Regularly Scheduled Car Maintenance You Don’t Wanna Screw Up

Think car maintenance and car servicing are an unnecessary expenditure? Think again! Because by keeping your car in good running condition means not needing to buy a new ride after every couple of years, not spending money on major car repairs due to malfunction, and more importantly avoiding hospital and damage expenses in case of an accident because of malfunction too.

The more you keep its maintenance up-to-date the more your car’s condition is restored therefore prolonging its lifespan. With that, you’ll be able to enjoy your car longer than it would if you just let minor damages turn into unrepairable ones due to neglect.

Tires
If you’re not sure about the recommended tire rotation interval, check your owner’s manual or you do it every other time you get an oil change. Doing this regularly promotes even tread wear and helps the tire perform as designed.

Also, they shouldn't be overinflated nor under inflated. Otherwise they’ll wear out faster than they typically should and will affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. To avoid this, check your owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure and always stick to that. It’s best to check your tires’ pressure at least once a month but do it more often if you always go on long trips or you carry heavy loads all the time.

Fluid Levels
It does feel like you are spending more by adhering to maintenance schedule when there seems to be nothing wrong with your car. But that’s exactly the point, by ensuring that you have the correct levels of oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, wiper fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid all the time, you can avoid expensive car repair as well as risking your life while on the road.

Wipers
Most young driver doesn't pay much attention to this. But, you’d realize how important maintaining well-functioning wipers are when it’s raining and you need to clear your view but your wipers won’t do their job. Visibility is vital when you’re driving, so replace them every 6 months or at least once a year.

Air Filter
Okay, here’s the thing, your air filter job is to make sure you are breathing clean air as you drive. When the air filter itself becomes too dirty to function it puts your health to risk because it could pump your car full of dust and allergens. This is why it’s important to change your filter every three months, as it also prevents airborne contaminants from being pulled into your car’s engine. Don’t worry it’s so simple you can easily do it yourself as long as you follow instructions on your owner’s manual, so no need to spend on car grooming services in Singapore. 

Battery
There’s a battery cleaning brush available in the market that you can use if there’s a leak, mineral, or other build-up in the contacts. Dirt and dampness can damage a battery case, causing it to lose charge. To avoid this, ensure that the case and terminals are checked and cleaned during car services. If you notice corrosion or acid on battery terminals, clean it off with water and cover the terminal connection with grease to avoid it recurring. Might as well buy a cheap battery tester or jump starter in case you find yourself in need for a jump, while you’re at it.

Oil Change
Always consult your owner’s manual to know your car’s required oil change interval. Don’t just think it’s every 3,000 miles because it’s a standard. It differs for every car. Motor Oils Have Antioxidants. This antioxidants helps limit oxygen exposure for moving parts which could cause rust and corrosion. Therefore, forgoing oil change is actually putting your car at risk of damages. Aside from that, try to use only the grade, viscosity or weight of oil that is set for your particular car.

Spark Plugs
Check and replace your spark plugs if you don’t want to compromise your engine’s performance. You can get them changed regularly, as specified in your manual, to prevent breakdown and wasting money on fuel. Spark plugs in good condition result in the engine running cleaner and more efficiently. Why? Because it ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine combustion chamber a lot better. Check yours always and replace when necessary.

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Things You Need To Learn About Paint Protection Film

Things You Need To Learn About Paint Protection Film

It sucks to find a scratch on your car, even if it’s so tiny right? Well, getting an unsightly scratch on your car’s paint is never fun because touching up even the smallest one cost time and money. So why not invest in a paint protection film for your car and avoid paint damage in the first place. Sounds good right? But for those who have no idea about paint protection film, it’s normal to feel hesitant about it. So here are the things that you need to learn about it to get a better idea of what you’re getting out of investing in this procedure.

1. Not All Paint Protection Products Are The Same

Don’t just settle with a known product because it’s what popular. Always shop around and compare price and quality. Sometimes a different store offer discounts that other stores don’t or carry better kinds of paint protection product. Until you find the best one for your needs and budget, keep looking around.

2. Prevention Is Better Than You But It’s Not Too Late For Older Cars

Like most things, prevention is better than cure. A good paint protection system should protect your car long-term. However, if you haven’t protected your car from day one – a good system should be able to improve your car considerably, with a notable difference and also continue to further protect your car from the day you have applied the paint protection product. 

3. You Shouldn't Settle With Car Waxing

Most people love shiny cars because it makes the car look expensive and sleek. To achieve this look, they often opt to wax their car because we all know wax can help give that sparkling effect. However, the problem with this is that it is temporary and easily melts especially when constantly exposed in the sun. A much better option will be paint protection because it can provide the same luster for your car but is more durable compared to wax so it last longer.

4. Dirt Can Damage Your Paintwork

People don’t just seek car servicing in Singapore due to engine problems, more often than not it’s due to exterior damage from different kinds of dirt like grease, grime, and bird poop. When left unattended for extended period of time, they can cause serious paint damage on your car. Avoid the stress and unnecessary expenses by keeping your vehicle clean. 

