The Basics of Car Maintenance

30 April 2017

Engine and Gearbox

These two major components are responsible for the power creation and transfer to the wheels, and there are some essential maintenance tasks that must be carried out at specified times. All internal combustion engines, whether fuelled by petrol or diesel, require engine oil, which lubricates the moving parts. This oil will lose its properties over time, and after a certain mileage, the oil should be drained and replaced. The manufacturer would specific the frequency for an oil change, but typically, it would be every 6-8,000 miles. The oil filter is a critical component that removes minute particles of metal that could damage the engine of constantly put through the lubricating cycle, and this should always be replaced whenever you do an oil change.

Part Replacement

Even with the best care, eventually components will wear and no longer be able to perform well. Replacement car parts is the only option and it is important to only use genuine parts that are recommended by the manufacturer. This can be quite expensive, and many car owners source used parts from a reliable recycle car parts company, many of which can be found online.

The Cooling System

An engine will receive critical cooling from a system that continuously pumps coolant liquid around the engine block via special channels and hoses. The radiator would be located at the front of the engine, to receive the oncoming air when the vehicle is travelling, and while this does cool the liquid down, there is also a large fan behind the radiator to increase the air flow. This fan will be driven by a rubber belt, which needs to be checked for correct tension and wear. Coolant levels must be checked on a weekly basis, and topped up as necessary. Tyres The most important components in many ways, as the tyres provide the essential contact with the road and therefore are critical. The right type and size are important, and with many manufacturer’s offering a range of tyres for every environment, it is often best to consult a professional. Whatever the brand you choose, the tyres should be correctly inflated and balanced. A quick visual inspection is recommended every time you set off on a journey, looking for bulges on the sidewalls and any foreign objects on the tread surface.

Brakes

Brakes operate using hydraulic power and the small reservoir that contains the brake fluid should be checked weekly and topped up where necessary. If your brakes start to make a noise, or you noticeably lose braking power, take the car into a brake specialist, who can replace the pads.

There are online suppliers of used car parts for almost every make and model, and if you would like to source a product, contact us at JTW Autoparts anytime.

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