Common Car Maintenance Mistakes
It’s easy to take your car for granted when it runs smoothly, but things can eventually go wrong, often with no notice. Ignoring problems and failing to conduct basic checks on your vehicle can leave lasting damage and decrease the expected lifespan of your car. Here are some common car maintenance mistakes you could be making and why they’re bad for your car.
Failing to Check Tyre Pressure
Checking the pressure is important for three main reasons; fuel economy, flat tyres and road safety. If your tyres are under-inflated, they’ll have uneven contact with the road, subsequently wearing your tyres out. It will also increase your rolling distance with the road. Although you might not be able to notice the added resistance, you’ll definitely notice the extra pounds at the pump. You’ll find yourself filling up more often as a result of deflated tyres.
Neglecting Oil Changes
Despite new cars having less of a need for an oil change, they do still need them. If you have a new car, but no oil light, your car will be due for an oil change every 8,000-10,000 miles. Bad oil will damage your engine over prolonged periods of time.
Not Replacing Windscreen Wipers
Old wipers can impact your level of vision in adverse weather conditions, as well as leaving streaks all over your windscreen. To check if your wipers are in need of a replacement, check for cracks in the blades and uneven removal of moisture from your windscreen. If in doubt, replace them every 6 months. It’s worth splashing some extra cash on good quality wipers.
Using Old Engine Air Filters
The engine air filter should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you primarily drive along unpaved roads, you may need to change it more often. Although simple, the engine air filter is important as it maintains air flow to the engine. Driving makes the filter dirty and over time it can cause blockages. This can restrict the airflow, putting unwanted strain on the engine.
Going to Reputable Garages for Repairs
When your car develops a problem, it’s common practice to take it to a garage to have it repaired. However, not all of them will offer a great service at a great price. Arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to steer clear of rip-off mechanics.
Before you go, research the problem your car is having on the internet. This can help determine how much a similar repair should cost for example. You have a right under consumer law to be charged a reasonable amount for garage repairs. In order to get an idea of how much a certain repair may (reasonably) cost, shop around and seek quotes from other garages before forking out ghastly amounts of money unnecessarily.
Always ask whether the price you’re given is a quote or an estimate and whether it includes labour, parts and VAT to avoid being stung by hidden costs. Check whether any parts are under a guarantee, this is something most reputable garages will offer but ensure you ask before you hand over any cash.
Lastly, if a part needs replacing and you’re not sure what it is, what it does, or why it needs replacing, can always ask for an explanation, any good mechanic would be more than happy to help.
Munster Tyres are experts in providing servicing and repairs for vehicles. Our car replacements and repairs can include tyre fittings, car bodywork and brake and clutch repairs. All of our services are executed with efficiency, professionalism and to an exceptional standard. Our experienced professionals are based in Fulham but operate across North London. For further information about the services we provide, get in touch with our team today.