GP Motor Works – Vehicle Care Tips
People want their vehicles to run efficiently for as long as possible without anything unforeseen going wrong. The last thing that anyone wants is for them or a family member to breakdown on the side of the highway or to end up being vulnerable in a broken car in the dark of night either. And yet we all take our vehicles for granted – we ignore the warning light on the dashboard and miss important services.
To make matters worse, we are constantly being bombarded by infomercials that show that you simply have to use this additive or spray on this liquid and your car will run forever. If this were true there would be no need for garages or vehicle repair workshops.
The solution is actually quite simple – follow your car’s recommended maintenance schedule, get your oil changed regularly and replace the parts that are subject to wear when needed. The cost of many of these components is cheap compared to replacing the engine or sub-system so take preventative action.
Vehicle maintenance and servicing is very expensive so find yourself a vehicle service workshop that you can trust. Do some research and establish whether they are legitimate. See if they have testimonials on their website or on social media. Ask for an itemised quotation and then get a second opinion. Don’t just blindly accept what you are told.
Ten Valuable Car Care Tips
Here are the tips that your car will love you for:
Tip One
Every time you stop for fuel, check your oil level. Then read your manual and see how often the oil and filters should be changed. Experts agree that this is the single most important factor to make your engine last. This is also the one thing that gets neglected the most. And while you are about it, buy the best oil that you can. Read more about this important tip….
Tip Two
The oils in your gearbox/transmission and differential should be checked and replaced when required. Use only the recommended oils.
Tip Three
We all know how irritating a squeaking hinge can be and the relief you feel when that awful noise stops. The same goes for every moving part in your car – everything needs grease or oil to work properly. Make sure that all parts are adequately supplied with high quality grease.
Tip Four
The engine’s cooling system should be flushed out every twelve months. Again your manual will provide details on which coolant/anti-freeze to use and also the ratio of coolant to water. Not only will this keep your engine running at the right temperature but it will stop corrosion. At the same time check your radiator for leaks and your rubber hoses for cracks. Many engine seizures are caused by sudden loss of coolant due to radiator problems.
Tip Five
Just think about how many times your wheels are turning and the wear and tear on the wheel assembly. Get the wheel bearings inspected and loaded with grease when required.
Tip Six
Your brakes are dependent on the brake fluid. One characteristic of brake fluid is that it naturally attracts moisture which causes corrosion in the brake system. Brake-fluid condition and replacement intervals should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements and the results of inspection. At the same time check your brakes and discs for wear.
Tip Seven
The car’s paint work is expensive and besides a weekly cleaning with a quality car shampoo, a good wax will go a long way to protecting the paint. Get a good wax job every four to six months.
Tip Eight
Depending on the types of roads that you drive on, it is a good idea to spray the under carriage of the car every once in a while. This will prevent grit and muck from working its way into moving parts.
Tip Nine
Always try and park your vehicle in the shade. Invest in window tinting to minimise the harmful UV rays from destroying your dashboard and interior. There are several interior sprays that help to moisturize the seats and plastic/vinyl coverings. The same goes for any rubber fittings on the outside and around your windows.
Tip Ten
By no means the least important –your tyres must be thoroughly examined. Get your wheel balancing and alignment checked every six months. Also arrange for your wheels to be rotated so that the tyre surfaces can wear evenly. The side walls should be inspected often especially if you have hit a pothole. The cost of these services is very cheap compared to being forced to buy new tyres.
As we said in the beginning, the secret to getting your motor vehicle to last for a long time is actually very simple. Just carry out these tips and your car will remain in top shape. The other benefit is that when you decide to sell it you will be able to get a better price.
Find a reputable service workshop such as GP Motor Works and we will work together with you to ensure you get many thousands of happy kilometers out of your automobile.
Contact GP Motor Works to discuss your vehicle or arrange an inspection.