5. There Are Reasons Why Car Dealers Tend To Be Drawn Towards Certain Products

Popular car dealers have to take care of their reputation if they want to stay on top of their business. In order to do this, they have to maintain the quality of products and services that they provide. This is why they only use good paint protection products that gives an incredible glass shine and maintains the value of your new car.

6. A Car’s Paint Work Helps Maintain Its Value And Can Increase Resale Value

Every time you do something on your car to either upgrade its look or performance, it either maintains or increases its value. By deciding to invest in paint protection film you are definitely increasing its value because this prevents exterior damage while making your car look attractive!

7. It’s Totally Unnoticeable

Worried the film will be visible? Worry not because it won’t be! Just make sure you’re using high quality brand and have a professional apply it for you to ensure a smooth finish.

8. It’s Very Reliable Because It Was Originally Developed To The U.S. Military

When equipment, tool, or anything is designed or intended to be used for U.S. military, you know the quality is good. So you can rest assured that you spent your money well.

9. Custom Installation Offers Better Protection

Okay, maybe you’re a bit reluctant to avail custom installation because you know it costs more and you want to save money as much as possible. But, remember that smart investments, in terms of paint protection, are those where you spend quite a bit but offer better fit and best coverage which you know will last longer.

Whatever the problem with your car’s paint, do not wait too long to get it fixed, especially if the car’s body has been exposed. If you wait until chips and dings on your car turn into rust before you take care of it, prepare yourself for bigger problem and heftier car repair costs. Without protection, the bodywork of the car can begin to corrode. Regular cleaning and drying of the car will be sufficient to handle most problems. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to inspect your car for more serious damage.

Here are more reasons for you to want paint protection film installed on your car and realize how much you and your ride will benefit from it more than you thought it would!

Reasons Behind Poor Fuel Economy

Aside from being stuck in traffic, accidents, price tag, maintenance expenses, and car repairs, what do you think is another reason why people are reluctant to buy a car? Gasoline price! Yes! In case you’re not aware, it can be a pain and isn't likely to go significantly cheaper anytime soon. However, we cannot deny how convenient it is to have your own car. But if you start being aware of these poor fuel economy culprits, it should help you make necessary changes and adjustments to improve your car’s fuel efficiency which in return helps you save money, not to mention the overall running condition of the vehicle.

Speeding

I know, it feels cool to drive fast, it makes you feel like a bad ass racer, but it lowers your gas mileage by 33% at highway speed and 5% around town. So unless it’s an emergency, you might want to slow down.

Skipping Regular Maintenance

This one benefits your car’s overall performance, which is good because if the vehicle is at its tip-top shape then it’ll also mean better gas mileage. Better not skip on your car servicing appointment.  Any experienced motorist can appreciate the value of car maintenance. They understand that if problems are diagnosed and rectified on time, it can save a lot of money, time, and most importantly, stress! Getting your vehicle regularly serviced means you won’t be running it down like so many other motorists do. Running on low fuel, running on tires with little to no treading, running with no coolant – these are things that can and will increase the amount of money you put into your car and consume more gasoline which also costs a ton over time.

Defective Fuel Injectors

If your fuel injectors are faulty and insufficient fuel is being injected into the engine, your car won’t run efficiently. A less efficient engine means increased fuel consumption.

Clogged Air Filters

If the air filter is not in its best condition, meaning it’s clogged or too dirty to produce clean and cool air to mix with fuel to create combustion, the more gasoline your car consumes. In the long run, it pays to check it regularly and change when it gets dirty. The manual that comes with the car usually have instructions for changing your engine air filter as well as mileage estimate on how often should you replace it. That should come in handy since it’s imperative that you change it on a regular basis.

Improperly Inflated Tires

This means they shouldn't be overinflated nor under inflated. Otherwise they’ll wear out faster than they typically should and will affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. To avoid this, check your owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure and always stick to that. It’s best to check your tires’ pressure at least once a month but do it more often if you always go on long trips or you carry heavy loads all the time.

Faulty Spark Plugs

When your spark plugs are covered with engine oil, ash or other deposit, it does cause misfire, but once there’s black smoke that may indicate spark problems that can lead to engine damage. Engine damage leads to less efficient engine which as mentioned before consumes more fuel. So if you start noticing that your car backfires a lot or smoke is coming out of your exhaust, especially while you’re on the road, pull up at the roadside and call for a tow. You need to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic immediately. 

Wrong Oil

You should have at least a quart or two of oil as emergency supply, especially if your car requires a specific kind of oil. This should help you run your vehicle further in a safe zone when it suddenly stops in the middle of the highway. Plus, if you aren't using an oil that reduces friction or the oil recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle, you could be paying the price with poor fuel economy.

Bad Driving Habits

Excessive idling, jackrabbit starts, stepping on the gas as soon as the light turns green, freeway driving, and the likes all contribute to decreased gas mileage.

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