Car care tips

  1. Always consult your vehicle owner's manual. (The more you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.)
  2. Maintain your car according to the manufacturer's specification. (Use parts that are approved by the manufacturer. Don't cut corners on safety.)
  3. Get an oil change. (Engine oil lubricates and protects the components in your engine. Without it, the metal-on-metal contact that results can severely damage your vehicle's engine. If dirt or other particles build up in the oil, they can scratch or damage vital components. Regular oil and filter changes help your vehicle operate at its most efficient.

    Ford Motor Company generally recommends getting an oil change every 8,000 km or every six months, whichever comes first for all Ford 2010 and upcoming models .

    However, you should change your oil and filter more often - every 5,000 km or every three months, whichever comes first for Mitsubishi and Ford 2009 and earlier models.)
  4. Check all your fluid levels. ( You might be low on oil, antifreeze or windshield wiper fluid.)
  5. Get your tires check, rotated and balanced. (Make sure the tires are inflated to the appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch. Properly inflated and balanced tires will also improve gas mileage and save you money in the long run.)
  6. Keep your engine in tune. (So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.)
  7. Fix what breaks. (a little problem can become a big problem if ignored.)
  8. Check your lighting system frequently. (This including headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights.)
  9. Park & Walk. (Don't grab the first space closest to the door of the mall. Instead, park in a less used area and walk the short distance. You get a little more exercise, and your car avoids the chance for a few dings and being a target for the "park-by-touch" crowd.)
  10. Buy your vehicle a gift. (Suggestions are: a new air freshener or even perhaps some new car mats. This way your car will look good and smell good also.)
  11. Lighten up your key chain. (Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That's a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it's in the ignition. The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.)
  12. Turbo Engine. (If your vehicle is equipped with a turbocharger, do not turn off the engine immediately after high-speed or uphill driving. First allow the engine to idle to give the turbocharger a chance to cool down.)
  13. Bonus Maintenance Tips