Main rules to extend your vehicle's life and control it with InCarDoc

All drivers are interested in how to keep car in good condition. The first thing that we should remember is regular car check that can prevent serious failures.

inCarDoc helps millions of drivers worldwide to monitor and check cars to protect them and extend the serviceable life of the vehicle. This application provides reading and interpreting trouble codes (DTC memory), cleaning error codes, resetting Check Engine Light and reading car parameters (engine RPM, engine load, coolant temperature, fuel system status, speed of vehicle, absolute air pressure, Ignition timing, inlet air temperature, mass airflow, throttle position, lambda sensor (correction of the motor), fuel pressure).

Gearbox, Clutch and transmission

A vehicle maintenance should be a blank habit, especially when it comes about fluid replacement. In this article, we will go through each car unit maintenance tips. Check the transmission fluid level and filter condition according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The gearbox should be changed every 60-100 thousand kilometres, depending on the type of gearbox. Some driving habits affect the condition of the gearbox. For example, it is not recommended to keep your hand on the lever all the time, although this habit is typical for manual drivers. Overheating of the automatic transmission, slipping and high loads reduce its service life

Your driving style. Sudden starts, and hard brakes could be the cause of the brake pads and rotors to wear out at a faster rate. Maintain the correct driving style: avoid sudden starts and accelerations, as well as strong impacts when driving over obstacles. Car preventive maintenance checklist for manual drivers, includes clutch check up too. For example, drivers should check the tightness of the master and slave cylinders from time to time. Leaking fluid from the clutch system is a serious signal for immediate repair - as is the appearance of knocking, vibration and grinding.

Proper transmission maintenance is the key to car longevity operation. The basis of maintenance is regular monitoring of the level and condition of the oil in the differential and gearbox, with its timely replacement in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations - usually every 60-100 thousand kilometres. When changing the oil, be sure to check for metal shavings on the drain plug magnets, as this may indicate wear on internal parts.

At home car maintenance, particular attention should be paid to the CV joint dust covers. Regularly inspect them for cracks and tears. If the anthers are damaged, they must be replaced immediately, otherwise the joint will quickly fail due to dirt and loss of lubrication. It is also important to check the seals at all transmission joints - there should be no oil leaks. For all-wheel drive vehicles, you should also check the condition of the centre differential and transfer case. During prolonged driving at high speeds, the temperature of the transmission should be monitored, as overheating can lead to serious damage.

Engine, cooling system and fuel system

Each basic car maintenance checklist contains advice on regular engine oil changes and the use of only high-quality oil and fuel according to the car manufacturer's recommendations.  Also, the mandatory car maintenance activities include replacing the oil and air filters.  Read more about this in this article.
Here are some more tips on what regular maintenance should be done on a car: regularly check the condition of the coolant and make sure there are no leaks. If you see a "check" on the dashboard, run an engine diagnostic with inCarDoc.

Don't overload the engine, avoid prolonged overheating, and listen to every extra sound in the car. Even timely but easy DIY car maintenance is enough to ensure reliable and long-lasting engine operation.

Brake and steering systems and tyres

The basis for safe operation of the brake system is to regularly check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - it must not drop unnecessarily. Replace the brake fluid every 2 years or according to the manufacturer's instructions. As part of your annual car maintenance, regularly inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them when they reach the minimum thickness. Check the condition of the brake discs every time you change the wheels - they should not have deep grooves or excessive wear. The brake callipers also require periodic servicing and lubrication to ensure even pad pressure.

Pay attention to the tires. It is significant for running, steering, suspension, as well as the general safety of the driver and passengers. Regularly check the wheels pressure and remember about the changing seasons. Maintain the required tyres pressure and use the recommended tyres for the season in the region.

The power steering system requires regular monitoring of the power steering fluid level to prevent leaks that can lead to pump wear. How do I know what maintenance my car needs? Pay attention to noises and leaks, as well as the feeling that the car's behaviour on the road has changed. During operation, pay attention to the appearance of play in the steering wheel, which may indicate wear of the steering tips and tie rods. External noise when turning the steering wheel often indicates problems with the steering rack or power steering pump.

How often should you get maintenance on your car?

The answer to this question depends on how frequently you use the car, the terrain and distances you drive, your driving style and even the weather conditions. However, in general, it is sufficient to have your car serviced once a year. Fluids should be changed twice a year, for example, when changing the seasons. With inCarDoc, however, you can check your car's systems whenever you have time. The OBD2 diagnostic test will not take more than 10 minutes. You can detect the errors, clear them, or contact a service centre in time if the error recurs. inCarDoc completes engine checks and reveals diagnostic trouble codes. You can also read dynamic parameters and monitor fuel consumption with our app. So it's a great tool for car maintenance on your smartphone.