We hope your vehicle was trouble-free throughout the summer months. Now that Fall (Autumn to our Brit friends!) is here, we must still think "PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE". At this time you should be getting the car checked out ready for Winter.

• Change your oil and filter every 3 months or 5,000 kms, whichever comes first. If your driving is constantly full of stopping and starting with frequent short trips, then change the oil every 3,000 kms.

• Check heater and defroster operation: you will need this for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Make sure the engine is reaching normal operating temperature. The heat gauge needle should lie halfway between COLD and HOT on most vehicles. If this isn't so, then perhaps a new thermostat may be needed.

• Anti-freeze: If the anti-freeze has not been changed for two years, now is the time. A 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and water is the usual recommendation.

• Hoses: Check for tightness and condition of clamps, hoses and drive belts. CAUTION! If you are a do-it-yourselfer type of person, NEVER remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down.

• Electrics: An A.V.R. (Amps, Volts and Resistance) test should be performed to evaluate the starting and charging system. Any corrosion around terminals and cables can be cleaned. If the battery is weak or the charging system is not performing as it should, you can rectify it now and not be stranded in mid winter.

  Battery acid burns, so take the necessary precautions like wearing eye protection and rubber gloves. Baking soda mixed with warm water will neutralise any corrosion or spilt acid. However, do not let the mixture get into the battery itself.

• Lights: Lights should be checked and burnt-out bulbs replaced. Have your headlight alignment checked if necessary.

• Tires: Tires should be checked. Worn tires are of no use in winter. Check pressures when tires are cool, and don't forget the spare tire. Is your jack in the trunk/boot and in working condition. Do you have the basic tools for changing a tire?

• Emergency Kit: Put your Emergency Survival Kit in the trunk ready for anything unforseen weatherwise. Check this link to see what should go into your kit.

• Tune-up: If it has been a year since your last major tune-up and you notice a rough idle, harder starting, lack of power, then it may be the time to do this. Remember that cold weather makes existing problems worse.

• Gas line anti-freeze: This should also be put in the gas tank once a month. This helps to dissipate moisture and prevent water droplets turning into ice pellets. Try to keep the tank full to reduce further the air in the tank forming condensation.

  Make sure when you buy gas line anti-freeze, that the bottle is marked for use with Fuel injection or Carburettor vehicles. If the carburettor anti-freeze is put into fuel injected engines it may coat the oxygen sensor causing false information and running problems. So read the label on the bottle before purchasing!

• Windshield wipers: Is it time that your windshield wipers were changed? If so, replace with WINTER BLADES. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up and the spray nozzles are not plugged. Carry a snow brush and scraper in the car.

NOTE:Service recommendations will vary according to makes and models. Use our information simply as a guideline, and consult your Owner's Manual for any specifics pertaining to your particular vehicle, which may differ slightly in mileage service times.