1. CHECK YOUR ENGINE OIL
City driving, frequent short trips and driving in dusty, sandy or salty conditions can all have an effect on the quality of your car’s engine oil. Contaminants in the oil cause it to be less effective at protecting and lubricating the engine. We recommend checking your engine oil level and changing it regularly. Contact your Zupps service centre to make a booking.
2. TOP UP YOUR COOLANT
A car’s radiator is vital for preventing the engine overheating and in addition, the coolant serves as an antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor. Your car radiator’s coolant level should be checked every couple of months. Never use regular tap water as this will cause corrosion. Distilled water can be used when diluting coolant concentrate. Check your car manual to find out the manufacturer’s recommended coolant type.
3. CHECK YOUR BATTERY
Newer cars may have ‘maintenance free’ batteries while others need checking every 6 months. Regular maintenance will keep your battery running to its optimum capacity and increase its life. Water levels of the terminals should be checked and filled with distilled water only – also note any corrosion/wear and replace immediately with the recommended part. Refer to your user manual or visit an Zupps service centre for assistance.
4. CHECK YOUR TYRES
Our car tyres are what keep us on the road, having flat or bald tyres will cause your car to slide and lose traction, yet we often overlook this simple maintenance tip. Run a quick pressure and tread wear check on all four tyres and the spare every 2-4 weeks or when you get fuel.
5. TEST YOUR LIGHTS
You not only need to be able to see well when you are driving, but it is important that other drivers are able to see you and your intentions clearly. Headlights, indicators and break lights should all be checked regularly as bulbs can blow at any time. It’s always worth having spare bulbs tucked away in the garage to make the change when it’s needed.
6. CLEAN AND CHECK WINDSCREEN WIPERS
Check for wear and erosion of the rubber blades on your wipers to avoid scratching your windscreen. Cracked or dirty blades will also make the clearing of water less effective. Make sure to fill the washer water regularly too!
7. CLEAN THE AIR FILTER
Dust and dirt can build up in the air filter and restrict the airflow to your car’s engine. It is best to check and replace it every 20,000km – 24,000km, or when you have the oil changed. As every car is different, check in your car manual for guidance and always use genuine parts when replacing.
8. CHECK YOUR POWER STEERING FLUID
Check your fluid levels periodically to maintain the correct lubrication of the system and ensure smooth steering. Refer to your car manual for the recommended fluid type stated by the manufacturer, or speak to one of our friendly service technicians – particularly if you notice significant drops in the level or any resistance when turning the steering wheel.
9. CLEAN AND WAX YOUR CAR
Washing...
1. CHECK YOUR ENGINE OIL
City driving, frequent short trips and driving in dusty, sandy or salty conditions can all have an effect on the quality of your car’s engine oil. Contaminants in the oil cause it to be less effective at protecting and lubricating the engine. We recommend checking your engine oil level and changing it regularly. Contact your Zupps service centre to make a booking.
2. TOP UP YOUR COOLANT
A car’s radiator is vital for preventing the engine overheating and in addition, the coolant serves as an antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor. Your car radiator’s coolant level should be checked every couple of months. Never use regular tap water as this will cause corrosion. Distilled water can be used when diluting coolant concentrate. Check your car manual to find out the manufacturer’s recommended coolant type.
3. CHECK YOUR BATTERY
Newer cars may have ‘maintenance free’ batteries while others need checking every 6 months. Regular maintenance will keep your battery running to its optimum capacity and increase its life. Water levels of the terminals should be checked and filled with distilled water only – also note any corrosion/wear and replace immediately with the recommended part. Refer to your user manual or visit an Zupps service centre for assistance.
4. CHECK YOUR TYRES
Our car tyres are what keep us on the road, having flat or bald tyres will cause your car to slide and lose traction, yet we often overlook this simple maintenance tip. Run a quick pressure and tread wear check on all four tyres and the spare every 2-4 weeks or when you get fuel.
5. TEST YOUR LIGHTS
You not only need to be able to see well when you are driving, but it is important that other drivers are able to see you and your intentions clearly. Headlights, indicators and break lights should all be checked regularly as bulbs can blow at any time. It’s always worth having spare bulbs tucked away in the garage to make the change when it’s needed.
6. CLEAN AND CHECK WINDSCREEN WIPERS
Check for wear and erosion of the rubber blades on your wipers to avoid scratching your windscreen. Cracked or dirty blades will also make the clearing of water less effective. Make sure to fill the washer water regularly too!
7. CLEAN THE AIR FILTER
Dust and dirt can build up in the air filter and restrict the airflow to your car’s engine. It is best to check and replace it every 20,000km – 24,000km, or when you have the oil changed. As every car is different, check in your car manual for guidance and always use genuine parts when replacing.
8. CHECK YOUR POWER STEERING FLUID
Check your fluid levels periodically to maintain the correct lubrication of the system and ensure smooth steering. Refer to your car manual for the recommended fluid type stated by the manufacturer, or speak to one of our friendly service technicians – particularly if you notice significant drops in the level or any resistance when turning the steering wheel.
9. CLEAN AND WAX YOUR CAR
Washing your car at least once a month and waxing it every 3 to 4 months will help to protect your car’s paintwork which will result in a better price when the time comes to trade in your car.
10. MAINTAIN YOUR CAR AIR-CONDITIONING
Our car air-conditioning is great at keeping us cool in the heat of summer but it should also be used at least once a week in winter to remove the humidity from the vehicle and keep the windscreen fog-free. When travelling long distances, set the ventilation to ‘flow through’ rather than ‘re-circulate’ to prevent drowsiness caused by CO2.