This content has been provided by Creare Communications

THERE are few things more frustrating than having to go without your car. Mechanical failures, breakdowns and accidents can lead to weeks without transport and expensive repair bills. But taking a few steps to take better care of your car can make a big difference.

If your new year’s resolution was to keep your car on the road throughout this year without any cripplingly costly outlays, these tips from the guys over at Taroni’s Motor Salvage may just be able to help.

Engine, wheels & tyres

• Check & Change The Oil – If the oil level in your vehicle is too high or too low, it can cause damage to the engine. Regular changing helps flush dirt and metal particles out of the engine. Checking and changing the oil is a simple task which everyone should do regularly. Before checking, make sure your car is parked on level ground and wait until the engine has cooled down after driving.
• Clean Out The Engine – The engine should ideally be cleaned out yearly. A clean engine makes it easier to spot if there are any issues, and you’ll probably be more inclined to tackle other jobs safe in the knowledge that you won’t get coated in grease and grime. Your engine can be cleaned out simply using a stuff brush and washing up liquid. Make sure that you then rinse it thoroughly before continuing to drive.
• Check Your Belts – If you have a cambelt rather than a chain, then this will be made from rubber, a material which can easily disintegrate and perish. Check them regularly – both the accessory drive belt and the timing belt – for signs of wear and tear. Most manufacturers recommend they should be replaced every 50,000 miles, so make sure you check your manual and follow the guide given.
• Rotate Your Tyres – Regular rotation of your tyres ensures a more even tread wear, therefore making sure that they last longer and ultimately saving you money! We’d recommend rotating them around every 5000 miles, but check with your tyre manufacturer for specifics on your make and model.
• Check Wheel Alignment – Poor wheel alignment can decrease the life of your tyres and make you can more difficult to drive. Your manufacturer’s manual should provide you with a guide on how often you need to have this checked, so ensure that you are compliant with this.