Archive for category Tips

Top Car Maintenance Tips

Posted by in Car Maintenance, Tips on August 26, 2011

By Sam P. Singh

Regardless of the year, model or make, a vehicle is only as valuable as the maintenance performed on it during ownership. Rather than waiting for car trouble, perform routine maintenance on your vehicle to help extend the life of the vehicle, as well as to avoid costly fixed that are due to neglect.

Weekly Maintenance

* Windshield wiper fluid – The frequency that you need to refill you windshield fluid tank depends on how often you use your windshield wiper fluid. Checking the fluid on a weekly basis ensures that your wiper fluid tank will always have enough fluid to clean your windsheild in the case of inclement weather.

Regularly Scheduled Maintenance

Every 3,000 Miles

* Oil change – Regularly changing your oil prevents the buildup of dirt, grime and sludge
* Comprehensive safety check – brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid, antifreeze. Regularly checking fluids can help you catch leaks early on if certain fluids do not last as long as you had anticipated.

Every 5,000 Miles or Every 3 Months

* Check the coolant mixture and level.
* Inspect the lug bolt.

Bi-Annually

* Replace windshield wipers – Dirt and salt from ice trucks in the winter can cause wiper blades to deteriorate quickly. Wipers in poor condition can create hazardous driving conditions.
* Clean battery.
* Check spark plug wires.

Annually

* Radiator flush – Emptying your radiator and refilling it with fluid can help reduce the likelihood that your radiator will develop holes and need to be replaced.
* Seatbelt check – Check seatbelts for rips and tears, as well as frayed edged. Worn seatbelts can results in failed protection if you are ever involved in a collision.

Every 7,000 Miles

* Tire rotation – Your tires will last much longer if you have them rotated every 7,000 miles, which enables the treads to wear evenly. Before each rotation you should also check to see if you actually need new tires. To check the treads on your tires, place a penny in the tread mark. If your tires are in good condition, about 85% of the penny should be covered. If you need to purchase new tires, try to purchase them from a shop that offers free tire rotations over the life of the tires, which will save you money in the future.

Every 12,000 – 15,000 Miles

* Timing belt inspection.
* Fuel filter replacement.
* ABS sensor maintenance.

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Top 3 Car Maintenance Tips

Posted by in Tips on August 24, 2011

By Charlie Andrews

Like your body, you car needs to be taken care of in order to ensure you get the most out of it, for the longest possible period of time. Just like we humans need to take out bodies for a checkup with our GP every now and then, it’s essential to your car’s health to make sure you get a car service every 5,000-10,000 kilometres. However, also like the human bodies, there are several steps you can take to take care of it in-between check-ups so that the overall quality and standard is maintained. These are simple things that the average car-owner can do from home, and a little bit of extra effort in terms of vehicle maintenance can mean big savings down the line. Here are some things you can do…

Oil

In terms of your car’s oil, it’s advisable to check it every 3-4 times you fill up your car. You do this by popping the bonnet and using the dipstick to gauge levels. It’s important to wipe it clean on a piece of towel or cloth before submerging it again in the oil tank, and you must ensure the oil reaches the marker. Obviously if your oil is low it needs re-filling, and oil can be purchased from almost every petrol station in Australia, which is why it’s a good idea to check it while you’re filling up. In addition to this, you should consult your car’s manual to see how frequently it recommends the oil be changed. If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is that your oil should be changed every 6 months. You can do this yourself or pay to have it done for you, depending on your level of knowledge.

Water

Similarly, the water is something you should check while you’ve got the bonnet open for the oil. The right water levels are essential as your radiator uses water to cool your engine and keep it running properly. Overheating can cause your car to break down and do lasting damage to your motor. If you can see how high the water is, judge whether or not it needs topping up, but generally speaking it won’t do any harm to simply fill it until you can see the levels. Water is free after all!

Tyre Pressure

Ensuring your car has the right tyre pressure is essential to the smooth running of your vehicle. Consult your driver manual as to the correct pressure ratio your tyres should have, and check them just as frequently as you do your oil and water, and again if you are carrying a particularly heavy load. Remember that recommended tyre pressure may change depending on the weight of your cargo, so it’s a good idea to double check!

Car repairs can be costly, which is why it’s important to take measures to minimise the likelihood of needing them. By taking good care of your car you can not only protect it’s livelihood but your investment as well.

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