As car owners, knowing the fundamentals of car maintenance is just as important as ensuring our driver’s license are with us every time we head out for a drive. Note that we don’t necessarily have to turn into car specialists who know everything about car repair. Just knowing the basics can pave a long way for us to learn how to personally work on maintaining our vehicles in their proper condition.
Car servicing can be a tricky subject to approach, especially if you are a beginner. There are so many terms and jargons you have to be familiar of and so many tools and wires you need to be acquainted with. This urges most of the new drivers to seek for shops who offer car servicing in Singapore to fend after their car’s needs, but over time, the maintenance fees can accumulate and hurt your savings in the long run.
The good news is: you don’t have to head to the nearest car workshop to get minor repairs done. If you know your way with a wrench, you are likely able to perform minor car maintenance on your own. There is always room for improvement and learning even if you only know the basics. Not only does attending after your car helps in improving its condition, but it also helps you save the dough.
Air Filters
You can start off by replacing your car’s air filters, whose purpose can be likened to that of our lungs. Older vehicles tend to have clogged air filters which needs urgent replacing. And by replacing these at a car servicing in Singapore the fuel economy and acceleration of your car can be improved by a few percent. Accordingly, doing so also helps improve your car’s acceleration time.
You can check out the owner manual that came along with the purchase of your car if you need a detailed guide on the process. These manuals generally explain some basic car repair processes, and one of them is the changing of air filters. If you drive around a dusty part of Singapore, you might need to have replacement more often.
Oil Change
Another notably simple car servicing process is getting an oil change. This is done in order to keep your car in good condition. If you neglect the proper maintenance, you are likely bound to get your warranty services void (which is a case-to-case basis) or have your engine fail completely which can prompt you to spend a few hundred dollars.
Cooling System
Maintaining your car’s cooling system in proper condition is also crucial. You have to ensure it’s on its good working order in order to avoid any problems that may arise should it break down in the middle of your drive. Doing so makes it a good time to conduct a general system flush; especially with a lot of car components which needs regular checking and maintenance.
The ideal cooling-system car servicing also includes getting the hoses, belts, fluids, and the pump thoroughly checked.
Tire Pressure
Checking the pressure of your tires is something you should consider doing regularly. It is advised to spend a few dollars in a tire gauge to monitor your tire pressure on a regular basis. This includes checking your spare tires — which is generally often overlooked. Doing so greatly helps in the improvement of fuel efficiency.
This aspect of car servicing also cuts down the wear and tear build-up damage on your tires. Additionally, it also informs you if your car is correctly aligned.
Washing
Giving your vehicle the proper washing it deserves may sound like a chore in the midst of the work deadlines and other activities you urgently need to attend to, but it is crucial to always keep your car as clean as possible. Doing so does not only keep your vehicle look good, but it also maintains your car’s finish.
Accumulated dirt on your car likely means allowing a layer of dead bugs, fallen leaves, bird droppings to stay for long stretches of time. This strips off wax and paint, tearing your car’s finish apart. Using a washing product designed specifically for vehicle use is important if you won’t want to strip off the protective wax your car has. These are made available in many stores all over Singapore so don’t use hand soap or dishwashing liquid as alternatives!
Scheduled Service
It is also advised to constantly keep track of your scheduled car services. You can check your owner guide manual for the dates, or head over to your respective car workshop (if your car’s make has a workshop nearby). Schedule car maintenance service with your dealer accordingly. Doing so guarantees you’ll get genuine parts and avail the expertise you need.
Maintenance is important to keep your car in a good working condition. This involves a general check-up of various parts, as well as the replacement of parts such as timing belts, wires, and spark plugs. Other major parts may also require replacement to keep your car running safely and efficiently. This may prompt you to spend a little more than usual, but if it ensures both you and your passengers’ safety, consider it as a small price to pay.
There are some basic car maintenance tips which you can learn and do yourself. This allows you to improve your way with a car wrench and save a few couple of dollars. Regardless, in cases where it is beyond your own mechanical abilities, it is still encouraged to personally seek professional vehicle servicing from various shops scattered across Singapore.
