Owning a car is great. Owning one in a great condition is even super cool. But owning a car and keeping it in a great working condition doesn’t come by chance.
Car maintenance is not something that should be left to car mechanics alone. However, a lot of people do not worry about the health of their car until something goes wrong. They seldom clean it and give little thought to their vehicles, as long as it gets them where they are going. These set of people, we must say, are hurting their cars.
The following are ways people hurt their cars. How guilty are you?
Using the wrong oil or stretching the time of oil change
Oil is the blood of the car engine. There are different kinds of engine oil, just like there are different car engines too. Each car engine is designed for a specific oil thickness. The thickness of the engine oil affects how the oil does its job on the car. It is therefore important to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation when it comes to the engine oil you use for your car. Using the wrong engine oil for your vehicle is the beginning of problems for your car. Also, allowing your engine oil drop to a really low level can spell trouble. If you do not check and change your oil regularly, your engine will not be getting as much lubrication as it needs.
Read also: Treating Your Car Like A Baby Can Increase Its Lifespan!
Ignoring the signal lights on the dashboard
The light signals that come on on the dashboard are not just there as part of the beautiful aesthetics of the car. They are actually warning signals that show the state of your car, serving to let you know the immediate actions you need to take. Ironically, some drivers do not even know the meaning of some of these signals. As long as the car has not stopped moving, they assume there is no problem. How wrong they are! Those signals are there to let you know of an issue with the car, which should be checked or fixed, as the case may be. Never wish these signals away, as they can lead to bigger and costlier issues.
Driving on an empty fuel tank
How many of you are guilty of this? Majority of drivers only fill up their fuel tank when the warning light comes on. Running on an empty or nearly empty tank is setting the car up for major problems in the near future. The fuel tank helps to cool down the fuel pump and the engine of a vehicle. So, not only are you at the risk of getting stranded in the middle of the road, you are putting your car in danger. Trying to save money on gas this way is not such a smart idea. As soon as your car hits the ¼ mark, refuel it immediately.
Not slowing down for bumps or potholes
Your shock absorber, wheel alignment, and suspension are at a risk every time you do not slow down for speed bumps or potholes. If you start to feel the steering wheel of your car vibrate when you are driving, then chances are you have been exposing your vehicle to bumps and potholes, and your wheel alignment needs to be fixed. Usually, you will end up spending quite some money to fix this.
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Ignoring the strange noises
Quite guilty of this, right? Of course, everyone knows how their car sounds. Like a dog picking up on strange noises, that’s how quickly we can pick up a strange noise coming out of a car. The “strange” noise could be coming from the bonnet of the car or from the back tire. Wherever the noise is coming from, do not ignore just because the car still moves. A knocking sound in the engine or a squeaking brake is usually never good. Ignoring these signs could cost you a large sum for repairs or, in extreme cases, lead to a fatal accident.
In all, realizing that you are causing harm to your vehicle is the first step to protecting your car and yourself from harm.
The wear and tear on our cars say a lot about the daily struggle they go through just to get us to our destinations. From navigating through multiple roads and multiple cars to dealing with bad roads and ‘crazy’ drivers, our cars go through a lot on the road. If you live in a busy state with road traffic congestion, like Lagos, your car would probably have ‘war scars’.
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While it is clear that driving has become part and parcel of a hectic city life, many do not realise that they need to regularly attend to their cars, as part of a normal routine. How well and how often do we take care of our car? That is the question. For starters, to keep your car running smoothly, it is important to have a regular check-up. Then, it is also crucial to give it a body makeover from time to time, to give it that sparkle that is befitting for your profile. In the spirit of the festivities, there is no better time to do this than now. Germaine Auto offers a service spa that will not only get you smiling from ear to ear, but would also be friendly to your pocket.
With a state of the art facility that is equipped with hi-tech, ultra-modern tools and equipment that can cater to the full servicing of over a thousand vehicles, Germaine Auto aims at giving the best care to your car. So, after all the road ‘battles’ fought by your car in the course of the year, wouldn’t it be nice to give it some pampering? Premium, genuine replacement parts that will ensure a lasting and satisfying repair for whatever car brand or model you drive is what Germaine Auto offers your car
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You can rest easy, knowing that your car is being taken care of by the best hands as Germaine Auto only hires and trains the best technicians. These mechanics are up-to-date in their knowledge of the ever-changing automotive industry.
A total makeover does not have to hurt your pocket. Germaine Auto offers significant discounts on vehicle services, as well as towing service in the case of an emergency. This services also include a maintenance credit programme with VFD Microfinance Bank that offers clients a 30-day credit cycle on all repair, body work and vehicle maintenance jobs.
The best thing you can give your car, especially during this festive season, when you would probably do a lot of driving around, is a complete Germaine Auto makeover. Your car should not only ‘feel’ beautiful, it should look beautiful. After all, in the words of Alexandra Paul, “The cars we drive say a lot about us.”
Having a baby is one of the greatest gifts of life. The happiness and joy that comes with it sometimes cannot be described in words. The bond and love created by childbirth is seen when new mothers hold their babies next to their bodies, rocking them gently, singing or talking to them, and nursing them happily. Usually, it’s such a wonderful and amazing feeling. In turn, the constant and consistent care given to the baby ensures a trusting relationship and lifelong attachment.
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Even for inanimate objects, this holds true a lot of the time – the more you care for and attend to them, the better and longer they will serve you. Perhaps, one thing to which this applies so much is your car. How well you treat and care for your car determines how well it serves you. Even if your car is some years old, and has done over 100,000 miles, it doesn’t mean you should give up on it. Treating your car like a baby can make it thrive and increase its lifespan. Here are 5 ways you can increase the lifespan of your car.
Using a high-grade filter and high-quality synthetic oil when changing your engine oil can extend the lifespan of an engine. This ensures that the oil’s fluidity is maintained, and there is less possibility for it to break down when the engine gets hot. At the same time, a good filter will eliminate any unwanted particles from the oil. It is important to double-check to be sure that the products being used are appropriate for your car. The ultimate end result is that your car engine will last longer.
Driving your car for a long time without necessary checks on your power steering, brake fluids and coolant can be a problem. It is advised that every driver checks these every 20,000 miles. If they are gritty or smell burnt, it means you need a change of fluid. Also, if your orange coolant is now red, a fluid change is needed. Then, if it has a cloudy appearance, it may mean your engine needs to be serviced. The aim is to keep the engine as good as new.
Man refilling oil through funnel
Driving off immediately, after your car has been parked overnight or for longer is not advisable. The period the car has been parked has made the oil settle in the oil pan, leaving the moving parts of the engine without lubrication. It is advisable to wait 30 seconds or more to allow the car warm up without revving the engine. This will allow the oil pump, so the engine can function perfectly.
4.Ensure Consistent Body Hygiene
Washing and waxing your car regularly can extend its life. Stormy and harsh weather, for instance, can break down a car’s body. Moody road can even affect the brakes. It is wise to drive your car in for an underbody wash to limit the damage caused by the moody road. Consistent body hygiene will keep your car from rusting.
Constant stressing of your car can take it off the road long before you know it. A typical example is – you don’t need to accelerate from zero to 60 in record time or stomping on the brakes at every light. These and other such actions don’t make you a better driver; they only reduce the lifespan of your car. So, play nice when driving your car and give it the care it deserves.
In essence, if you take the time to keep up with the regular checks and treat your car like a baby, your car will ‘love’ you back and give you more than you can imagine.