Here are six simple, yet essential, steps to long-term, fuss-free motoring
There are some truly happy moments in life, and some even transcend most boundaries. If getting your driver’s licence ranks as one, then the only thing higher can be getting your hands on your very first set of wheels.
But being a newly-minted driver can be a terrifying experience. We remember our first drive on public roads as a totally new driver – if we only knew then what we do now, we could have saved a lot of time and money. We didn’t even know which side to put fuel in at a gas station!
You don’t have to learn the hard way like us, though. Just read our six easy tips to fuss-free motoring right here.
1. Read the manual
We know, nobody reads manuals nowadays. That’s why iPhones are so popular. But while it would take you considerable effort to hurt yourself with a smartphone, that’s not the same case with a tonne or more of moving steel. Modern cars are robust devices, which require surprisingly little care for the value they deliver, but familiarising yourself with your new pride and joy only takes a little time and can be invaluable. You’ll also find out where the fuel goes in.
2. Never skip regular servicing
For EV cars, the battery management system needs a little TLC every once in awhile to keep going the distance. Things like traction battery, aircon filter, brakes, suspension system, charging functional test and safety checks - these are all handled at your car’s regular service.
For ICE cars, the engine is crucial to keep car running. Things like engine oil, air filters and mechanical checks - these are all handled at your car’s regular service.
How often does this need to be done? Well, you’ll know since you read the manual. Why should you do it? Simply because a car without servicing won’t run at its best, will eventually break down, and if it does because of neglect then the warranty is invalid too.
3. Get a service package from your dealer
Servicing doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. All authorised dealers have service packages which will save you money and schedule all your car’s maintenance needs beforehand. And if that’s not easy enough, most dealers also have a wide range of services so you can do everything at your convenience, from express jobs that take less than an hour, a night-time drop-off or even home pick-up and drop-off.
4. You can do basic checks yourself
Cars are immensely complex devices, best to leave everything to the experts while servicing, right? True, but there are some things you can do yourself. One example is checking tyre pressures, which should be done every fortnight or so. With a tyre pressure gauge, it’s as easy as reading a timetable and the benefits include better fuel economy, optimum handling and longevity of your car’s tyres. Speaking of which…
5. Don’t neglect your tyres
Tyres aren’t just those round black things that spin around and make squealing noises - they’re also the only thing keeping your car (and you) on the road. Typical passenger car tyres last about 20,000km or more, but it’s always a good idea to check them regularly (see point 4) besides the checks and balancing that happens during regular service.
As rubber compounds age, tyres should also be changed if they’re three years old or more, even if they don’t have many miles on them. What to do if you need to change them? If your dealership has a drive-in tyre shop swapping in fresh rubber can be done in an hour or two or less.
6. Take your car to the good guys
While we’re at it we should point out that points two and three should be done at an authorised dealer and workshop, in most cases it’s the same people you bought the car from. Why? Well, if a car’s been serviced at Tom, Dick And Harry’s Supa Cheap service centre, you won’t know if the parts used are genuine or not. Secondly, not going to an authorised workshop can invalidate your warranty. Thirdly, the authorised dealers typically know their own cars best and have all the tools and parts needed to get your car in tip-top shape in the quickest time.
ICE : Internal Combustion Engines
