If you’ve just bought your first car or are planning to — congratulations! But remember, owning a car in Pakistan is not just about driving it; it’s about maintaining it wisely so it runs smoothly and doesn’t leave you stranded on the road.
Sadly, many new car owners ignore the basics until it’s too late. That’s why this blog covers everything you need to know about basic car maintenance in Pakistan — from engine oil to battery, tyres, and seasonal care.
"During a visit to a car workshop in Islamabad, I saw a new driver paying thousands for a repair that could have been avoided with basic maintenance."
This guide is written in simple language with practical tips for the Pakistani environment.
🛢️ 1. Engine Oil – Your Car’s Lifeblood
Your engine is like the heart of your car — and engine oil is its blood.
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🔄 Change Interval: Every 4,000 to 5,000 km (for mineral oil)
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⛽ Brands to Consider: ZIC, Shell, Total, Havoline
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🧪 How to Check: Park the car on a level surface, wait 10 mins, pull out the dipstick, wipe, reinsert, and check oil level and color. If it’s dark or gritty, it needs changing.
Pro Tip: Don’t go for the cheapest oil. Low-quality oil can ruin your engine faster than you think.
🔋 2. Battery – Often Ignored Until It Dies
In Pakistani heat, car batteries lose water faster. Most people don’t realize this until their car refuses to start one morning.
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🔎 Check Battery Water: Every 20–30 days
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⚠️ Warning Signs: Dim headlights, slow startup, battery light on dashboard
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🔄 Life Span: 1.5 to 2.5 years
Quick Tip: If your car uses a dry battery, just clean the terminals every few months and check for swelling.
🛞 3. Tyre Pressure – Save Fuel, Drive Safe
Underinflated tyres cause higher fuel consumption and wear out faster.
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🧯 Check Every: 10–15 days
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📏 Ideal PSI: 30–35 (check car manual or door sticker)
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🔁 Tyre Rotation: Every 10,000 km to ensure even wear
Bonus Tip: In summer, keep pressure slightly lower; in winter, keep it slightly higher.
🧼 4. Exterior & Undercarriage Wash
Many people only wash the visible body — but the real danger is underneath. Pakistan’s roads throw up mud, salt, rainwater, and that causes rust.
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🧽 Wash Undercarriage: After rain, every 2–3 weeks in monsoon
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🌧️ Avoid Parking in Water: Long-term exposure causes rust and brake wear
💡 5. Dashboard Warning Lights – Don’t Ignore Them!
When a light turns on in your dashboard — pay attention! It’s like your car is speaking to you.
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🚨 Red Lights: Stop immediately (e.g., engine overheating, oil pressure)
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⚠️ Yellow/Orange Lights: Get checked soon (e.g., check engine, ABS)
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📘 Check Manual: Keep it in the glove box, or download your car’s PDF manual online
❄️ 6. Seasonal Tips for Pakistan
🌞 Summer
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Check radiator water before long trips
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Park in shade or use windshield covers
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Keep a water bottle in the car for emergencies
❄️ Winter
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Warm the car for 1–2 minutes before driving
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Keep tyre pressure checked regularly (cold air contracts tyres)
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Watch out for foggy windshields — keep microfiber cloths inside
📺 Watch This Full Car Maintenance Video (For Visual Learners)
Some things are better seen than read. This video walks you through these maintenance steps with real car examples, tools needed, and how to do it yourself.
🎥 Watch till the end – it includes bonus tools every car owner should keep in the trunk!
➡️ (Paste your YouTube video embed code here)
🛠️ Bonus Section: Tools Every Pakistani Car Owner Should Keep
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Air Pressure Gauge – under Rs. 500
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Jumper Cables – helpful for dead battery
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Small Tool Kit – screwdriver, wrench, pliers
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Tyre Inflator (Portable) – Rs. 2,000–3,000
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Spare Tyre & Jack – Check monthly
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Microfiber Cloth – Rs. 100, always handy
🧠 Final Thoughts
Cars in Pakistan go through dusty roads, potholes, heat, rain, and careless traffic. Taking out just 20 minutes per month for basic checks can save you Rs. 20,000+ in repairs.
Whether you drive a Suzuki Alto or a Honda Civic, maintenance is what keeps your car dependable and safe.
💬 Tell Us in Comments:
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What’s the biggest mistake you made with your car?
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Want a guide on used car inspection or DIY detailing?
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