Garage & Vehicle Cheat Sheet

← LCCGARAGE & VEHICLE

India-specific service schedule for petrol/diesel cars. Always verify intervals in your manufacturer manual.

Item	Interval (km)	Months	Action
Engine Oil	5,000–10,000	3–6	Change + filter. Synthetic: 10K, Mineral: 5K
Air Filter	15,000–20,000	12	Clean at 15K, replace at 30K
Fuel Filter	30,000	24	Replace. Diesel: every 20K
Spark Plugs	30,000	24	Iridium lasts 60K. Black tip = rich mixture
Coolant	40,000	24	Top-up distilled water + coolant mix; full flush at 40K
Brake Fluid (DOT 3/4)	30,000	24	Replace — absorbs moisture over time
Brake Pads	Inspect 20K	12	Replace when < 2mm. Disc check at 50K
Timing Belt	60,000–80,000	48	CRITICAL — engine fails if it snaps. Check manual
Battery	—	—	Test after 3 yrs. Replace at 4–5 yrs typically
Cabin AC Filter	15,000	12	Replace. Affects cooling + interior air quality

★GOLDEN RULE — Use manufacturer-approved oil grade (check oil cap, e.g. 5W-30). Wrong grade = accelerated engine wear.

Vehicle Type	Front (PSI)	Rear (PSI)	Rotation Interval
Small hatchback (Alto/WagonR)	30–32	30–32	Every 10,000 km
Mid sedan (City/Dzire)	32–35	32–35	Every 10,000 km
SUV (Creta/Seltos)	34–36	35–38	Every 10,000 km
Highway / full load	+2 PSI	+2 PSI	Check cold before every long trip

★Check tyre pressure COLD (before driving). Rotation = front goes back, back goes front (cross-swap). Extends tyre life 30–40%.

Engine Oil

Dipstick: between MIN–MAX. Dark brown = old, black = overdue for change

Coolant

Reservoir: MIN–MAX. Greenish/orange = healthy. Brown = flush needed

Brake Fluid

Master cylinder reservoir. Clear/yellow = good, dark brown = replace immediately

Power Steering

Small reservoir near engine. Check at every oil change

Windshield Washer

Top up with water + washer concentrate. Never skip in dusty / rainy season

Monsoon: Check wiper blades (should not streak), tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), all lights working
Monsoon: Waterlogged road — switch off AC, use low gear, drive slow. If water > door sill: DO NOT start engine
Summer: Check coolant level every 2 weeks. Weak AC? Low refrigerant gas — get checked
Winter (North India): Battery check (cold kills weak batteries). Use slightly thinner oil if < 5°C
Long parking (2+ weeks): Trickle-charge battery or disconnect the negative terminal

★Hydrolocked engine from flood water = complete engine failure. Never start a flooded car — push it out of water first.

Light	Colour	Action
Check Engine (MIL)	Orange	Drive carefully to service. Get diagnostic code read
Check Engine	Red / Flashing	STOP safely — serious misfire or sensor failure
Oil Pressure	Red	STOP IMMEDIATELY. Do not drive. Engine will seize
Battery / Charging	Red	Alternator or belt issue. Drive to nearest service fast
Temperature	Red	Engine overheating — pull over, switch off, wait 30 min, check coolant
TPMS (Tyre Pressure)	Orange	Check all 4 tyres and inflate to spec
ABS	Orange	ABS fault — normal brakes still work. Visit service soon
Airbag / SRS	Orange	Airbag system fault — visit service; safety risk in any accident