Simple car maintenance tips to get the best out of your car

February 14, 2023

Owning a car is a necessity in today’s world. While we acknowledge that some cars are still considered luxury items, most cars on the road today are necessities. For Australians, having a car for transportation is critical. Australia is a vast country with considerable distances between cities and a relatively low population density. Our transportation needs cannot be met by just public transport. Public transportation is a luxury for most people outside the cities and even for many in the cities. This is where having cars and using them is so important in Australia. Much more so than in smaller, densely populated countries like Singapore and Japan.

Owning a car, however, comes with responsibilities. First, we must ensure it stays in good condition and operates safely. Here we take you over some things that need to be done.

• Repairs: If your car needs repairs, you must ensure they are done promptly and correctly. This ensures that you not only prevent further damage to your vehicle but also operate safely.

• Cleaning: Your car needs regular cleaning both inside and out. This is essential to maintaining it appropriately and ensuring its value and condition stay good. Regular washing and detailing help prevent rusting and other forms of damage.

• Insurance: You must ensure your car is insured and has the required coverage. This protects you financially in the event of an accident or other incident.

• Regular maintenance:  Car maintenance is very important. It ensures that your car is in good condition and running smoothly. Car maintenance is not something you can put off indefinitely. Fortunately, some maintenance tasks can be performed at home, and they are relatively inexpensive.

Here are some simple car maintenance tips that anyone can follow to take good care of their car:

Oil: Check your oil regularly. Your car’s oil is the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating the moving parts and keeping everything running smoothly. The level must be between the dipstick’s minimum and maximum marks. If the oil is low, top it up.

Tires: Checking your tires is very important. They are the only parts of your car that comes into contact with the road. Therefore, ensuring they are in good condition is essential for your safety and comfort. Checking tire pressure regularly and ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level is easy and needs to be done periodically. The tread depth is another good indication of your tyre’s health, and you should check it regularly and look for signs of damage or wear.

Air filter: Air filters are like your car’s lungs. They keep dirt and debris from entering your engine. A dirty air filter can negatively affect your car’s performance and cause damage over time. Check your air filter regularly, and replace it as needed.

Car battery: Your car’s battery provides the power to start your engine and run your electrical systems. Check your battery regularly and ensure the terminals are clean and tight. Avoid using too many accessories when idling to minimise load on the battery. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.

Wiper blades: Your windshield wipers are essential for clear visibility while driving. Check them regularly and replace them if they are worn or damaged.

Your car’s manufacturer provides a recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Follow this schedule to ensure that your car is maintained correctly and avoid costly repairs. You can also prepare a chart for the simple car maintenance you can do and follow it to ensure that your car is in good condition and runs smoothly for longer. Regular maintenance extends the life of your vehicle. Take care of your car’s needs, and it will repay you with many years of reliable service. At Gerald Slaven, our workshop utilises the most up-to-date equipment and can support to support the Volkswagen, Ford, Jeep, HSV and Holden maintenance programs, which allows you to get the best performance from your cars. Get in touch with us for all your servicing needs.