5 Basic Maintenance Tips To Extend Your Car’s Life

We all know the obvious tips to help maintain our car’s condition. However, there are also the not-so-obvious things we should keep in mind to help extend our car’s life.

1. Spark Plugs

When changing your spark plugs, keep the following tips in mind:

• Follow the spark plug service intervals shown in your owner’s manual to figure out when to replace spark plugs. Some experts say to check your spark plugs every 50 000km.
• Label vacuum hoses, coils, or other components before disconnecting so they can be easily reinstalled.
• Remove and replace plugs one at a time. This will save you the frustration of having to figure out where each wire goes later.
• When each plug has been removed, look for excessive carbon build-up, oil, unburned fuel, or damage to diagnose unseen engine problems. Any of these indicate a bigger problem you’ll want to figure out ASAP.

2. Wiper Blades

One of the most basic, but essential, parts of our cars are our windscreen wipers. Not only do they play a vital role in keeping a clear view of the road, but worn out wiper blades can damage your windscreen. Learn when to change wiper blades below:

• Change both your wiper blades at the same time, every 12 months
• Change your blades when they’re streaking or squeaking
• Change when they no longer grip onto your windscreen
• Change your wiper blades when there are cracks in the rubber

3. Changing Headlights

Over time, your car’s headlights will dim. If you can’t remember when last you replaced them, it’s probably time you did! Read some of our tips for changing headlights below:

• Turn your car lights off
• Open your engine bonnet and locate the back of the headlight
• Remove the plug by releasing the clip
• Turn the bulb casing counter-clockwise to remove it from the socket
• Handle the new light bulbs with gloves or tissue
• Always replace headlights in pairs
• Install the new bulbs by lining up the tabs and turn clockwise until you hear a click

4. Never fill up at the petrol station if you see a tanker

Did you know, you should never fill up if you see the petrol tanker at the station?
If you happen to see a tanker at your fuel station, come back another day or go to a different station. When the station’s underground tanks are being filled the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your fuel can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, this affects performance and may lead to costly repairs later on.

5. Remove excess weight from your car keys

Do your car keys share a chain with a dozen or more other keys and trinkets? The weight, and turbulence while driving, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. To prolong your ignition switch’s life, purchase a lightweight keychain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition.