The holiday season is almost upon us and you have probably not checked your vehicle’s fluid level or tyre pressures since. Let’s face the facts, there’s always something more to do than to crawl around your vehicle checking that it doesn’t go out in a puff of steam.
Neglecting your vehicle can lead to hassle. Your vehicle will eventually wear out. You need to replace parts and make adjustments. Preventative vehicle maintenance will prevent small problems from becoming major ones.
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Waiting until something goes wrong to open your wallet is a sure way to make it worse. You could end up with huge repair bills and a life-threatening situation if you drive at high speeds.
The AA surveyed 21,510 drivers and found that 88% don’t service cars at all, while 12 percent have missed or delayed service. According to the breakdown organisation drivers in Wales, South-west England and Northern Ireland are most likely to skip or delay servicing. However, they are the best at maintaining their car’s service.
Many car owners feel that modern cars are too complex and require qualified mechanics to do even the simplest tasks. Because of the high cost of garages, many car owners put vehicle maintenance on hold. This can lead to costly repairs. There are many things you can do in order to decrease the chance of your car breaking down.
Tyres
Checking your tyres is one of the easiest ways to avoid issues while driving. Experts warn that tyre problems can prove costly and potentially dangerous. According to them:
“Incorrect tyre pressure or treading is illegal and can cause accidents and penalty points that could lead to fines up to PS2,500 per tyre. Regularly walk around your car looking for damage to the tyres or slow punctures. Also, make sure you check the tyre pressure and tread every month em>
Use a 20p coin to check the tread depth of your tyres. Place the coin in the tread grooves. The outer edge of your coin (the area with the year, etc.) should be visible. If you can see the outer edge of the coin (the part with the year of issue, etc.) then your tyres might not be road legal and they will need to be replaced
Own a Classic Car? Drive it.
You might think that keeping your classic car in the garage will preserve it. But it could actually be doing more harm than good.
Experts say that vintage cars need to be used regularly. Short trips of 6 miles should be done a few times per week. If you are able, longer runs of 20-30 miles should be taken.
“Longer drives warm up the engine and oil, as well as the transmission fluid and help with emissions, which is always good prior to the dreaded MOT inspection.”
You will use more petrol if you drive longer. However, this is a good thing. It is said that classic cars don’t like stale fuel, and that there’s nothing worse than carburettors over-consuming old petrol. Therefore, it’s important to refill your tank regularly in order to maintain the engine’s cleanliness and optimize your car’s MPG.
Be Consistent
You will get better results if you do more. This is also true for vehicle maintenance. Experts recommend a maintenance schedule, with a recommendation to check on the car every one or two week.
You’ll save yourself a lot trouble and heartache. You can check under the bonnet to make sure you have the correct oil, coolant, brake, power steering, and windscreen washer fluids.
Wiper blades should be maintained by wiping them with some vinegar. “Effective blades make a rainy day so much easier.” Although it may seem tedious, regular inspections are essential to avoid costly or dangerous problems later.
Check Brake Lights
A lot of our motor expert mentioned another important safety tip: check your brake lights. You won’t miss a blown light, no matter if you call someone or simply check your rear-view mirror.
Re-Gas is Crucial
Experts recommend that your air conditioner be serviced and re-gassed frequently to ensure that allergens and pollen are not being spread around your vehicle.
You should also check it before the heat arrives.
Remove Dust
The alloys can be corroded by brake dust. If left uncleaned, it can cause damage to expensive alloys. Nobody can afford to replace them regularly.
The iron and steel fibers that are left behind by the brake pads will eventually wear down and cover your alloys. It will not only make your wheels look cleaner, but will also prevent them from corroding. To prevent any damage, you can also protect your wheels with a wheel protector.
Final Checks
You’re satisfied that you have followed these tips. We recommend testing any items on your car, such as the rear seat belts or the horn. “If you are proactive and identify problems before they become a problem it can save you both time and money.”
Don’t forget to check your vehicle registration as it is a legal requirement and as such a necessary requirement before any vehicle maintenance.