7 Inspection Tips to Keep Your Car in Tip Top Condition

Keeping your car in good condition is not just commonsense, but you can also save yourself a lot of money too. Regular maintenance and servicing of your vehicle is vital in protecting your investment as well is maximising resale value when it comes time to trade up to a new vehicle.

The most important aspect however is safety. The lives of your family and friends who travel with you are in your hands every time you get behind the wheel, so it’s important to know that your vehicle is in peak condition and that no one’s safety is compromised.

A well maintained vehicle is also more reliable and less susceptible to break down. The value of having this peace of mind is incalculable but if you have ever had a vehicle that spends all of its life under repair you will know what reliability means!

Although regular servicing is likely to keep your vehicle in best running order, there are several things you can do on a regular basis they will add another layer of protection to your vehicle?s safety and reliability.

One of the best ways to approach your car is to pretend that you are about to buy the vehicle from a used-car dealer. Use these tips to inspect your car now.

• Check the condition of the paintwork and make a point of fixing up minor chips and dents. Having great paintwork is the first exterior sign of a well maintained vehicle.
• Check front and rear bumper bars for scratches dense and any signs of rust. If you do find any rust make sure you have treated as soon as possible.
• Check underneath the car for any rust spots and if you find any of the areas treated immediately.
• Check the interior of the vehicle for any deterioration in the upholstery or leatherwork. The dashboard may also need close attention and any sun damage should be repaired with a restorative product that can bring the surface back to near new condition. Any tears or loose stitching should also be attended to as soon as possible.
• Check the engine bay for any signs of leaking hoses, rust spots or oil leaks. Any of these will be a sign that your car needs an immediate service.
• Check the oil by wiping it from the dipstick between your fingers, rub your fingers gently together and if you can feel any graininess this could be an early sign of engine wear.
• Take the car for a drive with the radio turned off so you can hear any unusual noises. Test the brakes and listen for any unusual scraping noises and ensure that the vehicle comes to a stop in a straight line after the brakes have been applied.

These simple checkpoints will keep you ahead of any emerging problems so that you can get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration.