Car care counts, says RACQ
RACQ Technical Advisory service manager Peter McAulay says the key to a beneficial, long-term relationship between an owner and their car is maintenance.
“By that, I mean regular maintenance – which should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule by an accredited mechanic – and preventative maintenance that you can do yourself,” Mr McAulay says.
“Owners should get into the habit of lifting the bonnet every weekend and performing the checks listed in their car’s maintenance handbook: coolant, oil, battery, brake fluid, power steering oil and auto transmission levels.”
To help motorists look after their cars, RACQ’s technical advisers have provided some handy tips:
- Coolant and engine oil are the engine’s lifeblood. Too little coolant can cause an engine to overheat while a loss of oil can lead to an expensive engine break down. Coolant should be at least at the minimum mark on the reservoir. If lower, more should be added, up to the maximum mark and no more.
- The oil level should be checked against the indicator marks on the dipstick. If needed, clean oil should be added up to the maximum mark. But be mindful that the need to constantly top up either the oil or coolant is a sign to have the car checked by a qualified mechanic.
- If the car is either using an inordinate amount of fluid, or leaking it, check the floor of your regular parking space for telltale signs. And use only fluids specified in the maintenance handbook
- Develop a “nose for trouble” so that you can detect when something doesn’t feel quite right with the car. It may be a strange sound, smell or sensation.
- Keep a repair fund so that when your car does need work, the money is there to get it done immediately instead of putting if off.
- Use quality replacement parts. Opt for the best you can afford.
- In addition to running well, keep your car looking good. A regular wash and polish and vacuum do wonders. Chances are, if you feel better about driving it and being seen in it, you will want to keep it longer.
- Using your car less can also extend its longevity. Consider the need to drive everywhere. Maybe catch public transport, cycle or walk instead.
- Plan your trips. Do a round of errands rather than a series of single ones.
RACQ Car Fact Sheets provide more detail on maintenance and other issues. They can be downloaded at racq.com
