The Oil Trap

If more than half your journeys take fewer than 20km, you should change your oil every 5-7000km. Take note of the section in your handbook which specifies the wide range of conditions where 10,000km oil changes do not apply. This can include dusty conditions, heavy loads, sustained high speeds, frequent short trips, stopstart driving and towing.

If a modern engine rattles or taps when cold, it may need thinner oil. Heavy loads, sustained high speeds or towing may require a synthetic oil for best protection. Topping up an engine that uses oil with new oil is NOT the same as giving it an oil change. The contaminates left behind increase in concentration each time the oil level drops. They need to be drained out. A car used for frequent short trips may not appear to use oil but contaminates build up.

Oil must be checked on a long drive because there can be a sudden drop in oil level after they boil out. The latest unleaded engines produce nastier by-products and they also have less oil (for light weight and faster warm up); oil can clog up if not checked often enough. The 10,000km oil change should be treated as an absolute maximum. If your car does not cover that distance in 6 months, the oil should be changed regardless.

What should you do?

	Check the oil on level ground after the car has been switched off for a couple of minutes to let the oil drain into the bottom of the engine, otherwise the dipstick will show a false low reading. Over filling can damage the engine.
	Oil filters should be renewed with every oil change. Ask for one which meets the standards set by the manufacturer of your car.
	Choose an oil which bears a guarantee which meets the relevant standards.
	Don't ignore the oil warning light, even if there is plenty of oil in the engine.

Preventive Maintenance

Many parts of your vehicle are inter-related and work in sync, ignoring maintenance can lead to failure of other parts or an entire vehicle system. Neglecting even simple preventive maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, or costly breakdowns, and could invalidate your warranty.

The best way to keep a vehicle in good condition is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for your type of driving. If you do not have an owner's manual, contact your local Autobahn to suggest a recommended maintenance schedule to suit your type of driving situation.

Engine Oil
Correct engine oil level should be maintained to assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine. It is best to check engine oil level approximately five minutes after a fully warmed up engine is turned off or before starting the engine after it has sat for a long period of time. Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Reinsert dipstick until it fully seats in its tube. Remove dipstick and read oil level. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD OIL mark. (the correct oil for your vehicle MUST be used – if you don’t know ask your service professional).

Brake Fluid
This check is performed by loosening the clip or cap (wipe dust or dirt away before removal) on the master cylinder and removing the lid. If fluid is needed, consult the vehicle owner's manual for correct type and fill to recommended level.

Power Steering Fluid
This check is performed by removing and checking the dipstick. NOTE: The dipstick is attached to the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir (most vehicles). Use the dipstick to check fluid level in the same manner as you would check engine oil (correct fluid must be used).

Automatic Transmission / Transaxle Fluid
This check should be performed while the engine is running in neutral (most vehicles) with the parking brake securely set. The transmission should be at operating temperature. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, insert and remove again to check fluid level. CAUTION: Do not overfill and use correct fluid for your vehicle.

Antifreeze
This check is performed by removing the radiator cap from the cool engine and refilling, if needed, with recommended antifreeze / coolant.

Windshield Washer Solvent
This check should be performed by removing the cap and reservoir and refilling with solvent.

Ready for the Holidays?

The holiday road is a tough place to breakdown. The heat, dust, and traffic will take their toll on your vehicle and your patience. Whether it is summer or winter, you could be poised for a breakdown at any time. However, you can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. Your vehicle should last longer and exhibit greater reliability!

Air Conditioning
A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.

Cooling System
The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by our service professional.

Oil
Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 5,000 kms) if you make frequent short trips, extended trips with large loads, or tow a trailer with substantial loads.

Engine Performance
Replace other filters (air, fuel etc.) as recommended--more often when in dusty conditions.

Windshield Wipers
A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and install windshield washer solvent.

Lights
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace inoperable bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Tyres
Check tyre pressures once a month; Don't forget your spare tyre, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tyres for tread life, uneven wearing, and scalaping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is required if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

Brakes
Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

Battery
Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Emergencies
Carry some basic tools--ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit and a flashlight.

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We strive to be as competitive as possible, and only use quality parts and technicians to maintain
Autobahn's 5 year workmanship guarantee and minimum of 12 months guarantee on all replacement parts.

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Autobahn’s Environmental Policy

Autobahn Mechanical & Electrical Services recognize the value in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the benefit and enjoyment of both present and future generations. As such, we aim to ensure that our environmental practices are of the same high standard as our overall customer service and mechanical workmanship.

Autobahn seeks to provide leadership to the WA automotive industry through our commitment to industry best practice in environmental management. The group aims to demonstrate a proactive and responsible approach to environmental sustainability through the following activities:

•	Ensuring that all aspects of our business activities are carried out in accordance with all relevant environmental legislation;
•	Identifying, and where possible, implementing initiatives that reflect current industry best practice;
•	Reducing waste to landfill by adopting appropriate resource recovery and recycling activities;
•	Eliminating potential environmental risks through safe liquid storage and containment practices, and the use of emergency spill control equipment;
•	Using environmentally preferred products wherever possible and/or practical;
•	Regularly monitoring and reviewing our environmental management practices with a view to continual improvement; and
•	Openly communicating our environmental commitment to all customers, staff, suppliers and other interested parties.

Responsibility

This policy and its associated responsibilities have been accepted by the owner and staff of Autobahn Mechanical & Electrical Services Franchise Outlet.

For more information please contact us regarding our environmental policy.