Car Servicing Tips and Tricks

Every summer millions of Australians take to the highways and roads in search of fun, sun, and adventure.  Car trouble, usually due to neglected preventive maintenance, brings an abrupt end to vacation plans. The situation usually means more than just a repair bill. It can involve towing charges, lodging and possibly a rental car. This scenario usually can be avoided with a pre-vacation inspection performed by the vehicle owner or a qualified automotive technician.

So take some time to make sure that your vehicle is ready to take you to paradise.  All it takes is a few minutes of preventative maintenance in your driveway and you can help eliminate hours of costly on-the-road problems.

The following items include things that most people can do for themselves very easily just by reading the vehicle's owner's manual.  If you don't have the time or lack the confidence to do these things yourself, take it to your local Ultra Tune Service Centre and have them give the car a good going over.  If your vehicle is due for other regular maintenance in the time you are away, get it done before you leave.  However you choose to prep your vehicle, do it at least a week or so before the trip, so that if the car needs any repairs it can be done before your vacation.

	Vital Fluids: Check all of your vehicle's fluid levels.  This includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.  Most new cars have transparent reservoir tanks and in many cases, you don't even have to get your hands dirty.  Refer to the owners' manual for the proper procedures for checking and adding fluids to your vehicle. In particular, when checking the brake fluid level.  If in doubt about fluid colour or odour, refer it to your nearest Ultra Tune Service Centre. You can also do a quick "leak test" in your driveway.  Let your engine run for about 15 minutes so it reaches full operating temperature.  Then park it over a large piece of cardboard a while and see if any fluids drip on it.
	Belts and Hoses: Check all the drive belts and hoses for any signs of wear and deterioration.  Belts that are frayed, glazed, cracked, cut or have chunks missing should be replaced immediately.  With the engine switched off and cold, look at each hose and see if there are leaks, bulges, cracks, or swelling. If they look good, give them a squeeze test.  Good hoses are firm but flexible.  Any hoses or belts that feel spongy, soft, or brittle should be replaced.
	Battery: One of the leading causes of roadside problems is the battery.  Check that the battery electrolyte is up to the proper level by removing the battery caps and looking inside.  The most common battery type today are maintenance free batteries. Maintenance free batteries have sealed caps and require no checking.  But some batteries say maintenance free but do have removable caps.  These should be checked in the usual manner. Finally, check the battery to see that there are no cracks or holes in the battery casing itself. If the battery is three or four years old, consider replacing it.
	Brakes: If you hear any grinding noises or feel unusual vibrations when you apply the brakes, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, take the vehicle in for a comprehensive checkup. It would be a good idea just to have your brakes looked at to be sure they won't need replacing 1,000 miles into your trip.
	Cooling System: Sustained highway speed driving and hot summer days combine to put a lot of stress on an engine's cooling system.  If your vehicles is using conventional coolant and hasn't been flushed for two years, now is an excellent time to do it.  If it has extended life coolant go with the manufacturers recommended change intervals.  If this interval occurs during the trip, do it now.  The cooling system should be refilled with the correct coolant. Don't refill with just straight water.  If the system needs to be flushed, visit your nearest Ultra Tune Auto Service Centre.
	Air-conditioning: Make sure your car's heating and A/C is working properly.  Run it for a while in each of its operating modes and check that the airflow is coming from all appropriate vents.  If the A/C system takes an inordinately long time to cool the inside of the car, or if the air never gets cold enough, the system probably needs to be checked for leaks and recharged.
	Tyres: Maintain correct tyre pressures, not only does this make the vehicle ride correctly on the road but also improves braking and increases fuel economy. And finally, not only can a pre-trip inspection help reduce chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have needed repairs completed with your Ultra Tune Service Centre Technician who knows your vehicle.