CAR MECHANICS WHO WILL HELP YOU GET BACK ON THE ROAD

At Car Servicing Newtownabbey, we provide a 90 day warranty guarantee with any work carried out at our premises. Whether you have a Volkswagen, BMW, Range Rover, Audi, Ford or other, we use only genuine parts on our full services.

Our team of mechanics have knowledge in virtually every aspect of your car, including your high-voltage battery, charging systems and full services. We have the expertise and are highly trained to identify and fix any issues your vehicle may experiencing.

It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car’s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services.

The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. … The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong.
Don’t just turn it off, fix the problem!

Below are some best practice guidance types on how to maintain your car in the short-term and long-term.

Short-term maintenance

Brakes:
If your car’s parked up for a long time, the brakes can seize. So while it’s running, move the car a short distance back and forth a few times.

Tyres:
Check your tyre condition and pressure – look out for cuts or bulges, and get them inflated, if they need it.

Oil & Coolant levels:
Every month, or every few gas fill-ups and especially before any longer road trips, it’s a good idea to get under the hood of your car and inspect both the oil and coolant levels while the engine is cool. Low levels of either can lead to engine problems if left unchecked. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate both on your specific vehicle.

Oil & Filter:
The motor oil in your vehicle’s engine serves a whole slew of functions: it lubricates the moving parts, helps act as a sealant against debris, cools the engine, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent engine corrosion. Keeping it clean is vital for good engine health. Depending on your car and what kind of oil you’re using, you may need to change both the oil & oil filter as much as every 3 months or 3000 miles. Many newer vehicles’ owners’ manuals will recommend changing your oil less frequently – often in-between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Check your vehicle owner’s manual and consult with a professional to be certain what is appropriate for your vehicle.

Tyre Pressure & Thread Depth:
Since well-maintained tyres are integral to a safe, fuel-efficient ride, make it a habit to visually inspect your tyres often. Check the pressure in your tyres every month, and before long trips or carrying extra load.  Don’t forget the spare.  A tyre pressure gauge will be needed to check your tyre pressure. Also, during the colder months, note that tyre pressure drops one pound with every 10 degree decrease in pressure. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much air pressure your tyre needs. You can check your tread depth using the simple penny method.

Air Filter:
Your engine’s air filter is what regulates the air that flows into your engine and helps keep out debris and particulate. By making certain that your air filter is flowing properly, you can improve your fuel efficiency, decrease your emissions, and help ensure the life of your engine. This can be done easily at home, so check your owner’s manual for instructions and how often it needs to be changed.

Rotate Tyres:
Depending on your vehicle alignment, usage, and many other factors, the tread wear patterns on your tyres may vary between the front and back tyres, or even from one side of the tread to the other. Rotating your tyres will help to extend the service life of your tyres by more evenly balancing the tread wear, and helping prevent noise and vibration problems.

Long-term

Transmission Fluid:
Much like the oil in your engine, transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps keep all of the moving parts inside of your transmission functioning properly. Whether you’re driving an automatic or manual transmission vehicle, it is essential that you have your transmission fluid checked and changed when needed to avoid costly transmission damage or replacement. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Inspect Shocks:
The shocks and struts on your car function to control the impact and rebound as your vehicle passes over bumps in the road and are an essential part of your auto’s steering system. They should be inspected by a professional every 50,000 miles or bring your car in to the shop if you notice a decrease in smoothness or loss of control when driving.

Coolant Fluid Exchange:
The radiator in your car is a vital component that helps keep your engine cool and functioning properly. Having your coolant system flushed regularly will help get rid of contaminants that can build up inside as well as ensure that your radiator is filled to a proper level. Check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation to find out how often your coolant should be exchanged,

Spark Plugs:
The spark plugs in your engine ignite the gas and air mixture that ultimately powers your vehicle . If your spark plugs aren’t functioning properly, your engine will lose power and won’t run at optimal capacity. Have a professional check and replace any faulty spark plugs. You may feel a decrease in your engine’s power, this is the time to get your spark plugs investigated.

Replace Windshield Wipers:
Windshield wipers need to be replaced about once every year, or whenever the effectiveness is compromised. In winter months, it could also be a good idea to install winter wiper blades for optimum performance. You should also pull your wipers away from the window when parked during the winter to prevent ice build-up.

Change Tyres:
Depending on where you live and the winter driving conditions you might encounter, you might want to switch your tyres in cold, snowy months to a winter/snow tyre. When the temperature hovers at or below freezing consistently, the tyre compounds in non-winter tyres hardens, decreasing traction and handling performance while increasing braking distance. Winter tyres are have tread patterns and compounds designed to remain soft in the cold and provide grip in snow, slush, and icy driving conditions.

Check Coolant Levels:
It’s also important to check your antifreeze levels in your radiator in winter months to keep your radiator or engine components from freezing. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water is generally recommended but check your owner’s manual or with a professional to be certain.
Sticking to a car maintenance schedule, and keeping good records of what you’ve done, can help extend the life of your vehicle and protect you against breakdowns, expensive repairs, and other unwelcomed surprises.