- The Savvy Promise
Get your scheduled services
This is the most important part of car maintenance – getting your scheduled services, also known as “logbook” services. A scheduled service not only changes your fluids, oil and filters at appropriate times, but helps identify and avoid costly problems with your engine and related components. Getting your logbook service also shows prospective buyers a car kept in good condition.
Check your oil, coolant and fluids
To help keep your engine well lubricated, open up the hood and check that you have enough oil, coolant and other fluids like transmission or brake fluid in your system. Low levels may cause problems. It’s best to check these every time you buy petrol or at the very least, before starting a long journey.
Check your tyre pressure
Low tyre pressure reduces the lifespan of your tyre by as much as 15% and can increase the amount of fuel used by 10%. It’s also a good idea to get your tyres rotated and your wheels aligned regularly. This increases stability and safety.
Clean your car inside and out
Cleaning your car doesn’t only make it appear like new, it keeps the body from rusting and accumulating pollutants. Keeping your chassis clean helps prevent corrosion. Corrosion can easily spread throughout a car and damage internal components.
Change your oil every 6 months
Although scheduled or logbook services will change the oil, you should aim to change your oil every 6 months. This can greatly extend the life of your car. It also makes sense to change over your oil filter, too.
Avoid short trips
Short trips put extra wear and tear on your muffler, as it doesn’t warm up enough after a “cold start.” Condensation does not have time to evaporate and can cause rust damage. Think of combining several short trips into one long trip, or avoid using the car altogether if you’ll only be driving for a few minutes.
Check your brake pads
Brake pads should be checked not only for the obvious safety reasons but for your calipers and discs. Thin brake pads damage these and it costs a lot of money to replace. This goes a long way to maintain a healthy braking system.
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