MOTORING NEWS - Keeping your car in tip-top running condition may seem a difficult task for many owners, but with some basic and regular maintenance, you can be assured of hassle-free motoring, says Louis Bles, the national franchise manager of Auto Care Diagnostics (ACD).

"Some basic, regular maintenance checks that can be easily performed by any driver, can help ensure that a vehicle runs properly and that problems can be diagnosed before they leave you stranded as a result of a breakdown, or lead to hefty repair bills in these cash-strapped times," he advises.

He suggested a handful of tips to help readers keep an eye on basic maintenance themselves.

Regular checks:

• Oil level: Inspect the oil level at regular intervals, such as when refuelling. This should be done when the engine is warm, but has been switched off and standing for a minute or two so that the oil can settle. Remove and wipe the oil dipstick with a clean cloth, then check the level. It should be between the maximum and minimum marks. Top up if necessary with a high-quality oil (part or fully synthetic oils are best), but make sure not to overfill as this can damage the engine. Some vehicles don’t have a conventional dipstick and rely on an electronic read-out when started. Check that the oil level reading is correct.

• Oil leaks: Have a look around and underneath the engine, gearbox and differentials for any signs of oil leaks. This may indicate a minor issue such as a leaking gasket or seal, or could suggest a bigger problem that requires urgent attention.

• Coolant level: Coolant is critical to the operation of the car's engine. Make sure that the coolant is maintained at the recommended level at all times in the reservoir bottle next to the radiator and check for leaks. Never rely on water alone for engine cooling. Use a quality engine coolant, typically known as anti-freeze or summer coolant, mixed according to the manufacturer's recommended ratio (typically 1 litre coolant to 3 litres of water). This coolant prevents freezing as well as boiling. It also resists corrosion, rust and scale build-up that would reduce the efficiency of the cooling system. The coolant level in the reservoir must only be checked or filled when the engine is cool. Never open the reservoir cap (or radiator cap) when the engine is hot.

• Radiator: Inspect the radiator for visible leaks or blockages. It relies on uninhibited airflow to lower the temperature of the engine coolant. Carefully remove any debris in front of the radiator if necessary. The fan should kick in automatically at a predetermined engine temperature. If not and the engine runs hot, have the fan and the radiator thermostat checked by a professional service centre.

• Brake system: Keep the brake fluid level topped up to the correct level on the brake reservoir. If there are any leaks around the reservoir or any of the brake discs or drums, or the brake performance is diminished, have the system inspected immediately. Examine the brake pads and discs for excessive wear. ACD also does brake system maintenance and repairs.

• Other levels: Various additional oil and lubricant levels should also be checked, including power steering, clutch and gearbox, where relevant. Depending on vehicle, some of these items can only be inspected by a service centre.

• Battery: Most modern batteries are sealed, maintenance-free units. Examine the battery for any signs of cracks, leaks or corrosion on the terminals.

• Warning lights: When starting a car, all of the engine check, oil and coolant levels, battery, brake and ignition lights should come on briefly then go off. If any of the warning lights remain on, this indicates a problem. Ignoring the issue won't make it go away - and it could result in extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Scheduled servicing:

• Your vehicle should be serviced regularly, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This could vary from every 5 000km for some older diesel engines to 10 000, 15 000 or 20 000km. Some vehicles employ an on-board service indicator that determines the service interval, which could be as high as 30 000km depending on driving conditions.

• If the mileage interval isn't reached, the car should still be serviced annually to ensure that all the lubricants and filters operate effectively, as they degrade both with use and age.

• Do not exceed the recommended service intervals. These are designed to ensure the optimum performance, safety, efficiency and reliability of your vehicle.

• Use a reputable, professional service centre for all your vehicle needs, and make sure they use quality replacement parts that conform to the original equipment manufacturer's specifications.

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