Car engine: Water & Oil

Every car has basic operating requirements essential to its correct and ongoing functioning. Oil allows the engine to remain lubricated, whilst water and coolant in the radiator plays a critical role in cooling the engine. Learning to drive a car also involves learning basic maintenance procedures that will keep your vehicle in excellent working order, and prevent problems from occurring. Checking and changing oil and water, keeping the vehicle clean and checking tyres will prolong the life of your car immeasurably.

Water & oil: Why check the levels?

It is easy to forget that what happens in a car engine is a controlled explosion as the fuel combusts. This creates a burst of energy that drives the pistons and transfers motion to the wheels. This creates great heat and without lubrication the metal of the engine components would fuse together. The cooling supplied by the fan belt and radiator likewise plays its part. So neglecting oil and water will destroy even the best engine. Regular servicing will ensure that oil is replaced and both oil and water are at required levels, but no one should rely solely upon servicing. Regular monitoring of both may reveal a dip in levels that could save you a large amount of money, and even indicate a small leak that can be repaired before more damage occurs.

Taking care of your vehicle

A few simple procedures carried out regularly may save you a great deal of frustration and money, these include:

• Checking oil levels in your car's engine weekly. This is done by lifting out the dipstick (get your mechanic to show you where it is if unsure), wiping it clean with a cloth, then dipping it back in and reading the level
• Replace oil if it is low. Make absolutely certain that you are putting it in the right place! Your mechanic will show you if you are in doubt
• Check water in the radiator weekly, and replace with clean water and coolant as required. Modern radiators look different to the old ones, they resemble moulded plastic containers. Again, make sure you put it in the right place, or you risk severely damaging the engine
• Check tyre pressures and tread fortnightly. Replace tyres with worn tread. Tyre pressure can be checked at most petrol stations, using the equipment - ask the attendant to show you how if you are unsure. Check the pressure required by your tyres before filling
• Keep the duco on your car clean, weekly or as required. Dirt, particularly bird droppings or mess from trees will shorten the life of the duco

Car maintenance: Tips

If you own and drive a vehicle, it is important that its needs are taken care of. More complex operations must be done by a mechanic, and having the car serviced regularly will prevent greater problems arising. However, checking oil, water and tyres and keeping the duco clean will prevent a great number of problems with your vehicle, and could save you money in the process. The RACV, RACQ, or relevant organisation in your state also offers maintenance advice.