We at Swan Hills Automotive are expert mechanics in Midland, Perth and we are pleased to share a few car tips with you. Cars always find a way to complain if something is not working right. Mechanics often repair automotive maladies that have to do with the tyres, the check engine light, the brakes, the battery, or oil.
#1 Complaint – Tyres
Your tyres can last a long time, as long you keep them rotated and balanced and check the air pressure regularly. When you buy new tyres then, try to purchase all four tyres at once. That way, the wear-and-tear on them will be equalized. Don’t select tyres that are cheap as they are the main items that are linking your vehicle to the highway. Make sure the tyres you buy are considered a quality brand.
The recommended air pressure for your tyres can be found in your owner’s manual or can be located inside the jamb of the door of your vehicle. The pressure is denoted by the initials psi, which stand for pounds per square inch. Tires can lose as much as one psi per month. Therefore, make it a habit to check the air pressure for all your tyres as well as the spare on a monthly basis.
To determine the pressure, use a tyres gauge and check the tyres before you head out on the roadway. Simply insert the gauge into the stem of the tyres valve. The gauge, in turn, will indicate a reading by popping out the measurement. You’ll hear a small escape of air during the process. Compare the psi you obtain with the psi in your owner’s manual or inside your door. Don’t make a comparison with the psi shown on the sidewall of your tire.
Should the air pressure reading be above the recommended measurement, let some air out of the tyre until it conforms to the required weight. If the air is low, add air to the tire until the reading matches with the manufacturer’s suggested psi. Check the tyres tread and make sure that there are no worn areas or cracks. When you rotate your tyres and have them balanced, make it a habit to have the work done about every two oil changes.
#2 Complaint – The Check Engine Light
If you find your check engine light flashing more than it should, you may need to replace your O2 sensor. Typically, this part becomes disabled when it becomes rusted after time. Generally, the part can be replaced economically. So, if you drive an older model car, the warning light may simply be a cue that your O2 sensor has died.
#3 Complaint – The Battery
Mechanics fix a lot of cars with dead batteries. So, if your battery can’t be revived, it is usually because it is too old or cheap. Therefore, like your tires, if you want to keep your battery from fading, you need to purchase a quality brand. Other electrical problems can result from worn spark plugs too. Depending on the make and model of your car, the plugs usually refuse to work anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. So, make sure you replace your spark plugs before you reach the 50,000-mile mark to play it safe.
#4 Complaint – The Brake Pads
Brake pads should be routinely replaced to ensure that your rotors stay in working order. Typically, brake rotors will stay operable through four replacements of your pads. The pads, themselves, should be checked every six months or every 30,000 miles. If you notice that your pads are less than one-fourth inch thick, that’s also a good indicator that they need to be changed.
#5 – The Oil
To ensure that you keep your engine running and well-maintained, check your oil every other time you fill up your car with gas. When it comes to changing your oil, the general rule is to replace it every 3,000 miles. However, there are some vehicles designed today that use synthetic oil and do not have to be changed near as often. New models of Audis, Fords, Toyotas, and Volkswagens don’t require changes until after 10,000 miles.
References:
http://auto-parts-maintenance.top5.com/5-most-common-car-repairs/
http://www.michelinman.com/tires-101/tire-care/tire-maintenance/how-to-check-pressure.page?Wt.mc_id=Paid%20Search;Bing;tire%20pressure%20chart&WT.srch=1&mkwid=jRbJ6Ego&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=tire%20pressure%20chart&utm_campaign=PSNational
http://www.ehow.com/decision_6889098_should-check-brakes-car_.html
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/how-do-you-really-know-when-to-change-oil-in-your-car-.html
APR
2015