Tips for car maintenance

How and why maintain your car? Regular checking of the condition of the vehicle is recommended in order to keep it in good working order for as long as possible. Here are some tips to find out what this interview consists of.

Maintaining your car properly reduces the risk of breakdowns, accidents or premature wear. It also allows you to save money and adopt eco-driving! A well-maintained vehicle can prevent overconsumption of fuel, up to 25%.

Please note: Cars do not like extreme cold or extreme heat. If possible, they should be sheltered or under a tarp. Humidity can indeed weaken certain parts essential to the good working order of your vehicle.

Check vehicle

Check the brakes pads, discs, etc., the steering wheel, steering ball joints, etc., the headlights and lights, the battery and the wiper blades. Check the condition, wear and pressure of the tires, including the spare wheel. Clean lights and headlights regularly. Check the oil level regularly, especially before a long journey or every 2,500 km. Check coolant and brake fluid levels at least once a quarter. In general, the brake fluid should be replaced approximately every 50,000 km or every two years.

Top up the windscreen washer fluid level regularly, especially before each long journey. Do not wait for it to be empty to fill it again. Make sure that the equipment needed to change a wheel is on board your car and remember to check its condition. Wash your vehicle regularly, especially the mirrors and front and side windows, to ensure the best possible visibility while driving. Check the condition of your equipment seat belts, seats, horn, etc.

When should you service your car?

The maintenance of your car must be regular to avoid having unpleasant surprises. Depending on the model, maintenance intervals are offered by car manufacturers depending on the kilometers traveled or the time elapsed since purchase. Where to have your car serviced? The maintenance of your vehicle can be done by you or by a professional. No regulations exist regarding the maintenance of the car apart from the technical inspection.

Results and counter-visit

At the end of your technical inspection, a report will be given to you, mentioning in particular the date of the inspection, the identity of the owner of the car, the mileage and the defects revealed during the examination. The controller affixes to the registration certificate a stamp indicating the expiry date of the control, the registration of the vehicle and bearing a stamp with:

The letter A if the defects observed do not justify a counter-visit.

The letter S if a counter-visit is necessary.

If the inspection has revealed defects requiring major repairs, a second visit must be carried out within two months of the first inspection. The purpose of this is to verify that the points causing security problems have been repaired.