To know your car better you should learn basics of a vehicle. These tips will help you learn more about your car. Let's start with your car's engine because it is the most important part and engine oil is its blood. The first thing every driver should know is how to check the engine oil levels.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine oil depends on the size of your vehicle, its make, model and year. On average the oil is changed either after every 5,000 kilometers or 10,000 kilometer synthetic oil. Almost every car owner knows the importance of regular oil changes. Ignoring proper engine oil maintenance can cost you huge amount in case of engine seize. To avoid huge bill than regular oil changes, you should know the schedule of your next oil change. In between the oil changes you should know how to check the oil level. It's simple, take out the dipstick, wipe it and reinsert to see the reading on oil level. You'll find the acceptable level markings on the dipstick to know whether you need a top off or oil change.

TYRES CONDITION

Tyre Pressure

If you feel any irregularities in your drive you should check the tyre pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is pasted near the driver's door on each vehicle. Keep the tyre pressure as per manufacturer's recommendations. Check your tyres before you plan a long drive and if you find low pressure, get your tyres filled. Low pressure causes fast wear and morefuel consumption, whereas high pressure causes less grip on the road. Proper tyre pressure is important for longer tyre life.

Tyre Treading

If you feel any irregularities for smooth areas and height differentiation, check the tyre treading and get them rotated. If you find wearing or damage, you should take your car to tyre shop where experts can inspect and fix all the tyre issues to avoid dangerous situation such as flat tyre.

CONDITION OF AIR FILTER

You'll find recommendations for air filter change in vehicle manufacturer's manual. To keep your car's air intake and exhaust emission ideal, maintain a history of your car's service and keep it at a trusted garage. Your vehicle will lose power and fuel efficiency if the filter is clogged. You can check the condition of filter by lifting it out and hold it up to the light after cleaning the dirt. If you see the light streaming through the filter, it's ok, otherwise you need to change the air filter. Don't go for any cheap filter, look for quality brand air filter for your vehicle for example ( FIL FILTER , BOSCH FILTER ). Make sure that you buy the same size filter for your car. The air filter protects dirt from going inside the engine.

VEHICLE FLUIDS

There are a number of vehicle fluids required to run a car, including engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield, fuel, anti freeze fluid, and power steering fluid.

KEEP THE CAR RUNNING

It is important to keep the car started and running for some time on regular basis to keep everything functioning properly. If you plan to go away from your car for a longer period, ask someone to start and run the car for 15 to 30 minutes once a week. Battery can last up to 3 months, but it's recommended to keep the car running to avoid rusting out the engine.

TIPS FOR LIFE OF YOUR CAR

1. Get all fluid levels checked on each 5,000 km oil change service or on monthly basis.

2. Check headlights, tail lights, brake lights and blinkers every month.

3. Check tyre pressure and windshield washer fluid every month.

4. Get engine oil changed regularly.

5. Get Tyres' health checkup every month.

6. Check all hoses, rotate tyres, balance wheels and windshield wipers changed after every 10,000 km.

7. Check fuel filter, air filter, car battery and coolant after every 40,000 to 50,000 km and change if required.

8. Check car battery after every 80,000 km.

9. Check ignition system and spark plugs after every 50,000 km.

10. Check and replace radiator hoses + coolant, brake pads, and power steering fluid + timing belt every 80,000 km.