Car Maintenance Checklist That Every Owner Should Know

India's varied climate, uneven roads, and dense traffic make car maintenance a challenging task. Routine vehicle maintenance is necessary to enhance your driving experience and extend your vehicle's life and performance. Moreover, a well-maintained car ensures a lower risk of accidents, allowing you to save on insurance renewal.

Keep reading to learn about the car maintenance checklist for Indian vehicles.

List of Car Components that Require Monthly and Yearly Maintenance

Every vehicle needs routine maintenance to keep up with its optimum performance level. Here are the most essential components of a vehicle that need proper maintenance:

●      Engine Oil and Filter

The moving parts of your car engines are lubricated by engine oil, lowering friction and protecting the engine from overheating. Oil quality deteriorates more quickly in India due to the country's high temperatures and stop-and-go traffic.

You should use the dipstick every month to check the oil level and top it off if needed. Replace the oil filter and engine oil every 10,000 kilometres or as your manufacturer advises during yearly maintenance. Think about getting changes more frequently if you drive an older vehicle or encounter harsh driving conditions.

Engine wear and expensive repairs can result from skipping oil changes. Because insurers require regular maintenance for complete coverage, maintaining this routine can also help your insurance claim process.

●      Tyres

Since your car's tyres are the only point of contact with the road, maintaining them is essential, particularly on unpredictable Indian roads.

Opt for monthly tyre pressure checks and adjust as the manufacturer advises. Check for uneven wear, cuts, or bulges. To prevent uneven tyre wear, rotate your car tyres every 5,000–8,000 kilometres. If the tread depth is less than 2 mm or there are obvious damages, replace the tyres immediately.

Proper tyre care increases safety and fuel economy and helps avoid frequent insurance claim disputes, particularly if you purchase car insurance online and need to prove careful maintenance to the insurer.

●      Brake System

Brakes are one of the crucial vehicle components for on-road safety on congested and often chaotic Indian roads. You must check brake fluid levels every month and top up if necessary. Check for squealing or grinding noises. Inspect brake pads, discs, and fluid annually and replace brake pads if worn out. Also, you should flush the brake fluid every two years.

●      Battery and Electricals

Battery issues are common, especially during extreme weather or after long periods of inactivity. Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean them monthly. Check if the battery connections are secured or not. Opt for an annual battery test and replace it if it shows signs of weakness (slow cranking, dim lights).

Electrical components like lights and indicators should also be checked regularly for proper functioning, as these are essential for safety and legal compliance on Indian roads.

●      Fluid Levels and Coolant

Indian summers and traffic jams can cause engines to overheat quickly. Thus, car owners must check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels every month and top up as needed. For yearly maintenance, flush and replace coolant as per the manufacturer's schedule. Inspect hoses and radiators for leaks or cracks.

Maintaining proper fluid levels prevents breakdowns and ensures your car remains eligible for comprehensive claims.

●      Seasonal Maintenance

India’s climate varies dramatically, requiring seasonal adjustments to your maintenance routine. Here’s how you can maintain your car across different seasons:

Summer Check

1. Ensure the coolant is topped up to prevent overheating.
2. Check AC performance and refrigerant levels.
3. Use sunshades to protect interiors.

Monsoon Check

1. Replace wiper blades for clear visibility.
2. Check tyre tread for adequate grip on wet roads.
3. Inspect weather seals to prevent leaks and rust.

Winter Check

1. Test battery health, as cold weather can weaken it.
2. Ensure headlights and fog lights are working.
3. Switching to lower-viscosity engine oil is recommended.

Seasonal checks are vital for safety and can impact your car insurance online claims, as insurers may require proof of regular upkeep in case of weather-related damages.

●      Exterior and Interior Care

Regular cleaning and inspection of your car’s exterior and interior help protect it from the harsh Indian environment. Wash your vehicle to remove dust, mud, and pollutants. Clean interiors to avoid the buildup of dirt and odours. For annual maintenance, apply wax to protect the paint and get an anti-rust coating, especially before the monsoon.

Maintaining your car’s appearance also preserves its resale value and can support your insurance claims by demonstrating responsible ownership.

●      Scheduled Servicing

Follow the suggested maintenance regimen in the handbook for your vehicle. Regular professional servicing includes:

1. Engine tune-up
2. Gear oil change
3. Timing belts, filters, and spark plugs replacement

Additional Benefits of Vehicle Maintenance

Regular car maintenance not only keeps your vehicle ready for the rugged Indian roads but also serves other benefits. Here they are:

●      Helps Stay Legally Compliant

You cannot acquire a pollution certificate if your vehicle is not well-maintained. Failure to do so can lead to legal hazards and a hefty penalty.

●      Saves on Car Insurance Cost

A well-maintained car reduces the risk of vehicle damage. Thus, you don’t have to make frequent insurance claims. This can help you save on the overall insurance cost by claiming a no-claim bonus during insurance renewal.

Besides, you can purchase zero-dep car insurance to avail yourself of full vehicle coverage against the damages caused by accidents, repairs, and replacement expenses. However, that does not mean you will neglect the timely maintenance checks, leading to compromised safety.

If you purchase car insurance online, make sure you are well aware of the coverage offered by your insurer to avoid further misunderstanding.