predominantly in dusty regions.

Transmission Care

Manual and automatic transmissions require fluid changes to stay in good condition. Old fluid leads to rough shifting and eventual failure. Follow the service schedule for changing transmission oil. This is usually done post 50,000kms, depending on the type of transmission as well as the make and model of the car. For manual cars, check the clutch operation and replace worn clutch plates before they fail. While buying a used automatic car, it is wise to choose one with fresh transmission oil.

Suspension and Steering

Worn suspension components (especially bushings, loose dampers and broken springs) affect comfort and safety. Steering systems also require regular inspection for excess play and fluid leaks (in hydraulic units).

Lights and Electricals

All lights must be checked frequently and right before an overnight trip. A failed bulb can compromise safety and may also attract fines. Electrical systems such as central locking, horn and infotainment are best maintained by checking fuses and ensuring there are no loose connections.

Exhaust System

Inspect the silencer and pipes for leaks or rust, especially when the car is on lifts at a car wash. Any unusual noise or excess smoke should be checked by a technician immediately. Preventing exhaust leaks also prevents harmful fumes from entering the cabin.

Balancing Form and Function

Both cosmetic and functional maintenance go hand in hand. A car that runs smoothly but looks neglected loses its value quickly. On the other hand, a shiny car with poor mechanical upkeep is unsafe to drive. Owners should aim for a balanced approach. A simple routine like washing every week, checking fluids every fortnight and following service schedules goes a long way.

FAQs

1. What is preventive car maintenance?
Preventive maintenance involves regularly checking, servicing and replacing critical components to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.

2. Why is regular car washing important?
Regular washing prevents the buildup of dirt, salt, and grime that can damage the paint and cause rust.

3. How often should I wax my car?
Waxing every 3–6 months protects the paint and keeps the car looking shiny.

4. How do I know if my brakes need attention?
Squeaking, grinding, vibration, or longer stopping distances are signs that brake pads, rotors or fluids need inspection.

5. Can preventive maintenance improve fuel efficiency?
Yes. Properly inflated tyres, clean filters and well-lubricated engines all contribute to better fuel economy.