Most drivers want their car to last as long as possible. To keep your car reliable and safe as the miles add up, it is important to give your car some TLC along the way.
Here at Bodymek, we give you our top 5 tips on how to keep your car in pristine condition that will see it last for many more miles.
Oil
With use, the oil gradually deteriorates due to the extreme operating conditions within the engine. New engine oil is usually a thick smooth and slimy fluid with a golden-brown colour. With use, it turns darker and gritty. The stickiness also changes, and it becomes thinner or thicker. The oil filter gets clogged with use and beyond a point, it loses its ability to supply clean oil.
Apart from the degradation in physical and chemical properties, the quantity of oil also starts falling as some of it gets burnt in the engine. Engine oil can be topped up, but if its quality has deteriorated beyond a point, it needs to be replaced or there is a risk of engine damage. Manufacturers specify the mileage and time interval after which the oil and oil filter must be replaced.
Filters
Filters stop debris from entering your engine. Air filters clean out dirt and dust in the air, while fuel and oil filters trap abrasive sediments. Your owner’s manual has guidelines on when filters need to be replaced, but it’s not always a set schedule. A new oil filter is usually installed at every oil change, but when your air filter needs to be changed depends on the environment where you drive your car.
Tyres
Last year, almost a third of UK accidents occurred in which vehicle defects played a part were due to under-inflated, defective or illegal tyres. It is important to ensure that your tyres are legal and in top condition. Make regular weekly checks. Look for signs of bulging, cuts and tears to the tyre wall.
All car tyres are legally required to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. The easiest way to check your tyre tread depth is to use a tread depth gauge. This handy gadget can be kept in your glove box, where it’ll be easy to find. Make sure you check the tread depth in 3 different places on each tyre, as tyres often do not wear evenly.
Underinflated tyres can lead to overheating, poor handling and even in extreme cases, a blowout. Make a note to regularly check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If you do not know the magic number, your vehicle handbook will give you a list of the correct tyre pressure.
If you spot anything unusual, feel free to bring your car into us and we will happily check it.
Fluids
One most important parts of car maintenance is regularly checking your car fluids and topping them up. You should aim to check your car fluids at least every four to six months to protect your care against damage and save repair costs in the long term.
Before topping your car up with any fluids, ensure that your car is parked on a flat surface, the engine is switched off and that the engine is cold before topping up any fluids.
It is important that you check the engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and screenwash to keep your car running smoothly and in great condition.
Driving
It might sound silly but driving like a maniac not only makes you look like an idiot, but it’s bad for your car, too. Hard acceleration and braking takes a toll on your entire car by increasing the stress and strain on components, which wears them out faster. Take your time.
If you have any concerns or questions about your car, feel free to call or pop into our Northampton garage where we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
