Vehicle Maintenance
Keep your pride and joy running at its best!
Car maintenance that will save you money, and keep your car at its best in between services.
Engine Coolant
- Levels need to be checked weekly.
- If coolant is required, only use the one that is specified in your log book and clean fresh water.
- Don’t top up past the maximum level that is specified.
- If you notice that it needs to be topped up frequently this could indicate a leak somewhere so see your dealer.
Air Conditioning
- When your cars air conditioning system is running you may notice a decrease in engine performance and in increase in fuel consumption.
- Your air conditioning system needs to be switched on at least once every two weeks, even in winter as this helps to lubricate the components inside.
- If you hear a slight hissing inside the cabin when the air conditioning unit is turned off this is normal.
- If you notice that the air conditioner is not running as well as it used to it may need to be reconditioned so make an appointment to see your dealer or a licensed air conditioning technician.
Oil
- Needs to be checked weekly.
- Make sure you check it when the engine is warm.
- Make sure vehicle is on a flat surface when checking oil.
- After you have stopped driving wait a few minutes before checking oil.
- Only use the oil that is specified in your owner’s manual according the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not use supplemental oil additives and follow the directions in your log book to avoid warranty issues.
Tyres
- Tyre pressure needs to be checked weekly (including the spare).
- Correct tyre pressure increases the life of your tyres and reduces fuel consumption.
- Use the tyre pressure sticker located on your car or refer to owner’s manual.
- Driving on a flat tyre for longer than is necessary to find somewhere to stop could damage the tyre and rim.
Look out for:
- Uneven wearing or wire showing.
- Tyres are worn down to show the depth indicator that 1.5mm of thread is left.
- Splits, cuts, slices or cracks in tyre wall.
- If there is a bulge or bump in tyre.
- If tyre has a nail or any other foreign object – do not remove, take to service centre.
- Regular rotation of tyres will prolong their life.
Brakes
- Over time, brake fluid will deteriorate as it absorbs moisture from the air and heat from the braking system.
- With time and use the brake fluid becomes contaminated which if not changed regularly could corrode the brake system components.
- Regular changing of brake fluid will help to flush out the brake system and avoid corrosion from contamination.
Contact your dealer:
- If your brake pedal feels ‘spongy’.
- If you have to push your break down almost to the floor before the brakes kick in.
- If the brake fluid is leaking.
- Discoloured brake fluid or a burnt odour.
- If your bakes are seizing or the car is pulling to one side.
- If there are pulsing vibrations while pushing brake pedal.
- If you hear an abnormal grinding noise.
Wheel Alignment
- Regular wheel alignments are important to avoid unnecessary tyre wearing.
- Ensuring your wheels are in alignment will also help your vehicle to handle better on the road.
Contact your dealer:
- If your steering wheel seems off centre.
- If the car pulls to either side while driving.
- If there is uneven tyre wearing.
- If there is abnormal squealing from tyres when taking corners.