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CAR MAINTENANCE

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Print this page CAR MAINTENANCE

Simple car maintenance can prevent many problems from arising in the near future and longer term, and increase the resale value of your vehicle. Follow our handy tips below, and you should be on the road for years to come!

Check and Change Oil

Engine oil has a limited life - after a certain point it starts losing lubricating qualities and carbonizes. Once it happens, the engine gets contaminated with carbon deposits that significantly shorten engine's life. When you change oil at or before manufacturer suggested interval, you change the oil before this "carbonizing" point, engine remains clean and once refilled with new oil ready to work hard again.

Cooling System

Engine overheating causes serious engine damage. In order to avoid the engine overheating, check the coolant level periodically. It should be at least at the "min" point in the coolant reservoir. If it's lower, add the coolant bringing the level to the "max" point.

Timing Belt, Spark Plugs, Tune Up

There are certain vehicle components that need periodical replacement (check your owner's manual for details)such as:
Fuel filter - dirty fuel filter may cause engine stalling and loss of engine power.
Air filter - dirty air filter causes loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, causes air flow sensor failure, etc.
Engine coolant - old engine coolant loses its anticorrosive and other characteristics and may cause coolant pump to fail.
Spark plugs - simply spark plugs replacement can significantly improve the engine performance.
Timing belt - timing belt failure may cause serious engine damage, especially if it's diesel engine.
Having a problem with fuel consumption or rough idle on a high mileage car? - Try fuel injectors service. You will note the difference right away.

Battery

CAUTION: The battery filled with harmful acid solution and can produce explosive gases. Handling a battery be careful and always use protective glasses and gloves. Don't use open fire, smoke, or create a spark near battery.

Most of batteries nowadays are maintenance free. All you check is battery terminals that shouldn't be loose or corroded. Corroded battery terminals will cause all kind of problem: blinking instrument lights, low charge, no-start, dim headlights, check engine and ABS malfunction light etc.

Fixing Small Problems

If there are any problems with your engine, such as an irregular noise or smell, or performance problems, leaks or smoke, or the "check engine" light is on, have your car inspected by a mechanic. It's always better to fix any small problems right away before they can cause engine damage. Be aware, some mechanics will try to scare you because they always want to sell you more job than your car really needs, so always ask to explain everything, to show you what exactly is wrong and why.

Tyres

Check the tire pressure regularly - at least once a month. If you don't have a tire pressure gauge it's really worth to buy it. You can find recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual. Rotate the tyres at every second oil change - it will insure all tyres wear equally. Feel a vibration at cruising speed? - have your tyres balanced. There is a safe limit of the tread wear. If the tyre is worn below this limit it's unsafe to drive. Refer to the result of mechanical inspection. Uneven tyre wear indicates alignment problem.