You bought the car of your dreams and you want it to stay in perfect shape as long as possible. Here are some tips to remember as soon as you leave the dealer:
During the break-in period, usually the first 1,600 kilometers, do not exceed 90 km / h or the speed recommended by your car manufacturer.
Avoid heavy loads on the driveline (trailers, caravan) and heavy construction materials on the roof or in the trunk.
Do not leave your new car idling for long periods. In fact, it is better not to do it at all times, especially during break-in. It is possible that the oil is not enough under pressure to be distributed in all parts of the engine.
Make only light or medium acceleration to keep your engine speed under 3000 rpm. during the first hours of driving.
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Drive carefully every day
Do not stop taking care of your car after break-in. Drive carefully every day and your car will reward you for long periods without repairs.
Do not roar the engine at start-up. This is the fastest way to accelerate the wear of your engine, especially in cold weather.
Accelerate slowly when you start. It is during the first 10 to 20 minutes of operation that the engine and driveline undergo the greatest wear.
Reheating the engine by letting it idle is not a good idea. Since the engine does not operate at its optimum temperature, fuel combustion is not complete, resulting in soot deposits on the cylinder walls, which contaminate the oil and eventually damage some components.
Reduce the demand on the engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at traffic lights. Without this, the engine is still working to move the car forward, even if it is stopped.
Avoid driving at high speed and accelerating quickly, especially when it is very hot or very cold outside. This bad driving habit will earn you more frequent repairs.
Extend the life of your tires by driving safely. Observe the posted speed limits. Avoid quick starts, stops and turns. Avoid potholes and objects lying on the road. Do not ride on curbs or hit them with the tire when parking.
When maneuvering, do not turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left for more than a few seconds. This could damage the power steering pump.
Group your short trips by car. Most of the wear, as well as the pollution generated by your car, occurs during the first minutes of driving. Try to do all your shopping at a time, during low traffic hours if possible, and your engine will thank you for longer.Make sure you know these 10 ways to avoid a fatal car accident.
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Do not refuel if you see the tanker
If you see a tanker delivering gas to your local service station, come back another day or look for another station.
By filling the underground tanks, it creates turbulence that can stir sediment. Once in your gasoline, these sediments can clog filters and fuel injectors, which can affect performance and require repairs.Do not miss our best tips for saving gas.
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Go easy when you’re bogged down
Trying to get out of the mud too quickly or the snow where you are bogged down could cost you a lot.Begin by moving forward and back slowly to create a slight rocking motion and attempt to release your vehicle.
If it does not move, do not insist. Throwing your car back and forth repeatedly, while rotating the tires at high speeds, can generate a lot of heat and cause transmission, clutch and differential problems.
In the long run, it may be cheaper to call the tow truck than risking high repair costs. It is always a good idea to have a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, cat litter or metal claws.
Always keep these 14 objects very useful in your car.
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Lighten your keyring
Does your car key share your keychain with a dozen other keys? If it’s yes, know that you’re putting a big load on the car key when it’s in the starter.
The weight, combined with jolting when driving, can damage the internal mechanisms of the ignition system and possibly cause contact failure.
To extend the life of your starter system, purchase a lightweight keychain that will allow you to separate your ignition key from others.
Drive with only the ignition key in the ignition.
If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to start, this is a sign that your ignition system is about to give up. Replace it before you get stuck.
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Protect your car well during storage
If you do not use your car for more than a month, store it properly to avoid unnecessary damage and repair when you return.
Fill up with petrol to prevent condensation from accumulating in the tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine to distribute the additive throughout the engine.
Wash and wax the car to protect the finish.
Place a vapor barrier on the floor of your garage. A 4mm polyethylene fabric will do the trick.
Release the parking brake to prevent brake corrosion.
Place the car on jack stands to remove the weight of the vehicle from the wheels and tires.
Unplug and remove the battery to prevent it from emptying. Place the battery on a charger.
Block the exhaust pipe with a cloth to prevent moist air from entering.
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Repair any defective caulking immediately
If your wiper allows rainwater to enter the passenger compartment of your vehicle, see if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced.
Small leaks may be clogged with a brush-compatible joint sealant. You can repair sections that have play but are not damaged with a finishing adhesive. Torn parts can be repaired with special caulking sold in auto parts stores. You can also extend the life of worn but intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at auto stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstrip.
If you decide to replace entire sections of seal, do not just buy generic products like the ones you would use at home. Purchase a product that matches your car’s original weatherstrip – available at dealerships and in mail order catalogs.Find 10 tips to do your own vehicle maintenance and save unnecessary costs.
