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Maintenance means taking care of all the parts, even those that are inside the bonnet. These are the ones that directly concern the performance of your vehicle. Besides taking it to the service station at regular periods, it is a good idea to go through the owner's manual that will give a fair idea about its routine maintenance.
Checking the battery, keeping a check on the oils, changing the oils, checking the electrical system, are some of the absolutely unavoidable things to keep your vehicle in good shape. Keeping a log book in which you keep all the details regarding repair, maintenance, routine check-ups etc. will not only give you an accurate idea of what needs to be done when.
Maintenance Tips

Engine Oil: To prevent engine deterioration, it is imperative that the engine maintains the amount of oil it is programmed to receive. Negligence in this aspect will lead to a deteriorating engine performance, resulting in falling mileage.
Fuses: Most Indian cars are made with an integrated circuitry system that use fuses. Knowledge of the system would help when you are stranded due to a blown fuse.
Lights: It is important for the lights to be properly focused, for your own and for the oncoming vehicle's safety. Travel on low beam so that it does not obstruct your view instead of helping you along.
Tyre Pressure: The required amount of air pressure needs to be strictly maintained if your car is to get the right mileage and pick-up.
Water: If your engine uses water for cooling, take care to ensure that it is regularly changed. Water can also be used for cleaning the windshield.
Other tips:
  • Get your vehicle serviced only at authorized service stations
  • Check the engine oil level once every two weeks. Also check the levels of coolant and water in the radiator and battery.
  • Always use genuine spare parts.
  • Give your vehicle anti-rust coating before the monsoons.
  • Avoid accelerating and braking abruptly.
  • Shut up the engine whenever you expect to wait.
  • Drive at a moderate speed of 45-55 km/h to maximize fuel efficiency.
  • Use air-conditioning only when necessary.
  • Avoid riding on the clutch pedal, and release the clutch pedal fully while driving.
  • Maintain optimum air pressure in your tyre to improve mileage.
Car Care

Engine: The moving parts in an engine run at high speed and function at very high temperatures. To protect your engine, ensure that the oil is changed regularly. Every 5,000 km should work just fine. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on oil and oil filter changes. However, you must remember that engine oil, transmission fluid and fuel are systems with filters that you may need to check and replace periodically.
Tyres: Tyres are known to wear unevenly. To ensure that they last longer, rotate the positions of the tyres and balance them at intervals of around 10,000 km. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by about 10 per cent. Also, check your car tyres weekly for chips of stone and gravel and remove them.
Brakes: To ensure failsafe braking, check and top-up the brake fluid reservoir. You can do this when you begin to feel that the brakes are unresponsive and react slowly.
Battery: Check the level of distilled water in the battery and ensure that the plates are covered at all times. If the level of water is very low, the acid becomes concentrated and the plates get corroded. Clean the battery terminals regularly and coat them with light grease to prevent corrosion.
Interior: Regularly vacuum the interior - it will prevent sand, dust, grime and salt from damaging the carpets, mats and floor. Wipe the dash, seats, instrument panel and the rear parcel shelf. Do not use household cleaning agents for the upholstery. Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for cars.
When cleaning leather interiors, only use leather-cleaning products. As leather is more porous, vinyl cleaners will only treat the surface and not cleanse the pores. Also, don't use cleaning agents with high alkaline content as they often bleach the colour off the leather.
Exterior: Maintaining your car's exterior goes miles towards increasing its resale value. This is important especially in coastal cities where salt air corrodes unprotected metal surfaces. To keep rust at bay, wash the underbody, the underside of doors, the wheel wells, and other areas that collect mud.
Wash windscreens with soap and water. Remove extra soap with clean water. Then, use chamois leather to wipe all the spots dry. When the car is dry, use a rag dipped in methylated spirit and water solution to polish the glass.
How should a battery be maintained?
  • Do not let the battery stand in a discharged condition.
  • Charge battery once a month.
  • Always keep the acid level between lower and upper lines marked on the front side of the container.
  • Keep battery tops clean, dry and free of corrosive matter.
  • Protect the battery from strong impacts or shocks.
  • Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Inspect vent tube, ensuring that it is not bent, twisted or clogged.
Save on Fuel:
  • Get your vehicle serviced regularly.
  • Do not use the clutch too much.
  • Switch the vehicle off at red light stops.
  • Drive in gear corresponding to the speed.
  • A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%
  • Driving at 90 kilometers an hour rather than 100 can reduce fuel consumption by 10%
  • Under inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 5%
  • Avoid unnecessary braking.
  • Even an empty roof rack can increase consumption by 1%. If the carrier is not attached to the vehicle, remove it when not in use.
  • Avoid unnecessary steering wheel movement since each sideward movement of the tire causes fuel-consuming drag.
  • Maintain a steady speed.
  • Accelerate slowly on gravel or slippery roads.
  • Avoid using the air conditioner at lower speeds.
  • Changing spark plugs regularly can save a lot.

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