Regular vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure proper operation, extend service life, and avoid costly or dangerous breakdowns. Below are the main systems that should be checked periodically.
🛢️ 1. Lubrication System
- 💡 Function: reduce friction between engine parts by means of an oil film.
- 🛠️ Components: oil pan, oil pump, oil filter.
- 🧪 Fault warnings: warning light on, bluish smoke, abnormal pressure on the gauge.
✅ Recommendations:
- Check the oil level with the engine cold and the vehicle on level ground.
- Use the same type of oil as already in the engine.
- Change the filter and oil as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Take used oil to a recycling point ♻️
🌡️ 2. Cooling System
- 💧 Function: keep the engine at its optimal temperature (90–100ºC).
- 🔁 Components: expansion tank, pump, thermostat, radiator, fan.
✅ Recommendations:
- Check the coolant level when cold (never open when hot!).
- Do not use tap water. Use coolant with antifreeze ❄️
- Replace the coolant every 2 years or as indicated by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Common faults:
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine overheats | Thermostat stuck closed, broken belt | Go to a workshop 🔧 |
| White smoke and coolant loss | Blown head gasket | Urgent repair |
🔋 3. Electrical System
🔌 Battery:
- Provides power to the vehicle when the engine is off.
- Check electrolyte level (in non-sealed batteries).
- Clean terminals and apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion/sulfation.
⚡ Charging system:
- Works via the alternator, charging the battery when the engine is running.
- The battery warning light indicates charging issues or a loose/broken belt.
🚀 Starting system:
- Uses the starter motor to start the vehicle.
- Do not crank for more than 20 seconds in a row, especially in winter.
⚙️ 4. Transmission System
- Includes clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, differential, and half-shafts.
- The gearbox and differential must be properly lubricated with gear oil.
✅ Usage tips:
- Do not rest your foot on the clutch unnecessarily.
- Fully depress the clutch when changing gear.
- Avoid resting your hand on the gear lever.
🧰 5. Mandatory Accessories and Tools
📋 All vehicles must carry certain safety and emergency items. The requirements vary depending on the type of vehicle:
🚛 Industrial vehicles (> 3,500 kg):
- 2 advance warning triangles 🔺🔺
- Reflective vest 👷♂️
- Fire extinguisher (appropriate class for vehicle size) 🔥
🚗 Passenger cars and mixed-use vehicles (≤ 3,500 kg):
- 2 emergency triangles
- Reflective vest
- Spare wheel or repair kit 🛞
🦺 Reflective vest
- Must be highly visible, yellow or orange-red, and type-approved.
- Must be put on before exiting the vehicle on interurban roads.
Take the test
