5 things you should know about car maintenance

Got your Kia home and can’t wait to take it for a spin? When you buy a new car, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is tyre pressure, how to change your wiper blades, and checking whether your lights work. All you’ll want to do is enjoy the freedom that your new vehicle brings.

At Mantello Kia Roxburgh Park we know that lots of drivers need a little extra knowledge when it comes to maintaining a car. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. In fact, when you keep on top of car maintenance it can save you a lot of effort in the long run.

We’ve put together this list of 5 things you should know about your car to make sure you experience all of the benefits of having a Kia — alongside optimum road safety and minimal stress. 

 

Checking your tyre pressure

A recent Australian survey found that 40% of drivers are unaware of the legal safety standards when it comes to tyres.

A good car maintenance check should always include a look at your tyre pressure. Check it on a monthly basis to stay ahead of the game.

When your tyre pressure is too low, it means that your tyres will wear out fast and need to be replaced, which can be costly. However, if it’s too high there will be less traction – making it harder to stop the vehicle.

Use a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure first thing in the morning when they’re cold and you haven’t driven on them. Ideal tyre pressure varies depending on the make and model of your car, but your owner’s manual will have all the information you need.

 

Know how to change a tyre

First, find out where your spare tyre is located. Lots of vehicle owners don’t know where their tyre is, but just knowing can take the hassle out of potentially sticky situations. Check your owner’s manual, but typically your spare will be in the trunk or stowed on the undercarriage of your vehicle.

Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts and lift the car with the jack. Once the car is jacked up, take off the lug nuts and the old tyre. Put the new, spare tyre and lug nuts back on and lower the car. Ensure the nuts are tightly secured before you drive away.

 

Replace wiper blades

A lot of vehicle owners forget about changing their wiper blades, but they’re a key part of car safety and maintenance. To check whether they need upgrading, press the washer button; if the blades create streaks, they’ll need changing.

Start off by lifting the wiper off from the windshield and press in the tab to remove the old wiper. Put the new wiper blade in its place and press back down.

 

Check your oil

We think that this is one of the key things that you should know about your car. Clean oil helps your engine last longer and your car run at its best.

Check your oil quality and quantity by removing the dipstick, then wipe it clean with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again. You’ll see markers or notches on the dipstick that indicate whether the oil is full or needs topping up. If the oil seems gritty, it could need changing entirely.

To change your oil, remove the drain plug and unscrew the oil filter to empty it. Then, put the plug back and pour in the new oil.

 

Test out your lights

As a family business, we know all about the importance of safe driving. To avoid accidents and ensure the safest driving conditions possible, check your lights regularly.

Although most cars alert you if a bulb needs to be replaced, it’s still a good idea to check them yourself each month. Test out your headlights, high beams, reverse lights, fog lights, and indicators and keep them clean to ensure they can shine at their brightest.

 

We’re always here to help

You don’t need to have years of experience to take care of your Kia well. Although different cars perform differently, these basics can be applied to the maintenance of any and every vehicle.

At Mantello Kia Roxburgh Park we’ve been selling and servicing new and used cars for years. Our friendly staff are specialists; proud of their association with Kia and all we have to offer.

Did we miss something? We’re are always here to help and have won awards for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re buying, selling, or leasing, come experience the difference at Mantello Kia Roxburgh Park. Just give us a call on (03) 9930 4444