Oil Changes and Tyre Pressures

It's amazing just how many myths and misconceptions abound in the world of the automobile. You may have "bought in" to some of these fallacies without even knowing it and this may be costing you money which you can ill afford. What are some of the main myths that may be impacting your annual automotive budget?

Going to the Main Dealer Only for Service?

Firstly, many people think that they can only maintain a vehicle warranty if they take it to the main dealer for their car service. This is not the case, and the car can be serviced by anyone who is fully qualified and has the necessary skills. Nevertheless, always take your vehicle to a reputable location and have them complete the maintenance record and give you a receipt for your records.

Using Cheap Cleaning Products?

You need to look after your vehicle as carefully as possible and should not use cleaning products that are not designed for automotive use. It's amazing just how many people clean their car with dishwashing soap or similar, which could contain abrasives or harmful detergents.

No Need for a Pre-trip Inspection?

You may think that you are doing your duty by taking in your vehicle to get it serviced twice per year, but if you are planning a big trip across the country, you should definitely go in for a pre-trip inspection. The technician will be able to pick up something that could well fail during a lengthy road journey and save you a lot of inconveniences.

Driving in Normal and Not Severe Conditions?

Due to the nature of the road network across Australia and the prevalent weather conditions, most vehicle owners here actually do drive in severe conditions more often than they realise. They may think that they are "normal" and may not pay as much attention to maintenance or upkeep, but consider the facts. City driving is very often congested, which will lead to a lot of stop-and-go driving and long periods of time idling in traffic. Extremely hot conditions are very common in almost every part of the country, which can take its toll. It's not unusual for people to drive on dusty, unkempt or muddy roads, which can, in turn, cause additional issues with filters and intake systems.

Everything Seems Okay?

Finally, don't think that everything is simply okay if you're not getting any warning lights. You have to keep up with general maintenance no matter what and should never wait for a prompt, before running in to see your mechanic.