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Starting the year as you mean to go on is a mantra for many people at the beginning of a new year.
If you’ve not yet set your New Year’s Resolution for 2016 and don’t know where to start, why not make this year’s pledge to take greater car of your car?
As well as being one of our biggest purchases, our cars also play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives, yet one of the most neglected aspects of owning one is its general maintenance. This is why we, at Croyland Car Megastore, think that aiming to take greater care of your motor in 2016 and beyond is the perfect New Year’s Resolution!
Like many resolutions, getting started is the hard part, so to give you a little boost we have compiled a simple car care checklist:
Engine Oil
First and foremost, and perhaps the most sinful of all if missed, is checking the engine oil.
The main function of the engine oil is to prevent all the metal surfaces in the engine from grinding together and causing damage, therefore, it is highly recommended that you check the dipstick at least every two weeks and prior to long journeys.
Top Tip: If you feel like your car is consuming unusually high levels of oil, it could be an indication of engine problems so it would be best to get it checked out.
Another important, and potentially dangerous problem if frequently overlooked, is the upkeep of your car’s tyres. It is important to know the correct pressure specific to your car, checking it around every two weeks. Alongside this, it is a legal safety requirement to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm - the shallower the tread the longer it takes to stop in an emergency.
Top Tip: To ensure your safety and the safety of others, always make sure that your tyres are replaced in plenty of time before reaching this limit.
Although it may not seem to hold the same level of importance as the above points, it is in fact still a legal requirement to have a sufficient amount of screen wash in your car, therefore, we recommend checking that as often as you can.
Top Tip: Water shouldn’t be used as a substitute as it is not capable of clearing away the grime that is left behind by weather and the environment to the same degree as a good screen wash.
Especially in the winter months when the daylight hours are particularly short, checking your indicators, brakes and fog lights is essential. As well as checking they are working, it’s a good idea to ensure they are clean so not to reduce their functionality.
Top Tip: Reverse up to an object within good range and using the reflection on its surface, you can test each of your lights individually without having to leave your car!
Wiper blades, an essential component to driving in the dreary British weather, wear down over time limiting their efficiency. Although they don’t require checking as frequently, you will need to replace them at least once a year to ensure they are working to their full capacity.
Our motor’s engines lead a tough life, so to ease the pressures it is important to keep the water in the radiator at the correct level to keep everything ticking over at the right temperature.
Top Tip: In the blustery winter months, it would be wise to mix a complementary ratio of water and antifreeze to ensure your car runs effectively.
Finally, we would like to wish you all a very happy new year from all of us at Croyland Car Megastore!
Croyland Motors Limited t/a Croyland Car Megastore is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486). Permitted activities include advising on and arranging general insurance contracts and acting as a credit broker not a lender.
We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services. We may receive a payment(s) or other benefits from finance providers should you decide to enter into an agreement with them, typically either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. The payment we receive may vary between finance providers and product types. The payment received does not impact the finance rate offered.
All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over, Guarantees may be required
