KNOW YOUR CAR – Part 1
Get to know your car, so that when something isn’t quite right you will be able to recognise that it needs a visit to a mechanic!
99% of problems start from lack of servicing. Rule of thumb is annually or everyone 10 000 km. This is really important for reliability, resale value, longevity, less likely to face large repair bills and safety. Plus the added bonuses of saving dollars on fuel since its running more efficiently and cleaner so better for our environment.
Cars are getting more technical by the day with on board computers running most systems. When you have a warning light on your dash dont be complacent and hope it goes away. There is a reason for it. Sometimes it is just a minor & easily fixed with a quick diagnostic scan update. Or if its an oil can just an oil top up, light bulb just replacing the failed bulb, sometimes its even your windscreen wiper fluid needing a top up. So get to know your car. Either by its manual (hopefully still in the glove box) or google (that wonderful invention).
But remember so lights on the dash are major and important safety features like your airbags (SRS) or ABS (brakes) of your vehicle. Please get it addressed asap or at least call for some advice. We are the experts and deal with this all day, use our expertise too ensure you are motoring safely.
Cooling System:
Engines create a lot of heat so if you notice your temperature gauge showing a high reading. Maybe its under heavy load or you have been driving for a long time or up a steep hill. Suggestions are take a break, check there isn’t any fluid leaking or steam under the bonnet. Seals and hoses do require replacing sometimes. Coolant/water solution regularly needs replacing or topping up. Worse case scenario is a new radiator. But you can check the overflow and ensure it has water in it. If you do check the radiator cap ensure the car has been stopped for quite a time so its not hot. Another option is putting the heater on maximum and fan to full as this disperses heat from the engine (not ideal in summer obviously). If all this fails & the temperature gauge doesn’t return to normal our suggestion is don’t drive it as you will only do more damage.
Belts:
Belts keep many major moving parts of the engine working. You have a few and on servicing they are inspected (not a wof inspection). They wear out and do need replacing. Especially a cambelt which generally needs replacing every 100 000 km’s or with age. If this isn’t addressed and it fails it will result in significant damage and costs. Other components run with the cambelt so generally a water pump and pulleys needs replacing at the same time. If it fails your engine will stop immediately.
Air Conditioning:
Most cars have this wonderful option now days. You push that button and it cools your car. But do you know if you use it in winter as well it will clear that windscreen even quicker so always keep that A/C button engaged. Its also recommended to run it regularly to keep the light mineral oil in the refrigerant contained in the compressor to ensure properly lubricated. The biggest problem that arises with air conditioning is usually no cool air or insufficient cool air. Most of the time its just recharging the refrigerant but this job is up to us.
Automatic Transmissions:
Have a lubricating fluid and filter in them. These like engine oil get dirty and worn out so need replacing. So need replacing about 30 000 km. But on servicing they are checked and fluid is topped up if necessary and its not time to change.
We recommend you get your vehicle serviced as we dont want to see you stuck on the side of the road. This is part 1 of our education to you stay tuned for later in the month for part 2. We dont want to overload you too much.
Support your local small businesses. Keep warm, dry and safe and we look forward to being of service to you, family and friends.
We ask that if you are happy with our service that you recommend us or even give us a nice review on google 🙂