Introduction
An adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is true when it comes to car maintenance. By taking some time out to do basic maintenance on your car, you can prolong its lifespan and avoid costly repairs down the road.
If there’s one thing every car owner needs to know, it’s how to take care of their car properly. But unfortunately, not everyone knows how to do this.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you 10 tips recommended by experts at OneHub Automotive on maintaining your car properly. OneHub Automotive in Christchurch offers various services, such as car battery health check-ups, car servicing, car washing, engine diagnosis, and more.
Here are 10 basic maintenance tips that every car owner needs to know:
1. Check your engine oil regularly
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine and should be checked regularly to ensure optimal performance. Checking your engine oil is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. All you need is a dipstick to measure your engine’s oil level. If the level is low, you can add more oil as needed. Keeping your engine oil at the correct level is important for preventing damage to your engine. We at OneHub Automotive always recommend using good quality engine oil for your car. Non-recommended oils can damage your engine over time and lead to expensive repairs.
2. Check the tyre pressure and tread depth regularly
The importance of regularly checking your tyre pressure and tread depth cannot be overstated. A tyre with low pressure can result in a blowout, while tyres with insufficient tread depth are more likely to skid or hydroplane in wet weather. By taking a few minutes to check your tyre pressure and tread depth every week or two, you can help ensure that your car is safe to drive. Experts at OneHub Automotive recommend checking your tyre pressure regularly.
3. Inspect your brakes and brake fluid level regularly
The brake system is one of your car’s most important safety features. Therefore, it’s important to inspect your brakes and brake fluid level regularly to ensure they are working properly and that your brake fluid level is adequate. If you notice that your brakes are not working properly or your brake fluid level is low, kindly bring your car to OneHub Automotive for proper servicing.
4. Check your coolant level and condition regularly
Coolant is an important fluid for a car’s engine and needs to be checked regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level and is not corroding or rusting the system. Signs that the coolant needs to be replaced include:
- A sweet smell is coming from the engine.
- A decrease in performance.
- Visible corrosion on any of the system parts.
5. Change your air filter regularly
A car’s air filter should be changed regularly to keep the engine running properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your engine to work harder than it needs to, leading to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions. By replacing your air filter every 12,000 miles or as recommended by an expert at OneHub Automotive, you can help ensure your car runs as efficiently as possible.
6. Look for a Faulty Spark Plug
The spark plug is a small metal part in the car’s engine. Its job is to create a spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the engine, which powers the car. If the spark plug is faulty, it can cause all sorts of problems with the car, including a decrease in performance, an increase in emissions, and even engine failure. To check if the spark plug is faulty, remove it from the engine and look at it. If it’s blackened or covered in carbon deposits, it’s likely that the spark plug is not working properly and needs to be replaced.
7. Keep your car clean
Keeping your car clean is important for two reasons. First, a clean car is more pleasant to drive and looks nicer. Second, a clean car is easier to maintain and will last longer. Dirt and dust can damage the paint on your car, and leaves can cause rust. Make sure to wash your car at least once a week and wax it every few months to keep it looking its best.
8. Check your battery regularly
The battery is one of the most important components in a car. It supplies power to the starter, ignition, and other electrical components. Therefore, it’s important to check your battery regularly to ensure it is in good condition and has enough power to start your car. If your battery is weak or has signs of wear, it may not be able to start your car when you need it. You can test your battery’s condition by using a voltmeter. If the battery is weak, you may need to replace it.
9. Keep the Interiors Clean
The interiors of a car are just as important as the exteriors. If you want your car to look and feel good, you need to keep the interiors clean. This means wiping down the surfaces, vacuuming the seats and carpets, and cleaning the windows. Keeping the trash can emptied, and the ashtray clean is also important. By keeping the interiors of your car clean, you’ll make it more comfortable to drive, and you’ll be less likely to get sick from germs. Do you know that we offer professional car interior cleaning services at OneHub Automotive? You can give us a try today.
10. Get your car serviced regularly
One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well is to get it serviced regularly. This means taking it to a mechanic to have the oil changed, the filters replaced, and any necessary repairs made. Doing this can help prevent major problems from developing and keep your car running smoothly.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our top 10 easy tips for basic car maintenance. We hope these simple tips keep your car running smoothly and prolong the life of your vehicle. And if you’re ever in doubt about something or need a hand getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
There is no other place for residents of Christchurch, Addington, Sydenham, Hallswell, Aidanfield, and Riccarton suburbs than OneHub Automotive.
Kindly visit our website at https://www.onehubauto.co.nz/ for more information, schedule your service appointment online, or contact OneHub Automotive at 03 335 0394.