After passing your driving license, all you want to do is hit the road with your friends! I get it, being able to drive is a great and freeing experience. Unfortunately though, what they don’t teach in the K53 driving test is a basic knowledge of the components which make up your vehicle, what they do and how to maintain them. Which is a pity, because it’s inevitable that you will run into mechanical issues at some point. As the vehicle’s owner, getting those problem fixed will be your responsibility. 

Moreover, you will need to be aware of basic maintenance to ensure that your new car (and the freedom it brings) lasts for a long time. It would be pretty sad to have the license to drive but a vehicle which refuses to that. In order to do that, there are a few basic components you should know about your vehicle. 

1. Battery 

The battery in a car is rechargeable. It supplies power (electric energy) to the car. Normally this battery is used to help provide power to start the car and then it is used only when extra power is needed. 

The battery is connected to your lights and car accessories, like the radio, when the engine is off. Leaving the lights or radio on too long will drain the battery. If you don't leave it on too long your car's battery will recharge during about a 30 minute drive. 

A completely or partially (below 10.5 Volts) drained battery is not good. It causes damage to the battery. It is advisable to turn off car lights and accessories soon after the car engine has stopped. 

Check the battery every 6 months to see if the terminals need cleaning and clean if needed. 

2. Brakes 

Usually, your car has two kinds of braking systems. The first one is the brakes pedal that you use to stop the car as you press on it with your foot. The second brake system is the emergency or hand brake. 

Modern cars have hydraulic braking systems. They use pressure applied at the brake pedal to pressurize the brake pistons, that help apply force to the brakes. Regular care should be taken to replace brake pads when needed and maintain parts in good working order. This can save your life as well as save you money. 

3. Axle 

The axle is a bar or shaft used in turning the wheels. The transmission helps turn the axle, that turns the wheels. There is sometimes a front axle and a back axle that usually has a differential in the middle that joins the front pair of tires and back pair so they move at the same time. Since an axle is a solid metal, it is difficult to break it. 

The worst enemy of an axle is rust. It gradually leads to faulty performance sometimes it also causes a breakdown. Cleaning the undercarriage, if exposed to salty air, and driving carefully on rough roads will protect your axle. 

4. Fuel Injector 

This small part helps provide fuel to the engine. It uses a nozzle to deliver just the right amount of fuel to the combustion chamber. It is electronically controlled and helps with fuel efficiency. 

The efficiency of the diesel and the petrol engines has been increased over time by the use of the fuel injectors. A clogged injector might cause the 

poor idling and lower engine performance. If you clean the fuel injector, then your car may perform better. 

5. Piston 

An average car will have four to six pistons in the engine. Pistons move when an explosion of gas occurs in the combustion chamber. As the pistons move, they turn the crank shaft, helping the car to deliver power to the tires, so the car can move. 

The speed of the engine is directly proportional to the moving pistons. When fuel and air mix together and enter the combustion chamber; they are ignited by the spark plugs creating the explosion that moves the piston. These pistons are cylinders that move up and down. 

The faster pistons move the more RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) your car has. Running your car too fast can create problems with your pistons. Like the fuel injectors, pistons can get dirty and may need cleaning to perform their best. 

6. Radiator 

The radiator is used to help the engine cool down so it can operate without overheating. It cools the radiator fluid the goes through the engine where it is heated up. As it travels back to the radiator the heat is transfers to the metal fins and air, as the fan blows over it. 

A radiator keeps your car engine running at normal operating temperature. The coolant (antifreeze) in the radiator changes the boiling and freezing point of the water that it is mixed with it, allowing a broader range of operating temperatures. 

The radiator can also send hot coolant to the heater core in your car cabin, to heat up your air on cold days. To maintain your radiator always make sure to have a water and antifreeze mix to prevent rust, and check for leaks if needed. Hoses and connection points are also areas to look at if you suspect a leak. 

Lastly, if the radiator has dirt or particles covering the metal fins, make sure to clean it off. 

7. Engine Fan 

Fans are known for being very reliable. Your car's fan cools the radiator (with antifreeze inside) and condenser (with refrigerant inside). This helps the engine and AC system maintain the proper operating temperatures. 

