Maintaining your vehicle: what information do you need to know?

Having a vehicle does not mean that you have all the actions and reflexes needed to maintain it. Whether you are a new or old driver, it is important to keep in mind that a vehicle in good condition is the result of constant maintenance and the performance of several types of checks carried out at given intervals. Do you dream of a car that is always in top shape and capable of taking you everywhere? This complete guide tells you absolutely everything about the best practices to adopt for the car of your dreams! \n

Entrusting the maintenance of your vehicle to a carefully chosen expert: a non-negotiable point

\nMaintaining a car is largely the responsibility of professionals. You may be able to see the existence of serious malfunctions that could prevent you from driving your vehicle, but as a simple driver or DIY enthusiast, you have absolutely no weapon capable of helping you detect breakdowns, much less how to resolve them. For this, it is advisable to adopt a professional capable of offering you several services aimed at maintaining your vehicle and repairing it if necessary. \n\nCertain points should influence your decision to go to one or another professional. The multiplicity of services offered by your expert is for example an important point. Indeed, you will have to be able to count on the latter for the change of your tires, the repair of your bodywork, the sale of spare parts for cars, for the purchase of used cars or even for advice quite simply. \n\nOnce your auto professional has been carefully chosen, you are certain to have fulfilled an essential prerequisite for the maintenance of your vehicle. \n\nRead also: Why choose to drive an electric car?\r\n

Carrying out the technical visit according to the requirements of the law

\n\n\n\n\nCarrying out the technical inspection is an obligation prescribed by the Highway Code and the aim of which is to review several elements essential to the operation, safety and comfort of the vehicle. \n\nThe technical inspection is carried out once every two years for new vehicles and is responsible, among other things, for checking the bodywork, the brakes, the visibility offered by the headlights, checking the ecological impact of the vehicle, the grip of the tires on the ground and also takes into account the completion of the manufacturer's service. \n\nThis step is carried out by a professional after 20,000 km of driving and may result in an oil change or the changing of various parts. The technical inspection is obligatory and useful since it guarantees you a car in good condition for perfectly safe driving for you and others. Neglecting to carry out the technical visit is a fault punishable by the payment of a penalty, the amount of which will vary depending on the time of late payment. \n\nRead also: What is a speed variator and what is its use?\r\n

Car maintenance: checks to carry out yourself

\n\n\n\n\nTo complete the services offered by your automotive professional, there are some checks to be carried out on a regular basis. For this, there is no need to go to a specialized center. You will therefore need to master a few simple actions in order to take better care of your car. Here are some simple, but crucial checks to carry out regularly: \n

\r\n
• The proper functioning of the front and rear windshield wipers, headlights and the condition of the windshield must be analyzed;
\r\n
• The condition of the tires must be examined with a fine-tooth comb. Tires that are too smooth could reduce your vehicle's grip on the ground, resulting in less safe driving;
\r\n
• Checking fluids such as brake fluid, engine oil, windshield washer fluid or coolant will need to be checked at a high frequency. The importance of each of these fluids for the operation of the vehicle cannot be proven, so do not neglect these checks!
\r\n
• The different signals emitted on the dashboard must be analyzed closely while driving your car. They can signal a serious breakdown, tell you to stop the vehicle immediately or warn you of important measures to take as soon as possible.
\r\n

\nA car in good condition is the result of regular maintenance both by a professional and by the driver of the vehicle. \n\nRead also: EGR valve: tips and tricks on this important element of your car\n