Checklist and Light Maintenance for Vehicles for Maximum Performance

JAKARTA, JANUARY 2025, Proper maintenance keeps the car's performance in check. Maintaining vehicle performance requires certain actions. For instance, several parts of the vehicle must be inspected regularly and repeatedly. 

Daihatsu friends, make sure to follow the vehicle maintenance schedule and service interval records. Maintaining the Daihatsu Xenia or Luxio to keep it functioning well requires a little effort.  Daihatsu friends do not need to be mechanical experts to keep the vehicle running well, but rather to understand the basics of car needs. 

1. Oil and Coolant Levels

Every month or every few times you fill up with gasoline, and especially before long trips, it is advisable to check the oil and coolant levels while the engine is still cold. Low levels of both can cause engine problems if not checked. 

2. Air Filter

Ensure the air filter flows well, as it can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and help ensure engine longevity. This can be easily done at home, so check the owner's manual for how often it needs to be replaced.

3. Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Well-maintained tires are an important part of safe and fuel-efficient driving. Make it a habit to frequently check the tires visually. Check tire pressure every month, and before long trips or carrying extra loads. Don't forget the spare tire. A tire pressure gauge will be needed to check the tire pressure.

4. Headlights, Turn Signals, Brakes, and Parking Lights

Properly functioning lights are very important but often overlooked. Once a month, turn on the headlights while parked on a flat surface and check if both headlights are functioning well and in the correct position. 

Walk around the car and visually check both turn signals and parking lights. Ask a friend to stand behind the car while you press the brakes to ensure the brake lights are working.

5. Oil and Filter

Oil in the vehicle's engine has many functions, including lubricating moving components, helping to act as a sealant against debris, cooling the engine, reducing wear, and helping to prevent engine corrosion. Keeping it clean is essential for engine health.

Daihatsu friends need to change the oil & oil filter every 3 months or 3000 miles. 

6. Tire Rotation

Tread wear patterns can vary between front and rear tires, or even from one side of the tread to the other, depending on vehicle usage. Rotating the tires will help extend their lifespan by balancing tread wear more evenly and help prevent noise and vibration issues.

Read Also: It Turns Out, This is the Function of Wheel Alignment and Balancing

7. Vehicle Waxing 

Make sure to wax the vehicle every six months after washing it. Not only will it keep it shiny, but it will also help maintain the paint in good condition and reduce the likelihood of rust. 

The reason is that dust, sand, and salt can accumulate, and environmental factors such as ozone and ultraviolet rays can cause microscopic damage. Waxing can help minimize this as it forms a protective layer to extend the lifespan of the vehicle's paint.