The '10-minute servo check' everyone should make on their car once a month - or face serious problems down the track
- Expert Eleni Mitakos shared the '10-minute servo check' to make on your car
- She said that doing this can prevent something more expensive happening
- Eleni said you should check the level of coolant and your oil levels in the car
- Check where the windscreen meets the bonnet and clear it of leaves and debris
As one of the most expensive but necessary possessions for many families, a car can set you back thousands of dollars due to a problem - just because you didn't notice it in time.
But these expenses don't have to happen, said car expert and the brains behind Galmatic Garage, Eleni Mitakos.
The businesswoman - who has taught tens of thousands of people how to look after their car - revealed there is a simple '10-minute servo check' you should carry out once a month in order to prevent something more expensive happening down the track.
And the best part? Anyone can do it.
Car expert and the brains behind Galmatic Garage Eleni Mitakos (pictured) shared the simple '10-minute servo check' everyone should make on their car once a month
She said the first thing you should do is open your bonnet and check the level of coolant with your eye as you'll be able to see if it's full or empty (stock image)
So what should you do in the '10-minute servo check'?
'About once a month, do these two basic things because they will generally stop something major - and expensive - from happening,' Eleni told Mamamia.
'Firstly, pop your bonnet and check the level of coolant with your eye. You'll be able to see clearly if it's full or empty. Coolant keeps the engine cool.'
Next, Eleni (pictured second from left) said you should check your oil level using the dipstick; oil keeps the engine from drying out, which can lead to a host of different problems
Next, she said you should check your oil level using the dipstick.
This is important because oil keeps the engine from drying out, which can lead to a host of different problems.
Finally, make sure you have water for your windscreen wipers and do a 'visual inspection' of the hoses to see if they're broken.
Check the spot where the windscreen meets the bonnet and clear it of leaves and debris.
This will help to stop rust from forming in your car or attracting spiders to it.
The final step is to check your tyre pressure using a tyre pump at the service station.
'Tyre pressure affects steering - so you need to ensure your tyres are as full as they should be,' Eleni explained.
Finally, make sure you have water for your windscreen wipers and do a 'visual inspection' of the hoses to see if they're broken
The NRMA have also shared tips on how to look after your vehicle, especially before a big trip.
They explained how there are seven things to check before a long drive, including the engine oil, tyre and battery condition, windscreen wipers and washer fluid and headlights, tail-lights and indicators.
They said the 'warning signs' that you need to visit a mechanic as something is wrong include a dashboard warning light remains on, you feel any unusual vibrations, the temperature gauge reads hot or the oil pressure gauge reads low.
'You should also take your car to a mechanic if it uses more fuel or oil than usual, is difficult to start, runs roughly, leaves oil or coolant on the driveway or has a smoky exhaust,' the website states.