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Tape to repair broken traffic lights
If you do not quickly repair a broken rear light or a cracked flashing cover, you may see water seep into the light compartment and cause serious damage.
Applying adhesive tape to the crack is a good short-term solution. Use red or orange tape designed for this purpose. You can buy it at a car parts store.
Follow these instructions if you want to replace the rear lights of your car yourself.
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Repair splinters on the windshield
If you have a rock chip in your windshield, or it is cracked, take your car to a specialized repair shop that can repair even the longest splinters and cracks. It will cost you a lot less than replacing the windshield. Repairs not only prevent splinters and cracks from spreading, they also improve visibility.
Also, find out how to change your wiper blades properly.
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Do not overload your car
Respect the load limits of your car, whether on the roof or indoors. These specifications can be found in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Also check the maximum load that can support your roof rack. It usually ranges from 68 to 90 kg (150 to 200 lbs).
If you have to carry a heavy load, think of having it delivered. This will allow you to spare the mechanics of your car … as well as yours.
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Fix the loads well to avoid dents and scratches
The beginning of the end for many cars and vans, these are the improperly secured charges – whether inside or out. Invest in the appropriate racks to transport your bike, merchandise and luggage. A good way to prevent high objects from slipping into a pickup truck is to use one or two adjustable shower curtain rods that will serve as a restraint. Just push the cargo against the front wall of the truck’s platform and install the rod behind. Turn to fix. Cargo nets will also help prevent objects from moving and damaging the platform of the truck.
To prevent accidents, follow our tips to better secure the supports and roof bars of your car.
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Fix the loads well to avoid dents and scratches
The beginning of the end for many cars and vans, these are the improperly secured charges – whether inside or out. Invest in the appropriate racks to transport your bike, merchandise and luggage. A good way to prevent high objects from slipping into a pickup truck is to use one or two adjustable shower curtain rods that will serve as a restraint. Just push the cargo against the front wall of the truck’s platform and install the rod behind. Turn to fix. Cargo nets will also help prevent objects from moving and damaging the platform of the truck.
To prevent accidents, follow our tips to better secure the supports and roof bars of your car.
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Inspect wheel guard guards
These protectors, though fragile on many today’s cars, help prevent water and salty winter snow from splashing the engine compartment, where they could damage sensitive electrical components. Unfortunately, these protectors are easily detached, sometimes without the driver noticing. Check to see if they are damaged when you wash your car. If they come off, fix them again, or replace them as needed. For extra protection against mud splash, slush and debris, install mudguards on your vehicle.
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Wash your car … even in winter
Do you rarely wash your car in winter? You are not alone. The cars you see on the road show that, like you, many people say, “Why bother? The car will be horrible anyway the next time I pick it up. “This attitude is problematic as washing is more important in winter than the rest of the year. Sand, slush and ice mixed with road salt are exactly what makes your car rust.
The fastest corrosion occurs when the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point. During the cold months, rinse the chassis and hard-to-reach areas that are susceptible to rust, such as the bumpers and the inside of the wheel wells. If the outside temperature must remain above freezing long enough for your car and driveway to dry, fill a bucket with hot water and do the work at home. If this is not the case, go to your local car wash and make sure the staff is drying your car well.
Adopt these 26 unusual and inexpensive tricks to wash the car.
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Maintain the correct tire pressure
Tire salesmen love under-inflated tires. A poorly inflated tire experiences excessive heat and stress that can cause it to fail.
If you want to last your tires to the end, get a pressure gauge and use it at least once a month (more in hot weather) to keep them inflated as recommended in the owner’s manual. For accurate reading, check the tires when they are cold – they must have driven less than a mile.
Extend the life of your tires easily with our tips.
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Beware of wet tips
If you inflate your tires at a service station, check for moisture coming out of the air pump. Simply press the pin on the inside of the inflation valve with your thumb nail. If your thumb gets wet, tell the station manager that his tanks should be emptied and go to another service station. Moisture trapped inside a tire can cause pressure variations and corrode rims.
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Beware of uneven tire wear
Check the tires for uneven wear. If you have kept your tires at the right pressure and have uneven wear, you may need to realign your wheels. But it may also be due to brake malfunctions, shocks, a warped wheel, internal tire damage or worn bearings.
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Check the grooves of your tires
Tires should be replaced when the tread depth of the tire is less than 1.5 mm (1/16 inch). Tires sold in North America must have molded “wear strips” to make it easy to see when tire replacement is required by law.
