You might have just passed your driving test with flying colours and you are excitedly looking forward to owning your first car. You may or may not be aware that vehicle ownership comes at a cost and it isn’t just financial; you need to make sure that your car is always in good condition and in this article, we offer a few tips on auto care and maintenance.
General car care
We recommend a weekly car wash and interior detail; you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee while a team of car detailers take care of your car. Some motorists prefer to wash and wax their car at home, which is fine if you have the time and inclination. We advise you to order car sunshades from a leading online supplier in order to protect the interior from the harsh UV rays of the sun. The sun can cause serious damage to the interior and sunshades are fabricated to fit the make and model.
Regular servicing
Every car needs to be serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the garage records the details of work carried out in the rear section of the owner’s manual. Most vehicles should be serviced every 5,000 miles, with an engine oil change and numerous other checks and inspections. Certain components should be changed every 50,000 miles, such as brake pads and shock absorbers, while every service involves inspecting drive belts and fluid levels.
Tyres
The 4 tyres on your car are the only things that make contact with the road, therefore they need to be inspected prior to each journey. You should check for correct inflation, worn tread and rips, tears or bulges. If you find an issue, do not drive the car until the issue has been fixed. There should be a minimum of 3mm tread depth; anything less is dangerous due to insufficient grip, especially in wet conditions. You should also check the spare wheel occasionally and when changing tyres, always change in pairs or all 4; it is dangerous to have different types of tyre tread on a vehicle for obvious reasons. Click here for how to sell your damaged car in Australia.
Protective coatings
If you drive a prestige car, you can have the bodywork wrapped with a protective layer that makes cleaning really easy. Protecting the bodywork helps to retain high value and for the little it costs, wrapping your car is a wise move. To summarise, motor vehicles do not take care of themselves; the service schedule that is recommended by the manufacturer will ensure the car is roadworthy and with regular car wash & detailing, your car will always look clean. Order sunshades from an online supplier to protect the upholstery and when you notice any minor issues, don’t delay in arranging repairs. As the car owner, you have a responsibility to maintain the vehicle according to Australian government guidelines.
