Dashboard Lights

We all know about these blinking lights on a dashboard, but they represent some very serious information

And at times, these signs can prove vital in safe driving

Brake Light This sign indicates that there is some issue with the brake. Either the handbrake is on(which one should always check before starting a car),  or the brake-fluid level is low.

ABS (antilock brake system) Light. Indicates either low brake-fluid level, stuck brake caliper or faulty ABS (which usually is the case)

Oil Light. Either engine is very low on oil or there is no oil pressure. Pull over and turn off engine immediately. Check oil level and add oil if low. Turn engine back on to see if light has gone off. If oil light is still on, bad oil pump (no oil pressure) is likely (For more info on oil click here)

Check Engine Light. Car’s computer senses engine problem. Its ok to drive with the light, but the problem can be serious, so a checkup in a garage is recommended.

Air Bag Light. Get air bags checked. Problem could prevent them from activating in accident.

Battery Charge Light. Alternator is not charging. OK to drive, but turn off any unneeded electrical devices (radio, heater, defroster) and avoid starting engine more than necessary. When alternator is not charging, battery loses charge and car stops working.

Fuel filter water trap (diesel engines).This light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and should extinguish after a few seconds.If it illuminates while driving, it indicates that water has been detected in the fuel filter.This light warns you that the amount of accumulated water in the fuel filter has reached the specified level.

If the vehicle has just been re-fuelled, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. The fuel may have been contaminated and could cause damage to the injection system.

Spark Plug

Spark Plugs form a very important part of the entire combustion process inside an engine cylinder

The spark ignites the air-fuel mixture which is supposed to propel the pistons downwards

And yet , they are one of the most neglected part in a car and all the attention is encountered by the Oil, Lubes, Tires etc etc

So this crucial part needs to be pampered as well

You’ll need some basic tools to complete the task:

A wrench and a fine wire brush cleaner along with a brake or automotive cleaning agent

Locate and unscrew the spark plug  (Refer you car owners manual to find where its located, and use the wrench to remove the spark plug from the place after removing the covering it has)

Step 1: Check for any corrosion on the spark plug . The last thing you want to see is a corroded spark plug

Step 2: Clean the dirt, using a regular cleaning brush

Step 3: Spray any automotive parts cleaner agent on the spark plug

Step 4: Use the fine wire brush to clean it up

Step 5: Replace the spark plug back in place and reconnect the wire casing

Keep it mind, the number of spark plugs depends on the number of cylinders (if you dont know, refer to the owners manual) your car has.

Once you have cleaned them, you are ready to roll….

Changing of spark plugs is recommended after a certain time period depending on the model and mileage of your car

Engine Oils

Engine oil is much more than just a lube to make ur car go longer and better. Its the only demand an engine has apart from fuel, and more importantly is as crucial as the engine itself.

Fuel makes the engine run but the Oil lets it live. So both are as important as the other.

Its been long regarded as just a bare necessity for an engine. But try taking care of this part and your engine will help u clock 1.5 lac kilometers without a hassle.

Over the years synthetic Oil has emerged as a new weapon for the roar inside ur hood, but is it worth the xtra bucks?

Let chek both in detail.

Before getting ur car a new lube, do ur homework and try to chek these parameters:-

1. Look for the recommended oil in the owners manual of ur ride.

2. Chek for the SAE and API standards which are usually printed on the back of the packet.

A conventional code would look something like dis>>

“SAE15W-30”

Here SAE is the standard the oil maintains

The first set of numbers (15 in this case), represents the viscosity of the oil.

The alphabet (W here) shows the oils suitability for colder temperatures

& finally the second set of numbers (30 in this case) represents the viscosity at maximum temperature

Now synthetic oil is not an evolutionary lube, its just an value addition to the oil.

Basically it offers u nothing significantly more than conventional oil, but experts do recommend u synthetic if ur  ride invloves lots of short driving (starts and stops). It does function almost 15-20000 kms but so costs those xtra currency as well.

These charateristics should help u to choose “the one” for ur set of wheels…

Fully Synthetic :- # For fuel efficiency

# Enchanced engine performance and protection

# Quick circulation

Semi Synthetic:-  # Good protection within 10 minutes of starting out.

# Better than mineral oils and good time cycle (u neednt change dis often)

Mineral Oil:-            #Basic protection

# Needs to be checked and changed (if necessary) often as compared to the other two.

Note:- Let ur car idle for 2-3 minutes after starting every moring. This helps for the initial circulation and helps reduce wear and tear.

Also change the oil filters almost every time u change ur oil.