Today’s generation of motor vehicles are indeed complex; the average 21st century car is comprised of around 30,000 separate components, yet maintenance is quite straightforward. Whatever the make and model, find a local dealership that works with your brand, as they directly employ manufacturer-approved technicians who are certified to work on certain makes and models.
Record service history
This would involve storing all documentation from the dealership, with receipts and bills, while the garage that did the work would issue their stamp. This is in the process of going digital; you go to the dealership’s website, enter the vehicle registration and you can access all service and repair data. Vehicle ownership is managed by the state government and when you sell car, you have to notify the state of the change of ownership, which can be done online. The seller and buyer complete the required information fields and once completed, the new owner is responsible for the vehicle.
General maintenance tasks
Let’s start with the power unit, the engine. There are two major fuel sources, diesel and gasoline and maintenance tasks include:
- Change engine oil and filter; this should be carried out in line with the owner’s manual recommendations and the correct grade and brand of oil should be used.
- Change/clean air filter.
- Check all belts for condition and tension; adjust/replace accordingly.
- Gearbox oil – Check level and top up when required.
- Check power steering/brake fluid.
- Replace/ top up engine coolant.
Every service interval is different; the owner’s manual has a maintenance section in the rear, although most car makers have digital maintenance history that can be referred to by the vehicle owner.
Regular inspection of the following:
- Brake pads & discs
- Steering
- Suspension
- Engine cooling system
- Wheels & tyres
Vehicles older than 3 years must pass an annual inspection, which is there for safety reasons. No one wants defective vehicles to be on our roads, so the government has a policy of vehicle inspection on an annual basis; once a vehicle reaches the age of 3 years, it is deemed to require the annual inspection. For more information on towing services you can find out more at NRC Group.
Booking the car in for a service
Once your car is approaching the next mileage service, you can book the service via the dealership’s website; most dealers offer free loan cars for customers to use while their car is being serviced, which is a great service. If you are not being offered a loan car, it might be a sign to find another dealership to service your car. It is important that the dealership works with your make and model. Click here to find out about hi-end vehicle electronics.
Engine mapping
Today’s technology enables a technician to plug his laptop into your car and map the engine’s performance, which saves a lot of fuel and prolongs the life of the engine. Today’s technicians do not have to get up to their elbows in grease to tune up a car, IT merges with car mechanics and fine-tuning an engine is a breeze.
Vehicle registration keeps track of a vehicle and with a full service history, your car should hold its value.
