MAINTENANCE CORNER SPECIAL PACKAGE

Stick to the company provided service schedule
This one is a no brainer really. All you have to do is get your vehicle serviced on time and you can avoid any unnecessary problem. Companies issue service guidelines for optimal vehicle care. It might be a cost of ownership,...

Keep tabs on fluids and tyre pressure
This is a self maintenance tip that goes a long way in keeping your vehicle fit and fine. With the engine cool, check your engine oil for viscosity (stickiness), make sure the coolant level is right...

Don’t just start and drive
An engine that has been switched off for more than 5 hours will have all the oil sitting in the sump and not enough on the moving parts. Fire up the engine, DO NOT REV the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds before moving ahead.

Be a good driver
Don’t act like Michael Schumacher on main roads. The more you stress your vehicle, the faster you knock off the years of its life. Drive smooth and easy and you will be pleasantly surprised by how low your maintenance bills will be.

Choose the right fuel
A lot of our fuel pumps offer ‘enhanced’ fuel. It is highly recommended that you check with your vehicle’s service center on what is the right quality fuel for your vehicle.

Keep it clean
A clean engine is easier to keep tabs of and it also makes it easier to identify leaks in hoses and pipes.

Battery Nodes
Batteries today do not require you to top them up with distilled water, however the positive and negative nodes can develop a corrosive layer. It is best to remove the plugs and sand the nodes clean as this will help battery life as well...

Check pipes and hoses
Look over the various pipes and hoses. Ensure they are fastened on properly. Check for any leakages and if you find one, take your vehicle to the mechanic immediately.

Fan belt tension
In most vehicles you can reach down and check the flex in the fan belt. Ideally the fan belt should be put on tight and should have about a 1cm flex. If it’s too loose, then get your vehicle down to a mechanic for immediate care.

Oil and other liquid levels
Engine oil is the blood of your vehicle. Keep it topped up and in good condition. A definite sign that your oil is bad is if its too dark, thick and doesn’t really stick. Brake oil, power steering fluid and coolant should always be at the optimal level.

Get other customer feedback
When you go in for your service, you are bound to meet other customers there. Get talking to them. Ask them if they have faced any difficulties, this will be your first red alert in case of a problem with the center.

Get to know your service manager
Strike up a conversation. Try and build an impression. A known person is less likely to rip you off than someone who is unknown. By sticking to the same service station and asking for the...

Get old parts returned
Whenever a part is replaced, ask the service crew to return the old part. Not just that, but have them explain what went wrong and show you the problem in the part. Also in the event of replacing any part, inform the service...

Ask for a parts price list
Most service centers have a parts inventory list and price list. If you are ever in doubt about a particular part, always get it cross checked with the list.

Plan unscheduled visits
If your vehicle is in for some major work, it makes sense to plan unscheduled visits to the service station. This will immediately give you an idea on just how your vehicle is being taken care of.

Vacuum
Yes. As often as you can, vacuum your interiors. It gets out the dust from the carpet and seats and if you buy a car vacuum set, you can even reach into the nooks and corners. India is generally a dusty country and this single measure is a...

Keep a cloth handy
A piece of rag goes a long way in helping you constantly ensure your car is neat and tidy. Keep it handy.

Polishes and dry seat cleaners
There are a number of car care products in the market that allow you to detail your interiors. Dashboard polishes, chrome polishes, wood polish and even dry foam seat cleaners are all great to use in order to give your interiors an extended ‘new’ look.

Don’t be a car foodie
This is more of a preventive tip than an actual detailing option. Avoid eating and drinking in your car. A coffee stain can’t be removed and oily hands due to food lead to staining as well. The smell also gets soaked in and you will find your car...

Avoid smoking
Smoking is not just harmful to your health but also ruins a car’s interiors. The smoke ‘sticks’ to the upholstery and the smell never dies out. Moreover the chances of you burning holes in your roof lining, seat and carpet are rather high and will...