We all remember that golden day when we passed our driving test, the joy of knowing we can finally get our very own set of wheels. One thing you might not know is that car ownership comes at a cost, a certain responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is always roadworthy, and in this short article, we offer the beginner a few important tips on vehicle maintenance.
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Manufacturer-approved garage
When looking for a car mechanic service, make sure they are approved by the manufacturer to work on your car. This is important, as every make of car has its own unique challenges and you don’t want a mechanic with zero experience on your make/model doing anything. Google will help you to locate a nearby garage that works on your car and you can book a service via their website.
Service according to mileage
Every car should be serviced according to mileage and in the rear section of the owner’s manual, you should record all the details of every service. This is very important when you want to sell the car, as any potential buyer wants to see a full service history and a good garage would send you reminders when servicing is due. There are more electric vehicles on the road, which is good for the environment.
Engine maintenance
Engine oil and filter must be changed every single service and it must be the correct grade of oil. Over time, engine oil loses its properties; you can seriously damage an engine if you don’t change the oil and filter. Other things to check include engine coolant, which must be topped up when required, also inspect all drive belts, looking for damage and check for correct tension. Things like spark plugs should be inspected and gapped correctly (see user’s manual), brake and power steering fluid levels should be checked and topped up when necessary. You obviously drive the car often, so be aware of anything different, any noises coming from the engine should be investigated promptly. Clean (or replace) the air filter; as a clogged filter seriously impacts engine performance. All these things would be part of a regular service.
Brake maintenance
Most cars use brake pads and these last from 30-50,000 miles, depending on your style of driving; some people use the brakes heavily to slow down, which wears the pads, while others use the gears to reduce speed. Remove a wheel and you can see the edges of the brake pads, located centrally between the brake calipers. They must be replaced before they wear down to the rivets, as this would score the disc and replacing a disc is not cheap! You would notice the brakes losing performance, which is a signal to have the pads changed. Check brake fluid every time you lift the bonnet and top up to the correct level marked on the brake fluid reservoir.
Any car older than 5 years must have an annual check-up and make sure you keep all receipts and records of maintenance, as this is important when you sell.
