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Car Maintenance Tips

1: ENGINE OIL
Check your engine oil every 2 to 4 weeks, preferably 1st thing in the morning and on a flat surface.
Make sure the oil level is at the correct level as indicated by the dip-stick. On the High mark, not the Low mark!
If it is low, top it up using the correct rated oil for your engine. If you don’t know the correct specified oil, inspect the owners manual or consult your nearest qualified mechanic or oil retail outlet.
Engine oil should be clean in colour. If it looks dark or smells burnt then get and expert to replace it, along with your engine oil filter.
If your engine oil looks milky or creamy in any way consult your local qualified mechanic, this could indicate serious problems (water leaking into the engine).
Remember, a lack of oil, incorrectly specified engine oil and even a lack of engine oil and oil filter changes can lead to pre-mature wear and damage to your engine.

2: ENGINE COOLANT / ANTI-FREEZE
You can inspect the engine coolant/anti-freeze at the reservoir bottle and / or the radiator cap.
It's better to use the radiator cap, but only when the engine is cold.
DO NOT inspect when hot as you risk being seriously burnt.
The water / coolant level should be at the Top or on the High Mark.
You are looking for a bright clean colour.
If you see signs of rust or a milky/sludge colour then you run the risk of over heating the engine. If these signs are evident get a qualified mechanic / technician to look at it.
If your engine coolant requires topping up then it is vital that you use the same engine coolant / anti-freeze that is in it. If you are unsure get your local qualified mechanic / technician to advise you.
Remember – not having any engine coolant / anti-freeze makes your engine less protected and less efficient.

3: BRAKE FLUID
Make sure the brake fluid is at the correct level and nice and clean in colour.
If your brake fluid is low and requires topping up then only use the correct rated brake fluid for your vehicle. REMEMBER - if your brake fluid requires topping up, this could indicate that the brake system may require inspecting from a qualified mechanic / technician.
If your brake fluid is dark in colour or dirty you could be jeopardizing your brake system or worse, your life. If in doubt get your local qualified mechanic / technician to inspect and test your brake fluid for you.

4: POWER STEERING FLUID
Inspect and make sure the fluid level is at the correct level.
Power steering fluid should be bright and clean in colour.
Make sure this fluid does not smell burnt or is contaminated.
If this fluid smells burnt or is low in its level then get your local qualified mechanic / technician to inspect the steering system for you.
If your power steering system only requires a small top up then use the recommend fluid for your vehicle.
NOT ALL POWERSTEERING FLUIDS ARE THE SAME and so by not using the correct fluid you could risk damaging your power steering system.
If in doubt get your local qualified mechanic / technician to look at it.

5: TYRES
Once a month inspect your tyres pressures. By maintaining these you can reduce premature wear and even save fuel.
Tyre pressure specifications can be found in either the owners manual, inside the drivers door area or if unsure ask your local tyre shop or local qualified mechanic.
Whilst inspecting your tyres look at the tread depth. This should be no less than 1.5mm across a minimum of ¾‘s of the entire width of your tyre. Anything less is dangerous.
Look for any damage – cuts, chord exposure or high/low spots on the tyres – this is dangerous and should be looked at by your local tyre shop or qualified mechanic / technician urgently.
Look for excessive wear on the inner and outer edges of your tyres tread. If this is evident it could indicate something as simple as a wheel alignment / balance issue OR something more sinister – possible suspension or steering faults.
These are safety issues, so, if in doubt get your local qualified mechanic / technician to look at these for you.

6: DRIVING AWARENESS
Whilst driving down the road, lightly handle the steering wheel. You are inspecting to see if the vehicle pulls / drifts to the left or right.
Inspect for slow speed steering wheel wobble.
If any of the above is evident this could indicate wheel alignment, steering, suspension or tyre issues that should be attended to sooner rather than later.
If on the motorway take note of any vibrations that are evident and at what speed. It could be possible wheel balance issues or something again more sinister so consult your local mechanic / technician for advice.
Turn the stereo off every now and then and tune your hearing into your vehicle.
Something that doesn’t sound right probably isn’t, so asking your local qualified mechanic / technician to listen.

7: VEHICLE CARE / CLEANING.
Don’t be afraid to cut and polish your vehicle every now and then. It can help protect your vehicle against rust / corrosion and enhance the re-sale value of your vehicle.
This is the same for the inside of your vehicle – using correct cleaning products on the inside of your vehicle protects against faded fabric, cracked dash, door and panel trims. This again can enhance the re- sale of your vehicle.

8: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK AN EXPERT
If you have any concerns about your vehicle then always ask an expert.
Don’t ever be afraid to ask your local qualified mechanic / technician for any advice.
Doing this sooner rather than later could save you a lot of money.