Experts say there are some things
that car owner must do to avoid visiting the mechanic workshop
frequently and minimise the cost of maintenance, Ademola Alawiye writes.
A car that is not properly
maintained will not last long for the owner.Cars deteriorate faster when
they are not given adequate maintenance. The following tips are simple
ways to maintain your car, according to automobile dealers and
mechanics:
Drive carefully
Experts say when you drive, do your car a
favour by driving gently. Common sense will tell the driver that he is
not just doing the car a favour but himself and occupants of the car
whenever he drives carefully.
Experts advise that you think of your
car like your own body. By driving carefully, they note that the driver
should accelerate slowly, not snapping his head back. They note that
driving carefully means anticipating your braking so you can brake
gently and avoid panic stops. They note that if it’s below cold outside,
the driver should allow the car a minute or so to warm up before
driving it hard.
They note that he should then drive
slowly for a few minutes, until the engine oil has warmed up and started
to fully lubricate all the components of the car. For new cars, experts
say the car owner should follow the break-in recommendations in the
owner’s manual. They note that it is advisable to change your car’s oil
after the car has covered its inaugural 1,000 miles when used.
Remove unnecessary weight
Unnecessary weight places extra demands
on your car engine. This, experts say, creates suspension, braking and
even exhaust problems. According to them, extra weight adds stress to
critical systems and causes premature wear. They note that you should
know your car weight and should not hesitate to put out things that are
not needed.
Things that cause additional drag should
be removed, as aerodynamic drag is similar to adding weight, which it
increases the demand on your engine, experts say. Take the cargo carrier
off the top of the minivan if it does not serve any meaningful purpose
there. This may be fanciful, but experts note that it’s killing your
fuel mileage and making your engine work harder and may end up grounding
your car.
Change vital fluids, oil especially
It is important to change your car’s
fluids during regular service intervals. Experts say car fluids degrade
when they are driven as well as when they are packed. They note that
each fluid in a car is vital to the long-term health of the engine,
transmission, steering or brakes. They note that simply keeping the
fluids topped off is not always okay for proper car maintenance. This is
because over time they lose important properties. The properties that
can be lost include the ability of the oil to remove heat and lubricate,
as well as the ability to prevent rust and freezing in your car.
Some of the fluids in cars include
transmission, differential, brake and power-steering fluid and engine
oil. Other fluids like the windshield washer fluids, experts say are not
too important in a car
According to experts, regular
transmission and differential fluid changes are often overlooked, but
this service is very important. Automobile dealers say you should follow
recommendations of the manufacturer when changing your car fluids. They
note that you should adopt the time duration prescribed by the
manufacturer. According to experts, fresh, clean transmission fluid
assures that your car’s drive-train stays cool and uncontaminated.
Fix faults as soon as possible
Experts say when you identify a small
problem with your car, get it checked out sooner rather than later.
Delay getting it that simple problem fixed, though, and you will
eventually end up by the side of the road, unable to drive and forced to
seek the help of tow vans to take your car home, experts say. There are
many problems that start small but develop into much bigger faults if
they are not addressed right away.
Experts say that you make sure your car
is safe to drive. They note that if you have any doubts about such
things as brakes, brake lines, ball joints, tie rods, airbags, seat
belts or even the structural integrity of your car, get it checked out.
Use a trustworthy mechanic
Experts say you should find a mechanic
you trust intuitively. They note that you should think of maintaining
your car as a partnership between you and your mechanic. Pay him well in
order to get your car working perfectly, they add. Having a good
working relationship with your mechanic will enable you to make wise
decisions when the time comes, they note.
This will make you not to have nagging
doubts about the truthfulness of what you are being told. According to
automobile mechanics, the need to develop this relationship is very
vital. They note that when you find someone you think you like, ask for
recommendations from long time customers and you may end up getting the
right person to work for you.
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