Routine car maintenance can be a daunting task to keep up with. Your car manufacturer provides an owner manual with complete details of maintenance schedule. Not following this maintenance schedule can have some serious implications; some of these include expensive repairs, accidents and severe damage to your vehicle. People who follow the maintenance schedule not only save money but also enjoy their car for much longer.
In summers, temperature in the United Arab Emirates touches to 50°c and many vehicles catch fires on the road. Increasing number of these incidents is alarming and authorities are taking steps by running awareness campaigns. Poor car maintenance and negligence are among the main causes of these fires. You might think you are saving some time and money by not performing routine maintenance, but you are actually endangering your own as well as your vehicle’s life.
Although maintenance schedules vary for different vehicles, there are some approximate intervals after which certain auto maintenance services should be performed. I have listed down some of these intervals but you must always refer to your car’s owner manual or contact an authorised service professional for specific details for your vehicle.
- Every 5000 Kms: Your car must undergo proper maintenance every 5,000 Kms. This could involve oil change, oil filter and additionally some gauge, sensors and belts checks. Oil change is advised between 5,000 to 10,000 Kms by most of the manufacturers. It prevents sludge and grime buildup inside car’s engine, thus reducing the chances of seized engine. Brakes, tyres, fluids and lights should also be checked along with the oil change.
- After 10,000 Kms: Having the tyres of your vehicle rotated every 10,000 Kms is essential. It prevents your tyre treads from irregular wearing and increases tyre’s lifespan. While purchasing new tyres, look for places offering free tyre rotations.
- Between 25,000 to 50,000 Kms: Have your car’s air filter replaced every 25,000 Kms. Some experts even ask to replace it when you change engine’s oil. If you drive in a dirty environment you may have to replace it more frequently. In the UAE, you must regularly check the air filter as it can get polluted really quickly. Inspect the battery and coolant every 30,000 Kms. Replace the power steering fluid every 50,000 Kms and inspect the brake pads, HVAC, radiator hoses and suspension components.
- Between 55,000 to 65,000 Kms: Car battery needs inspection and replacement if required, every 55,000 Kms. Replace the spark plug and spark plug wires and inspect ignition and suspension system after every 65,000 Kms.
- After 90,000 Kms: Inspect the suspension components, HVAC, tyres and replace brake pads, brake fluid and power steering fluid every 90,000 Kms.
- Every Month: Check all the seat belts of your vehicle and look for frays, twists or rips. If any of them is damaged, have it replaced. Seat belts are your only option to avoid or minimise injuries in case of an accident.
- Every Year: Radiator tank should be flushed and refilled every year. This will prevent your car’s radiator from developing holes. Windshield viper blades should be replaced twice a year ideally.
Taking out time for regular car maintenance is not that difficult, and can save you from bigger problems in the long run. The routine maintenance can extend your car’s life up to 50%. With a little care and love you can save your car from dying a costly death!