If you ride in the rain, however, you should change your tires as soon as the tread is less than 3 mm (1/8 inch) to the left. Otherwise, your tires may not drain the water quickly enough and you risk aquaplaning, a very dangerous phenomenon that makes your car lose traction and literally floats on the water. To drive on snow, you will need at least 5 mm (3/16 in.) Of tread for proper traction. You can test them by inserting a 25-cent coin into one of the grooves in the winter tire. If you see the tip of the caribou muzzle, your groove is less than 4.8 mm (6/32 in.) Deep and will not last a full 10,000 km season.
If you need to change your tires, first check out our 10 tips and tips for smart shopping.
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Do not forget to spin your tires
The rotation of your tires helps to evenly distribute wear and ensure an optimal life on the road. The first rotation is particularly important. Your owner’s manual should normally indicate the timing of rotations. If this is not the case, rotate your tires every 9,700 to 12,000 km (6,000 to 7,500 miles), your car mechanic should know the correct rotation system.
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The temperature can change the pressure of your tires
When outside temperatures fluctuate, tires tend to lose pressure. A fall of 6º C (10º F) causes your tires to lose 1 to 2 pounds of pressure. Tires can lose even more air in hot weather. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and interfere with driving. If you live in an area where temperatures vary a lot, check the pressure of your tires often and add air as needed.
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Have your wheels aligned
Have your car wheel alignment checked every 48,000 km, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. Also have it checked after purchasing new tires and when replacing your rack and pinion steering system or other steering parts. A misalignment of the tires shortens their life and impairs a good road holding. If the steering is stiffer than usual or if your vehicle is pulling on one side, you probably have an alignment problem
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Check your oil level both full of gas
For a good reading of the level, follow these instructions:
Run the engine or drive for about 15 minutes to heat the oil, then park the car in a flat area. Stop the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the engine oil to drain into the crankcase.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a paper towel or cloth. Reinsert the dipstick by pushing it all the way in, then remove it to check the oil level. It should be between the MAXI and MINI markings of the gauge.
If necessary, add the type and amount of oil recommended by the manufacturer.
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Change the oil frequently
Your father knew that frequent oil changes were essential to the proper operation of his Buick. And while the manufacturer’s manuals now recommend longer intervals between oil changes, the fact remains: Frequent oil changes clean the engine of abrasive dirt and metal particles, extending its life. .
Most owner’s manuals recommend making more frequent oil changes when driving in “difficult conditions”. Follow these recommendations to maximize the life of your engine, especially if you drive regularly in conditions where you need to stop and leave frequently.
Here’s how to change the car’s oil yourself to save money.
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Check the status of your battery
The manufacturer assures you that your battery does not need maintenance? Do not believe it! Check it regularly to prolong its life and avoid the hassle of a discharged battery.
Start with the simplest: keep it clean. A dirty battery box can cause a loss of power. Wipe it with a damp cloth. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
Then clean the battery terminals. Loosen and remove the negative (black or minus sign) cable first, then the positive (red) cable. Use a brass wire brush soaked in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
Reinstall the cables, the positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin layer of grease to prevent further corrosion.
If your car does not start, follow our 7 tips before calling a tow truck.
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Some batteries need water
If your battery is equipped with vent caps, remove them to check the level of the electrolyte. It must rise 13mm (1/2 “) above the top plates of the battery. If this is not the case, use distilled water to raise the level to 6 or 10 mm (1/4 or 3/8 “) of the vent plugs.
Do not use tap water as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Garage owners should check your battery when caring for your car, but this is a procedure they often neglect. Do not forget to remind them
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Do not abuse your battery
If you inadvertently leave your headlights on and empty your battery, take the following precautions to avoid damaging the battery and starter when you restart your engine under assistance:
Do not risk exploding your battery. Shut off the power car motor and connect one end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the source battery.
Connect a negative cable end to the negative terminal of the source battery.
Attach the remaining negative cable to an unpainted metal part of the car engine (away from the discharged battery).
Wait a few minutes and try to start the car whose battery is flat. If it does not start, start the car engine and try to restart the car in difficulty.
When the car starts, be sure to remove the cables in the reverse order in which you have connected them.
If the car still does not start, do not try to recharge it; you could damage the starter. Bring the battery to a garage to see if it can be recharged.
Even if you manage to restart the engine, be sure to have a full charge by plugging the battery into a charger overnight or driving the car for 8 to 16 km.
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Operate air conditioning in winter
For your car’s air conditioning to work well during the upcoming warm season, run it several times during the winter. This will prevent the moving parts of the compressor from seizing. In addition, the circulation of refrigerant will help the joints to remain flexible.
Prepare your car for this winter in 5 easy steps to prevent climate related issues.