Regular Maintenance
Finding possible faults early
There are a few simple things you can do to help prolong the life of your car by spotting any problems at an early stage.
It is important to regularly check your tyre pressure. A 2- or 3-pound drop in tyre pressure will increase the rolling resistance of a tyre. This can cause your car to drag slightly in the direction of that wheel, and can also increase fuel consumption, as it takes a little bit more power to compensate for this drag.
Most cars have a sticker on the inside of the driver's door advising on the correct tyre pressure for the vehicle. This information is also available in your car's handbook. If you're unsure, give us a call at the garage, where we have the data manuals available.
It is also wise to check under the bonnet of your car once a week. Don't rely solely on gauges and warning lights to tell you about a possible problem, because by the time these lights come on, the problem may have existed for some time. At least once a week, you should check your levels of water, the cooling system, and the oil.
Cooling systems should be checked when cold. The best time to check is first thing in the morning.
It is very important to check your oil levels regularly. Although an engine will run with almost no oil in it, doing this will seriously damage your engine.
If you find that you are having to top up water or oil every week when you check under the bonnet, then it is likely that there is a leak, as your car should not be consuming that amount of fluid. Checking under the bonnet of your car regularly means you can pinpoint problems like this and get them remedied before they become expensive to repair.
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