Common Car Maintenance Mistakes: How to Avoid Costly Repairs
When you first took your car for a test drive, you were likely drawn to its performance, efficiency, and the sheer joy of hitting the road with confidence. After all, one of the main reasons for purchasing a car is often its ability to deliver on these fronts. However, to maintain that exhilarating performance and efficiency, regular maintenance is not just recommended – it’s essential. Neglecting these maintenance tasks might seem harmless initially, but it can chip away at your car’s performance and lead to unwelcome surprises.
Let’s explore some of the common car servicing mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure your vehicle continues to deliver the performance and efficiency you fell in love with from the very beginning.
1. Neglecting Regular Oil Changes
One of the most crucial aspects of car maintenance is ensuring proper oil levels and quality. As engine oil lubricates vital engine components, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat, contaminated oil can lead to increased friction and heat, potentially causing engine damage or failure. Dirty oil can also lose its lubricating properties, resulting in accelerated wear and tear on engine parts.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to check your engine oil regularly and top it up as needed. Consult your car’s manual or schedule a maintenance service at our Sin Ming car workshop for the recommended oil change interval and type of oil to use. Typically, oil changes are recommended every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, but this may vary depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used.
2. Skipping or Delaying Fluid Change
While oil changes are often emphasised, other fluids in your car also require attention. These include transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid that ensures proper vehicle operation and safety.
- Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission components, allowing for smooth gear shifts and preventing excessive wear. Over time, it can break down and become contaminated, leading to transmission problems and potential failure.
- Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate engine temperature and prevents overheating. Neglecting coolant changes can result in engine overheating, which can cause severe damage to the engine block and other components.
- Brake fluid is essential for transferring force from the brake pedal to the brakes, allowing for safe stopping. Old brake fluid can compromise this braking performance, causing longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents.
Avoid having to schedule repairs prematurely by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for fluid changes. Additionally, make sure to use the appropriate type of fluid specified for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
3. Ignoring Tyre Maintenance
Your vehicle’s tyres are the only point of contact between the car and the road, making their maintenance crucial for safety and performance. Unfortunately, many car owners overlook tyre care, leading to unnecessary wear and potential safety hazards.
Proper tyre inflation is essential for maintaining vehicle stability, fuel efficiency, and durability. Underinflated tyres can result in increased rolling resistance, uneven wear, and reduced traction, while overinflated tyres can lead to a harsh ride and decreased handling. Regularly check your tyre pressure using a pressure gauge and inflate it to the recommended psi listed in your car’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb. Rotating your tyres regularly can also help promote even wear and extend tyre life.
Lastly, monitor your tyre tread depth and replace it when the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch or less. Driving on worn-out tyres can increase the risk of hydroplaning, loss of traction, and blowouts, posing a significant safety hazard.
4. Overlooking Filter Replacements
Filters play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of various vehicle systems.
- Air filters prevent contaminants from entering the engine intake system, protecting internal engine components from damage and maintaining fuel efficiency. Conversely, clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, leading to reduced engine performance and fuel economy.
- Oil filters remove impurities from engine oil, such as dirt, metal particles, and sludge, to prevent engine damage and maintain lubrication. Failing to replace the oil filter during an oil change can result in decreased oil filtration efficiency and potential engine damage.
- Cabin filters, also known as pollen filters, help purify the air inside the vehicle by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. A clogged cabin filter can reduce airflow through the HVAC system, affecting heating and cooling performance and air quality inside the car.
Typically, air filters should be replaced every 24,000 to 48,000 kilometres, oil filters with every oil change, and cabin filters every 24,000 to 48,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions and environmental factors.
Maintaining your car’s performance and efficiency requires diligence and regular upkeep. However, if you find yourself unsure about how to tackle routine maintenance tasks or simply prefer to leave it to the experts, remember that Kee Yong Automobile is here to help. Our skilled technicians are equipped to handle all your maintenance needs, from oil changes and fluid flushes to tire rotations and filter replacements. By entrusting your car maintenance to us, you can rest assured that your prized vehicle will receive the attention and expertise it deserves, keeping it in optimal condition for miles to come.