Checking under the hood - #BeTheBetterGuy

Engine oil:

One must make sure the engine oil is changed in a periodic manner.

One of the most crucial visual inspections one must conduct before heading out is the engine oil check. As most may know, the engine oil is to the car as blood is to us. To put it simply, the engine oil is the lifeline of the engine. It lubricates the engine's moving parts to help reduce the damage which can be caused by friction and hence causes a loss of performance. That means that driving with low engine oil can result in a significant reduction in the life cycle of the engine. What's more, clean oil also prevents the build-up of sludge, which can further damage the engine by clogging up narrow oil passages in the engine. Before you set off, open the hood and take out the dipstick, which is placed right next to the main cylinder head cover, out and check the status of engine oil. Once it's out, don't forget to wipe with a cloth and then dip it again to see the engine oil level and viscosity. For checking the level, the dipstick has indicators to show what is an acceptable level. If it is low, don't forget to top up as soon as possible. For viscosity, you'll have to smear the oil between your fingers to check if there is too much thickness. If so, it may be time for an oil change. Also, if the engine oil appears black or brownish, that usually means the oil has begun to age or is already past its usefulness and may start causing harm to the engine. That's why, don't forget to check your engine at least a couple of times each week to make sure all is smooth and flowing in the heart of your vehicle.

Washer fluid:

Clarity is important, hence a clean windscreen means greater visibility.

Clarity is important, both in thought and practice. That's why it's always important to keep a check on your washer fluid. An unclean front wind shield can more often than not result in a slightly distorted view of the road ahead, which can be dangerous in certain situations, especially in the night. A clean wind shield is the right kind, and it's best to always keep your washer fluid topped up. It helps to add a little washer fluid along with water to give the wiper blades that extra zing when coming up against all the dirt the open road has to offer in the work of a wind blast. The washer fluid nozzle can be found in the engine bay, usually easily accessible for quick and easy use. In the case of the Hyundai Exter, it has a blue lid which can be opened to fill up as per your requirement. Topping up the washer fluid is another essential touchpoint.

Other fluids:

It's important to keep an eye on other fluids, apart from the engine oil.

There are other important fluids as well that can be checked to ensure a better and healthy vehicle. Some of these include the brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant as well. However, it is extremely important to note that access to these fluids can be limited, especially when the engine is on or has just been turned off. For example, the coolant should never be refilled when the engine is still hot. The car must be allowed to cool down before the coolant can be topped up. If the radiator cap is opened when the engine is still hot, it could lead to burns due to the escaping steam or even the coolant itself. It can be worse if lukewarm or cold coolant is put into a hot engine, resulting in cracked engine block. Hence, it is extremely necessary to read the warning signs on each fluid nozzle while doing a visual inspection of your car.

Battery:

It's vital to keep a close eye on the condition of the battery.

The battery of the car serves as a starting point, and so, extremely important to keep an eye from time to time. One of the ways of conducting a test on your battery is checking its load capacity. For this, turn on the lights of your car in ignition and without starting the car. Keep the highlights on for about 10 minutes. Once this is done, switch on the car and check the dimness of the lights. If at turn over they dim noticeably, it might be time for a battery change. One must also check the battery for corrosion, which can develop around the terminals of the battery. The reason for the corrosion can be when acid within the battery releases hydrogen gas, which in turn can interfere with the battery terminals. This results in the battery having to work harder to compensate for the loss in ability to transfer power through the terminals, which can shorten the battery's life. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep a check on the battery and its health frequently. If there is acid formation, it is advisable to get it cleaned by a professional, but, it can also be done with household items like baking soda. A simpler way is to simply take an older toothbrush and use it to clean battery terminals with care. Nevertheless, it can't be stressed enough that a keen eye must be kept on your car's battery.

Fuel:

It's best to keep the fuel level topped up, to not deprive the engine.

Another important aspect to keep a check on is the amount of fuel your car is holding. Although not a thumb rule, it helps keep a stipulated amount of fuel in the car at all times. It is advisable to keep out of reserve for the most part. Even when it does reach its reserve fuel level, one must ensure that fuel is filled up immediately, especially with diesel vehicles. Starving the car of fuel for too long can have negative effects in the long term.

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