Car Maintenance Tips

CHECK YOUR ENGINE OIL

It’s always important to check the levels of engine oil in your motor vehicle. All driving conditions affect the quality of your car’s engine oil. Contaminants in the oil cause it to be less effective at protecting and lubricating the engine. Regularly check your engine oil levels and have it changed as recommended by your car manufacturer.

TOP UP YOUR COOLANT

A car’s radiator is vital for preventing the engine overheating. In addition, the coolant serves as an antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor. Your car radiator’s coolant level should be checked every couple of months. Never use regular tap water, as this can cause corrosion. Distilled water can be used when diluting coolant concentrate. Check your car manual to find out the manufacturer’s recommended coolant type or ask an AHG service centre to check it for you.

CHECK YOUR BATTERY

Newer cars may have ‘maintenance free’ batteries; others need checking every 6 months. Regular maintenance will keep your battery running at its optimum capacity and increase its life. Water levels should be checked and filled with distilled water and also note any corrosion and wear, and replace immediately with the recommended part. Refer to your user manual or visit an AHG service centre for assistance.

CHECK YOUR TYRES

Our car tyres are what keep us on the road. Having deflated or bald tyres will cause your car to slide and lose traction. Regularly check your tyre pressure and check the level of tread every 2-4 weeks to ensure all is maintained at the safest levels.

TEST YOUR LIGHTS

You not only need to be able to see well when you are driving, but it is important that other drivers can also see you. Headlights, indicators and brake lights should be checked regularly as bulbs can blow at any time

CLEAN AND CHECK WINDSCREEN WIPERS

Check for wear and erosion of the rubber blades on your wipers to avoid scratching your windscreen. Cracked or dirty blades will also make the clearing of water less effective. Fill the washer water regularly so it’s there when you need it most.

CLEAN THE AIR FILTER

Dust and dirt can build up in the air filter and restrict the airflow to your car’s engine. It is best to check and replace it every 20,000 - 24,000km, or when you have the oil changed. As every car is different, check your car manual for guidance, and always use a genuine part when replacing. If you take your car to an AHG service centre, the expert service technicians will check and change the air-filter as needed according to your cars service manual.

CHECK YOUR POWER STEERING FLUID

Check your power steering fluid levels periodically to maintain the correct lubrication of the system to ensure smooth steering. Refer to your car manual for the recommended fluid type stated by the manufacturer, or talk to an AHG service technician, particularly if you notice significant drops in the fluid levels or feel resistance when turning the steering wheel.

MAINTAIN YOUR CAR AIR-CONDITIONING

Our car air-conditioning is great at keeping us cool in the heat of summer, but it should also be used at least once a week in winter to remove the humidity from the vehicle and keep the windscreen fog free. When travelling long distances, set the ventilation to ‘flow through’ rather than ‘re-circulate’ to prevent drowsiness caused by CO2

CLEAN AND WAX YOUR CAR

Regular car washing will prevent corrosion and help maintain the value of your car. Washing your car at least once a month and waxing it every 3 to 4 months will help protect your car’s paintwork and keep it in better condition for when it comes time to upgrade.