Owning a car today is certainly more affordable than twenty years ago. This is due to major car companies merging and upping production. Also, on the island the introduction of used vehicles from abroad has opened the field to more users. However just owning a car is only the beginning of the relationship. A car is an item of engineering with a multitude of moving parts. It is these moving parts that need to be maintained as per manufacturer's service schedules.

A private car is a means of transportation from one place to another. We are today very dependent on this means of transport. For you to benefit mostly from your car, regular servicing is paramount. Knowing your car will in the long run save you money and time.

Some tips from Joem Auto Parts Ltd

Learn how to do some routine checks – visual check on all levels, visual checks on possible leaks, take an oil level reading and top up if the need arises. Also check the tyre pressures regularly.

Low level oil can be a serious and an expense. Always remember to use the best quality oil for your engine.  

Motor Oil caters for all engines on our roads

Total Motor Oil is designed to keep the engine running smoothly with the least possible friction with better Fuel Economy.  Lack of oil in the engine could lead to the engine overheating with possible engine seizure.

Cars have four wheels with continuous contact to the road surface. Between the occasional pothole, nail, screw or piece of glass, your tyres are vulnerable to damages. 

Today's cars are equipped with a spare wheel / space saver or a repair kit when no spare wheel is provided. Whatever configuration you have in your car you need to be familiar with the setup.  If you have a spare wheel or space saver, do check the tyre pressures on a regular basis. This will save you time and money without the ensuing frustration. 

It goes without saying that if you need to replace a wheel you'll need to be familiar with the tools provided.

Going back to checks under the bonnet, the important ones to look for are

Engine oil level and right specification /grade. Engine coolant / antifreeze. Brake fluid, check the level and the transparency of the fluid. If brake fluid is low, ask yourself why. If the fluid is looking brownish, then it's due for replacement. Power steering fluid will also need a quick look. If low, seek the reason why with your trusted technician / mechanic. Once you're having a look under the bonnet, check the windscreen washer fluid too.

Every vehicle on the island has a Certificate of Ownership, locally known as the logbook

This certificate has most of the information regarding your car.

Here you will find the VI Number, the engine number, body variants, gross vehicle weight and other useful information.  Keep this certificate in a safe place and refer to it when ordering spare parts for your car.

 

Adhere to your Car's maintenance schedule

Our final piece of advice is a detailed look at your car manufacturer's schedule.

Plan your routine servicing, and book in advance. Always take the island's driving style into consideration. We do a lot of stop starts. Our driving is considered as 'Urban' and you should discuss with your technician / mechanic what amendments need to be done to counter this driving style. Prevention is better than cure, a car off the road is expensive and inconvenient. 

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