Car Care Tips

Most of us think of car care maintenance as mechanics twisting spanners at the local service centre, however, there are some things you need to do for your car that are simple and will extend the life of your car as well as save you money.

• Warm engine up for a few minutes before driving off
• Check engine oil levels regularly
• Check tyre pressures regularly
• Make sure radiator water levels are correct
• Check battery water levels
• Check brakelights, numberplate lights and indicator lights regularly
• Regularly wash, wax and vacuum your car
• Ensure all headlights are working correctly on both high and low beam

How to Find a Good Repair Shop

• Shop around for an Auto Repair Facility before you need repairs.
• Ask the Auto Repair Facility for references. Talk to some of their customers
• Ask friends, family, work colleagues to recommend a reputable shop.
• Ask the NRMA or MTA for a list of repair shops in your area
• Ask the shop if they provide a warranty for their repairs. Ensure the warranty is for parts and labour. Also if they will cover towing to their repair facility in the event of a mechanical failure
• Look for signs that the repair facility is reputable eg NRMA Authorised, MTA. Ensure they have the correct equipment to diagnose faults. Most cars are computer controlled so the repair facility should have some sort of diagnostic equipment to diagnose problems
• Look for repair facilities that employ MVRIC  approved technicians
• Ask if the repair facility uses brand name parts when repairing your vehicle. Brand name parts are typically engineered to Original Manufacturers quality or better and often carry warranties
• Choose a repair center that provides a customer satisfaction policy.