MOTORING NEWS - It's the month of love and while that is still foremost in the mind, it is a good idea to spend a bit of tender loving care on the car in your life.
"There is no truer saying than, 'Take care of your car and it will take care of you'," says Vishal Premlall, director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA). With the cost of living - and new cars - on the rise, taking care of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list. "One doesn't have to be a mechanical expert to take care of a car. Just be aware of what to keep an eye on and keep a regular maintenance schedule," he says.
Premlall provides these 10 simple basic car care tips to ensure your car stays on the road longer and that you pick up smaller repairs before they become big ticket items:
Schedule maintenance accordingly. Don't let your manual sit neglected in your glove compartment. Keeping up with the car's recommended maintenance schedule can help avoid costly problems with the cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components. Follow the recommended schedule religiously and only use quality oil, fluids and parts.
Like other car parts that have been made to last longer, most car batteries are maintenance-free and can last more than three years. The first sign that may indicate you need a new battery is if you have trouble starting the engine.
Good visibility
One of the most neglected basic car care tips is taking care of the windshield wipers. One should change wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. Also check the wiper fluid reservoir and keep it topped up.
You want to learn about potential problems before they happen so that you can prevent them - or fix them immediately. Find an owners' forum online and get on the wavelength of what the potential problems could be as a car gets older.
You should check the level of your antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid very regularly. We advise you check these every time you put in petrol. Even if your car doesn't leak fluids, it can develop a leak and quickly have a dangerously low level of fluids. It's also important to change the oil regularly. This will improve mileage and protect the engine. The recommended mileage between oil changes is between 5 000 and 8 000km or every 3 to 6 months. It is also important to change the oil filter. There is no sense in putting clean oil through a dirty filter. New filters are cheap and available at any parts store. Check the service manual or contact your dealer for your car's specific needs.
Monitor the brake pad thickness and don't let the pads wear down to metal. This will cause damage to your brake rotors (discs) at least and possibly your callipers as well. Rotors and callipers are much more expensive to replace than pads.
Changing tyre position is very important and reduces uneven wear and tear on the tread, thus extending the life of the tyres. Generally they should be rotated diagonally - front right to rear left and front left to rear right. You also need to check the tyre pressure regularly. Proper tyre inflation will help the tyres handle better and last longer. It will also help you get the most out of a tank of petrol. It's a good idea to have your tyres checked for wear regularly.
Use the hand brake
Even if driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your hand brake regularly when parked on an incline. It helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and makes them last longer.
Pay close attention to a vehicle's noises and also to warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that's loose. Ignoring a problem only allows it to get worse plus parts get harder to find for older vehicles over time.
Wash it, wax it and vacuum it and treat all leather surfaces. You will protect both the paint and the interior from ageing prematurely. Premlall says these tips are valid irrespective of whether you own a new or used vehicle.
"Why not make this month the month to give your car a little love and attention? It could save you in the long run. Visit your local service centre for additional advice and tips on how to best maintain your car," says Premlall.
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