Give your car some love this month

It is the month of love and just as you take care of your loved ones, you should be taking care of your car.

“There is no truer saying than, ‘Take care of your car and it will take care of you’,” said Les McMaster chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

With the cost of living on the rise, taking care of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list.

McMaster provides basic car care tips to ensure your car stays on the road longer and that you pick up smaller repairs before they become big ticket items:

• Read the car’s manual and schedule maintenance accordingly.
• Like other car parts that have been made to last longer, most car batteries are maintenance-free and can last more than three years. The first sign that may indicate you need a new battery is if you have trouble starting the engine.
• You should change your wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. You will also want to check the wiper fluid reservoir and keep it full.
• You should check the level of your antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, very time you put in petrol. Even if your car doesn’t leak fluids, it can develop a leak and quickly have a dangerously low level of fluids. It’s also important to change the oil regularly. This will improve your mileage and protect your engine
• Monitor your brake pad thickness and don’t let the pads wear down to metal. This will cause damage to your brake rotors (discs) at least and possibly your callipers as well.
• Changing tyre position is very important and reduces uneven wear and tear on the tread, thus extending the life of the tyres.
• Even if you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your hand brake regularly, especially if you’re parked on an incline. It helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and makes them last longer.