Tips to Take Your Car The Extra Mile

You’ve probably seen a pretty old car running on the road and wonder if you’ll be able to do the same with your car. The secret lies in car maintenance. Sure, older cars lose their lustre and if you’re not in the search for a new toy just yet, putting in the effort to maintain your car will prolong the lifetime of your car for a couple more years till you’re ready for a new one. 

One of the most neglected acticity vehicle owners do is to read the owner’s manual. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The owner’s manual will tell you the recommended oil change schedule, tyre rotation schedule and everything else related to your vehicle. It will literally tell you everything you need to know about your vehicle.

Learning the meaning of different warning light indicators comes a close second in activities vehicle owners disregard. Most modern cars nowadays use warning lights on the dashboard to tell drivers of the impending trouble. Some warning indicators might even require the immediate attention of a mechanic. More costs could be needed to rectify the problem if a driver cannot interpret the warning lights from the start. 

Most vehicle owners know how to check tyre pressure but do you know what is the optimum tyre pressure for your vehicle? A majority of tyre related accidents are caused by under inflated tyres. An under inflated tyre can decrease the mileage and handling and even lead to a dangerous blowout. An over inflated tyre can result in the car skidding during rainy seasons as it decreases the contact area between the tyre and the roads. To know the optimum tyre pressure for your vehicle, and that is different for all vehicles, you can either refer to the owner’s manual or the door panel by the driver seat of your vehicle. 

Remember to check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. If they’ve been running for a while, let the tyres rest for 4 hours before you check the pressure. Also, do not neglect your spare tyre. Just because you’re certain there is a spare tyre in our trunk doesn’t mean it will be useful in times of emergency. Unless you’re planning to spend on a tow truck, its time to put checking spare tyre pressure on your to-do list.

Besides the tips above, a vehicle needs its engine, coolant, timing belt, air filter, spark plugs, fuel injection system and a whole load of other parts checked regularly. The easiest thing a vehicle owner can do is to send their vehicle for regular servicing based on the schedule in the owner’s manual. 

In the tropical Malaysian weather with heavy rainfalls and scorching hot days, it is imperative to have a clean windshield and wipers that work. Wiper blades are installed on the exterior of the vehicle and are constantly exposed to UV rays which reduces its lifespan. Wipers allow for better visibility during a tropical rainfall. The recommended interval for wiper replacement is 6 months to a year based on its usage. The next time you’re at the petrol station waiting to fill up, perhaps take the time to check on your wipers instead of the hot guy/girl?

Claiming ownership of a vehicle comes with a slew of responsibilities so perhaps its time to consider if you’re ready for a vehicle if you are currently in the process of getting one. For all vehicle owners out there, its not too late to start taking care of your vehicle like an adult. After all, you vehicle takes you to work, dates and vacations. Your car is worth the extra effort.
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