5 Car safety checks you can do yourself …
Car maintenance? Do I really need to know this? I know it’s not the most exciting topic but show your car just a little bit of love and your car will love you back tenfold.
Just think of it as one of the most important relationships in your life, after all doesn’t your car look after you and your family, rain hail or shine? Take you to work, school drop-off, sports days, shopping and, when you have a spare minute, to a fun night out?
Yep, pretty great friendship you and your car have, so let’s talk a few car safety checks that will keep your car going and loving life between services.
We call it the Galmatic 10-minute Servo Check. It takes just ten minutes once a month, when you are at the servo. You don’t need to be a mechanic, but it is fun putting on your ‘Rosie the Riveter’ outfit and getting your hands greasy.
If you develop a love of your car as a hobby (not just a means to get from A to B) why not connect with other females car enthusiasts to share tips, thoughts and advice.
5 CAR SAFETY CHECKS YOU CAN DO YOURSELF
1. CLEAN THE INSIDE (YES THIS IS ONE OF OUR CAR SAFETY CHECKS)
Loose items in the car can become deadline flying objects in the case of an emergency brake. Keep a pack of disposable nappy bags in the glovebox. They are perfect as a little garbage bag and you can pass it to the back for the kids to clean up their wrappers and scraps from the back seat (you know there will still be the odd sultana from last year). Chuck the bag in the servo garbage.
If you are buying a new car, make sure you clean it regularly to keep that lovely new car smell.
2. CLEAN WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
You know that feeling when you clean your glasses and instantly the world seems sunnier? The same goes for your car windscreen and side view mirrors. A quick clean will stop glare at night and make it easier for your windscreen wipers to clear off the rain.
And remember, if your windows are dirty so are your headlights. Don’t forget to give them a rinse too – you’ll be amazed how much brighter your headlights seem.
3. POP THE BONNET
Of all the car safety checks, this will be the most daunting the first time you do it, but it won’t take long to get into the swing of things. This part will ensure you keep your car going and avoid high costs of overheating or drying out an engine.
There are a few things you want to check:
- The oil (that’s the dipstick part)
- The coolant
- The battery and the hoses
If you feel a part needs replacing, most car parts can be purchased online. Be sure to check you have the correct part of the model and year of your car.
CAR SAFTY CHECKS YOU CAN DO YOURSELF (CONT.)
4. AIR IN THE TYRES
Yuck, I know, ‘Do I have to?’ I hear you ask.
Yes! Not enough air and you will use more fuel, deteriorate your tyres quicker and in the event of an emergency braking situation, take longer to stop.
So how do you do it? Check out our how-to video:
And download our Galmatic Glovebox Guide onto your phone – it’s free and the best way to remember everything above.
5. NEW CAR SMELL
Not strictly one of our car safety checks, but hey, we all like things to smell nice and this is such a handy tip.
Baby vomit, take-away sports bags and spilt juice can all leave your car smelling old and stale.
Our trick for that new car smell? It’s simple and inexpensive! Grab two packets of fabric softener refills from the laundry aisle in the supermarket. They come in little soft plastic tubes, the perfect size for the side pocket of the car door. And don’t worry we have tested it – no leaking and no exploding, even in the heat of the sun. They last a good 6 months.
And there you go. Simple car safety checks in just 10 minutes, once a month, that will keep you cruising. Drive safe darling!
And if you’re thinking of buy a car soon, don’t do anything until you’ve read this article: The single mum guide to buying a second hand car.
