A mechanic at your local independent- or franchised workshop must ensure that your car is in tip-top shape after they’ve worked on it. They don’t expect you to know the difference between your vehicle’s timing chain and turbocharger, but there are some things that they WISH you knew…

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These days, carsare complicated machinesthat are manufactured to extremely fine tolerances. It is, therefore, imperative that vehiclesare serviced and repaired in line with manufacturer guidelinesto ensure they continue operatingoptimally for many years. Mostdrivers understand very little about cars’ mechanical aspects, butthat’s okay, because they usually relyon the services of trained professionals whomake a living out of diagnosing and fixing vehicular problems. However, as an owner, you can reduce the likelihood of incurring major vehicle repair bills simply by being mindful of a few things…

1. Be aware of your vehicle maintenance schedule

Prevention is better than cure. One of the biggest issues is that vehicle owners don’t understand the need for maintenance – or the costs involved. Modern vehicles need to be serviced every 10 000 to 15 000 km – or once a year.These intervals will be indicated in the owner’s handbook and, in more sophisticated cars, when aspecific warning light (usually an amber one)illuminates on the instrument panel.

What’s more, in between services, an astute car owner should check the basic fluid levels of their car (engine oil, brake fluid and coolant) habitually, such as before they undertake a long tripor when they have their vehicle’s fuel tanks topped up. Again, the owner’s handbook will explain how to perform those checks, but the personnel at your local fuel station should be able to assist you with that too.

2. Take note of lights and instrument cluster messages

It’s foolish to disregardservice lights and cluster messages, yetmany motorists still do exactly that. There is a very important reason why manufacturers equiptheir vehicles with those tell-tale indicators…

Ignoring the light can lead to expendedparts (which are no longer operating as they should) doing further damage to other serviceable parts, which may lead togreater expenses in future. In a worst-casescenario, you’ll end up stuck on the side of the road – but even if things don’t get that bad, you’ll probably pay more than you would have had to because of additional problems that may be created.

As a rule of thumb, if the engine or warning lights are flashing (especially if they are red in colour, that’s invariably abad sign) consider it an emergency and stop driving your car immediately.

Read: Understanding Dashboard Warning lights

3. Never skip a service

Just because your vehicle is running well doesn’t mean you can skip a service. Regular servicing gives technicians an opportunityto pick up minor defects before they become major problems.

Services are all different and focus on different parts (some of which are classified as minor, but others as major), which is why it is important to stick to the recommended servicing schedule.

4. Cheapest isn’t best

As with anything in life, you get what you pay for (at least, that’s how it’s supposed to be!). Qualified vehicle repairers have made large investments in training and tools to ensure that they are adequately equipped and knowledgeable enough to service or repair your car in line with manufacturers recommendations… and this comes at a cost if your car does not have a service or maintenance plan.

5. Have your car’s oil changed timeously

The oil is the lifeblood of your engine and using the incorrect oil or a cheaper brand can cause major problems for your car, such as excessive wear of the motor’s internal components (also known as its moving parts).This may lead to sluggishperformance at best and a catastrophic failure/seizure at worst. It’s worth paying a bit extra to ensure quality oil; it may improve thelongevity of your car’s engine.

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