MOTORING NEWS - It's the month of love and a good time to show you love your car too.
"There is no truer saying than: 'Take care of your car and it will take care of you'," says Les Mc Master, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA). With the cost of living on the rise, taking care of your vehicle should be a top priority.
"You don't have to be a mechanical expert to take care of your car. You just need to be aware of what you should be keeping an eye on and keep a regular maintenance schedule," he says.
Below, Mc Master gives 10 basic tips to show you care:
Don't let the manual sit neglected in the glove compartment. Keeping up the car's recommended maintenance schedule can help avoid costly problems with your cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components. 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 the need for a new battery is if there is trouble starting the engine.
• Visibility
One of the most neglected basic car care tips is taking care of windshield wipers. Change your wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. Also check the wiper fluid reservoir and keep it full.
• Use online forums
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 your car gets older.
• Check fluids
The levels of antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid should be checked very regularly. Miwa advises checking these every time you put in petrol. Even if a 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 5 000 to 8 000km or every 3 to 6 months. It is also important to change the oil filter as well - there is no sense in putting clean oil through a dirty filter. Filters are cheap and available at any parts store. Again check the service manual, or contact a dealer for your car's specific needs.
Monitor your 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.
• Rotate tyres
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. Also check the tyre pressure regularly.
Proper tyre inflation will help the tyres handle better and last longer, and it get the most out of a tank of petrol. It's also a good idea to have tyres checked for wear regularly.
Even if you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your hand brake regularly, especially if you're 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 your vehicle's noises and also to its warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that's loose. Ignoring a problem only allows it to get worse and parts for aging vehicles only get harder to find.
Wash it, wax it and vacuum it and treat all leather surfaces. You will protect both the paint and the interior from aging prematurely.
centre for additional advice and tips on how to best maintain your car," he says.
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