To maintain the fan, check for anything that could block the fan. The engine fan can blow particles into the fins of the radiator and condenser, blocking air flow. Clean off any debris from the metal fins of the radiator and condenser, to prevent overheating. 

8. Clutch 

The clutch is a mechanism that helps to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. In a manual transmission car the clutch is operated by the clutch pedal. The clutch pedal is located on the far left side of the pedals. 

When you step on the clutch, the power from the engine is no longer going to the wheels. This allows you to change gears and increase or decrease the power and speed of the wheels. 

The clutch helps with the smooth transfer of engine power to the transmission, so the transmission can deliver power to your tires. If you change to a higher gear, the clutch helps you change which gears are used in the transmission, providing faster speeds. 

The usage of a manual transmission gives you the more control over the vehicle. When compared to automatic transmission, manual transmission can be cost efficient and can be easier to fix. To maintain your clutch, learn to use it correctly, and drive at normal speeds. 

9. Transmission 

The transmission is how the car changes gears. It allows a car to climb up steep hills and move quickly. Sometimes it is called the gearbox. The transmission helps to transfer the energy from the engine to the wheel axle, where energy is applied to the wheels of the car. 

Cars will either have an automatic transmission or manual transmission. 

The manual transmission is cost efficient, but when compared to the modern automatic transmission such as CVT’s, the automatic transmission may save money in fuel costs. Still, the manual transmission is cheaper and easier for mechanics to work on. 

To keep the transmission working well inspect the transmission fluid levels every month and its color about every 6 months. Every 50,000 kms of driving is a good time to change the transmission fluid depending on the car. A sealed transmission will usually last quite a bit longer. 

10. Shock Absorbers 

A shock absorber is a device used to dampen the bumps and rough spots in the road. There are various types including pneumatic (gas filled), magnetic, hydraulic (liquid filled), and some also add springs. 

The shock absorber will absorb the vibrations caused while driving. When a car is in motion, you can feel the vibration from the tires throughout the car. A shock absorber can take that energy and smooth out the ride. 

To make sure your ride stays comfortable for the passengers, different cars use different types of shocks. A sports car will absorb bumps differently than a luxury sedan. 

Maintaining your shock is a matter of noticing when they no longer work well. Damage could occur if your shocks don't absorb a bump, making your car touch the ground or bottom out. 

11. Spark Plug 

A spark plug is used in the combustion chamber to ignite the gas/fuel. It is timed to work with the cylinder and goes as slow or as fast as the engine RPMs. The spark must be effective in order for combustion to occur correctly. A misfire, rough idling, or knocking can occur when spark plugs are not working correctly. 

To check your spark plugs you'll need to be aware of how your engine is running. Replacement might be needed if symptoms mentioned are occurring. You can also pull out the plug(s) and look at their condition. If it is very dirty, it needs to be replaced. The life span of a spark can be from 15,000 kilometers to 50,000 kilometers depending on the type and engine factors, although they are generally replaced at every service. The fuel saving by replacing plugs more regularly far outprices the cost of the plugs. 

12. Alternator 

The alternator helps power all the electrical system of the car. After the batteries helps start the engine, the alternator takes over by producing electrical power to charge the battery and help power the cars electrical needs. As the engine runs it help move the the belt that is connected to the alternator, so it can produce energy. 

To ensure the alternator is working well you can checking the belt connected to and ensure it is tight. Another way to ensure your alternator is doing its job is to check the wire connections to the alternator and the car battery. This will help you know if the connections are good. 

The alternator needs to be replaced if it no longer charges the battery or stops working. If you use a multimeter you can check the health of the alternator yourself. 

13. Air Filter 

There are generally two types of air filters in your car. The first kind of air filter is for the engine of your a car. The other air filter (known as the cabin air filter or pollen filter) cleans the air coming into the cabin, so passengers have clean air. 

The engine needs air for combustion, and it is drawn through the filter into the combustion chamber. Dirt and particles in the air could create problems if not filtered. In addition, a dirty filter blocks air flow. So changing the air filter when dirty, will prevent damage and give better fuel economy. 

The cabin air filter, usually found inside the car cabin, will prevent dirt and particles from outside coming in. Some air filter are good at filtering dust and tiny particles if you have allergies.