Watch out! These are the three things that can put your car at risk

A car uses many mechanical parts that wear out with use. That wear is not minor, since every component is subjected to very high stress. For that reason, one of the most necessary things in a car is carrying out the maintenance it needs so that everything works properly.

However, many drivers postpone the workshop visit, even when it is already scheduled. Very often, the financial side weighs heavily in this “forgetting“. A service means a cost, and it may not seem like the right moment for it. Nevertheless, you should know that a slight delay in getting the service done, even if it is only a few weeks, can lead to serious safety risks.

Three things to avoid doing

Although you should attend servicing on time, there are things that mean you must go to the workshop without fail if they are detected in the car. First, because they pose a serious risk to the driver, but not only to them. They can also endanger the other occupants of the vehicle and even other road users.

But delaying a visit to the mechanic can also cause a small fault detected in time to turn into a major breakdown that involves greater expense. And sometimes that happens with just a few weeks’ delay in going to the workshop. So we are going to tell you about these three things you must bear in mind when you detect them and take the car to the workshop to avoid bigger problems.

Tyres

With tyres there are no excuses. We have mentioned it many times and we will keep insisting on it. Tyres are the point of contact between the car and the road, so they must be in perfect condition. You should check the pressure of all four tyres at least once a month and always before making a long journey.

And if any abnormal behaviour in traction or steering§h26# is detected, it is advisable to carry out a visual inspection of the tyres. This should check that there are no punctures or pores in the rubber causing loss of pressure, and the depth of the tread pattern. The minimum depth is 1.6 mm. If the depth is calculated to be close to that figure, the tyres must be replaced. Do not delay this, because not only can it cause a dangerous blowout, but it can also result in a fine.

Home repairs

No matter how much we may think that many things can be done at home with a bit of skill, you must remember that the mechanics of a car are very complex. If the car is more modern, it also requires electronic maintenance that is beyond the reach of just anyone. So it is better to forget about home repairs and always go to a trusted workshop.

The parts that are replaced must be in good condition. If you turn to the used parts market, this can be doubtful, so it is better for those parts to be checked by a professional to see whether they are fit for use. If it is the mechanic who supplies those parts, it is assumed they have been checked and carry the corresponding professional warranty.

Delaying the oil change

This is the most basic maintenance task. The oil must be changed after a certain number of kilometres, which varies according to the type of oil, the engine and the manufacturer’s instructions. But it must be done on time. Letting the oil age in the engine will mean it no longer performs its function properly, so it can cause serious breakdowns. Changing the oil, including the filter, can cost around 75 euros, so there is no excuse for not doing it when it is due.

These are three things to keep in mind in order to keep the car in good condition and avoid serious breakdowns. There are more, but all of them come down to one important point: if you detect a strange noise, if the car behaves irregularly or if it suffers any impact, take the car to the workshop to make sure everything is fine. And if it is not, fix it as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems.