If you work hard and drive hard, this is the article for you! As the cost of living rises, we all want to get as much bang for our buck when it comes to vehicle longevity. Whether you’re adventuring off the grid, pushing it hard off-road or simply going about your daily business, here are our top tips to extend the life of your truck, ute, van, maintenance vehicle or whatever other vehicle is in your collection.
Protecting your vehicle with the right products preserves it - and your peace of mind. One of the most effective ways to keep your car in tip-top shape is by staying up-to-date on routine maintenance. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on regular maintenance steps. A preventative maintenance schedule keeps you from dealing with costly repairs down the line.
A simple maintenance checklist will help you stay on track for repairs and maintenance.
1. Regularly change the oil
Oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. It is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is important to change your oil regularly as, over time, it will become dirty and contaminated. Old oil will stop your engine from running properly and may lead to expensive complications down the line.
How often should you change your vehicle’s oil? This depends on the type of vehicle and how you drive it. If you are consistently driving trips of 16kms or less, an oil change every 4000 to 5000kms should be sufficient as the driving you are doing isn’t very hard on your engine.
If you drive longer trips more frequently, change your oil around every 1500km (or every six months). If unsure, ask your mechanic or service provider.
It is also a good idea to change the air filter regularly, preventing your engine from getting damaged by dirt and contaminants.
2. Check all your fluids
There are a number of fluids in your vehicle that should be kept at the correct levels. These include coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and DEF fluid if your truck requires it. Making sure your fluids are consistently at the correct levels will help prevent costly repairs down the track and improve the longevity of your vehicle.
3. Take care of your tyres
As a safety precaution before a big trip, and as part of your regular maintenance schedule, you should check your tyre pressure often. This is important for safety and will also help prevent damage to your tyres and improve fuel economy.
Your regular maintenance should also include ensuring your tyres, wheels and brakes are properly rotated, aligned and replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Tyres should generally be changed every three to five years. After five years, the rubber will start to break down. You may end up in an accident, which could total your vehicle and risk lives.
4. Take action before small issues become big
If you’ve got a feeling something is wrong, in life or with cars, your intuition is likely correct! If you smell something burning, feel a judder in the steering wheel or a pulling to one side, get it looked at. Small issues are usually cheap and easy to fix but may become much more serious and expensive over time. Stay aware of how your car runs. If something feels off, book it in!
5. Keep it clean
Believe it or not, keeping your vehicle clean isn’t just about appearances. Ensuring your ride is regularly cleansed of dirt, dust, chemicals, salt and other road debris will prevent rust, structural problems and other cosmetic issues that may impact the vehicle’s longevity and value.
When washing it, be sure to really get under the vehicle too. Use two buckets - one with suds, and the other with water. Rinse your sponge each time you dip it into the soapy water. Be sure to wash it from the top and in straight strokes. Regular professional details can also be a good idea.
6. Be sun safe
The Australian sun is harsh. Where possible, keep your vehicles shaded or in a garage. Be mindful of where you park and try to stick to less sun-exposed areas. Keeping your car out of the sun will protect its paintwork and overall appearance.
7. Take your daily needs into consideration
Customising your vehicle to truly suit you will keep it in tip-top condition. If you carry a variety of different tools, a drawer slide system to organise and secure them could be a great option. A lockable toolbox with a sleek lock is a fantastic way to prevent theft. Placing some high-quality matting in your ute tray will also protect the surface and your belongings.
There are loads of products available to keep your vehicle in its best possible condition. Keen to know more? Our expert staff is also available to help. Contact us.
