10 Tips to Keep Your Car Functioning Perfectly

A malfunctioning car is a stressful experience, and yet few people consider the maintenance requirements of their vehicle that can prevent issues from happening. Here are our top ten tips to help you keep your car safe, long-lasting and able to sell for a good price.

1. Establish a Plan

Establishing a maintenance schedule for your tires, oil, windows, brakes, interior and fluids is essential for the regular and continued maintenance of your vehicle. Plus, it will help to remind you when things become due or will be soon in need of attention, which is great for your budget as well as your peace of mind.

2. Check Your Tyres

You should be checking your tyre pressure every other day, and checking for tyre wear and damage once per week! Make sure when you are adjusting the pressure that you inflate them to the manufacturer’s specified level. When the tread wear indicators are showing on your tyres (between the threads) then it is time to replace them.

3. Check Your Oil

Your oil should be getting changed roughly every 5,000kms. Most oil manufactures will tell you that their oil can last for much longer than that, but it is still a good idea to not use the same oil for too long a duration as it minimises your engines reliability and efficiency long-term. You should also be checking the level of your oil at least once a week.

4. Check Your Windows

Cracked or damaged windows or mirrors are only going to get worse the longer you neglect them. If your windscreen gets cracked you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Sooner, could mean stopping the crack before it spreads and costs you an entirely new windscreen.

5. Check Your B’s (Brakes, Belts and Battery)

All three of these B’s need to be replaced regularly in order to maintain maximum efficiency. If anything is squealing or making noise then it is past time to have them serviced! If any of them are showing signs of wear and tear you need to get them replaced.

6. Clean Your Interior

Regularly cleaning and vacuuming of your interior is key, as a well-kept interior is often a top selling point when it comes to used vehicles. In terms of your car: appearance matters! Making sure that your radio works and the inside is clean and fresh is important and must be done throughout its life to ensure no stains or major damage is left unattended for too long.

7. Check Your Fluids

Like the oil, your car has many different types of fluids required by different components in order to function. All of which, require regular top-ups and changes. Making sure that you are using the right fluids for the correct purposes and manufacturing requirements is essential.

8. Check Your Lights

Parking near reflective glass windows or asking a friend to help, are both ways in which you can test your cars lights. You need to ensure that your headlights, taillights, reverse lights, brake lights and turn signals are all working correctly and shining bright.

9. Replace Your Wipers

They’re a relatively inexpensive component to replace on your vehicle, but extremely important in maintaining its safety. You should replace your windscreen wipers blades once a year, as well as the entire wiper assembly if required. You may also want to consider regularly using a water repellent treatment for your windscreens.

10. See Your Mechanic

Don’t miss your regular check-ups with your mechanic. The longer you leave it between car services, the more wear and tear you are going to cause on parts that are in need of a service. Give your car the care and attention that it needs, and make a booking to see your mechanic whenever its due.
For a mechanic that goes the extra mile call TRS Auto Repair today, or visit us at our Southport workshop on the Gold Coast.