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THE
OIL TRAP WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
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 YOU SHOULD 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.
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Why an Engine Oil Upgrade is necessary
Vehicle manufacturers are designing their engines to take SAE10W-30 type oils, (now the highest selling grade in the USA), and in some instances, even lighter. These oils reduce friction, provide protection for bearing surfaces with extremely small clearances, help improve fuel consumption and assist in the reduction of exhaust emissions...
Since the mid to late 90's, the trend to use those lower viscosity oils is becoming more common with vehicle manufacturer's, thus, oil specification should be checked and adhered to maintain warranty, performance and avoid premature engine wear.
"Your car could be one of these vehicles and require a low viscosity semi-synthetic or full synthetic engine oil to maintain manufacturer's specification"
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VEHICLE
SERVICE & 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 done 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 done 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
done 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 done by removing the radiator
cap from the cool engine and refilling,
if needed, with recommended antifreeze/coolant.
- Windshield Washer
Solvent - This check should be
done by removing the cap and reservoir
and refilling with solvent.
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Get Your Vehicle Ready
for Holiday’s
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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