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Car maintenance checks you can do at home

27 November 2018

Daniel Schonewille profile

Automotive Training Advisor Daniel Schonewille began his career as an apprentice Automotive Mechanic before moving into car service centre management. He now works at the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence guiding the next generation of service mechanics and making sure people know how to look after their cars and vehicles.


Going to the mechanic can be an expensive task that can sometimes be unnecessary. Daniel Schonewille shows us some simple tests that almost anyone can do at home and a few simple things to look for in your car to keep you safe on the road.

Car Service Toolkit Download: Car Service Toolkit checklist

Stage 1: Safety checks

Once in a while it’s good to look at your car and try to spot any deterioration or damage that has occurred that you may not have noticed when it happened.

Stage 2: Tyre check

Having tyres in good condition are not only good for safety, but can also be good for fuel economy. Make sure it is safe to drive with this important step.

Stage 3: Tyre pressure

Having over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can be extremely dangerous for not just you on the road, but those around you as well.

Stage 4: Changing a fuse

Most people don’t know what a fuse is or what one looks like, but it’s easy to change one once you know how.

Stage 5: Brake system checks

A warning light may appear on your dashboard if there is an issue with your brakes. It’s important to know what it means and what to do.

Stage 6: Brake lights and indicator checks

Making sure your brakes and indicators is extremely important for when you’re on the road – if they are faulty or damaged, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.

Stage 7: Coolant level checks

Engine coolant is a special liquid designed to keep your car from overheating. Making sure you have enough can prevent your car from damage or a breakdown.

Stage 8: Oil level checks

Many people know that having too little oil in your car can cause expensive damage, but do you know what happens if you have too much oil in your car?

Stage 9: Auto transmission level checks

How you check your transmission fluid is largely dependent on the make and model of your car – but do you know what to look for?

Stage 10: Your motor toolkit

Being able to make maintenance checks is one thing, but being able to do them is another. Make sure you have the right tools on hand to do the job properly and not cause any more damage yourself.

The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.

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