Maintenance tips for the busy professional

How to care for your vehicle as a busy professional.

It goes without saying that we can’t always get around other priorities, like car upkeep for one - which is why we’ve consolidated different maintenance tips to help you manage your time. This is your go-to guide for you and your vehicle’s needs. Whether you’ve purchased a pre-owned car or brand new, it's the maintenance that matters.

Here are the top 5 tips on how to maintain your vehicle without the added stress.

Planning can take effort on your part, but it is doable. Vehicle maintenance is what keeps your car running smoothly, and without regular check-ups, it will probably be more time-consuming and costly later on.  Try to find a date and time that you can keep open for any upcoming services.

This should be top-of-mind, contrary to what we might think. So, “What does it have to do with maintaining my vehicle?” you may ask. 

• Overtime, it helps protect your car from rust, corrosion, and UV damage.
• It keeps your car in good knick, thus contributing to the resale value.
• You’ll be able to identify maintenance needs.

Your car constantly deals with the elements, such as bird poo, sand, dust, grey water, rain and hail (the very things that are out of our control). If you have a weekend open, take the time to give it a quick wash and polish.

Think of a rental car. When you pay the deposit and look at the checklist before and after you’ve used the car, it's pretty obvious that you’d want to return it in the condition you found it in or at least up to the rental standards. 

When it comes to our own vehicle, we’re a little more comfortable with how we drive. Sometimes, all it takes to maintain your vehicle is by driving it safely. You can prevent this by maintaining your speed and avoiding sudden acceleration, speeding and hard braking. 

Here’s a few pointers that won’t cost you extra time.

1. Maintain tyre pressure.
2. Don’t overload your vehicle.
3. Track issues as they happen.
4. Store your vehicle in a garage and/or under shelter.
5. Use quality fuel and fluids.

Looking after treads is not only important to your safety on the road but the longevity of your tyres. 

Here’s why:

• It provides grip and traction, stopping you from losing control in wet conditions. 
• It helps control the vehicle's stability during acceleration, braking, and turning.
• Treads are incredibly resistant to wear. A well-designed tyre tread will not only elevate the wheel’s performance but extend the lifespan. 

Getting to know your vehicle will help you keep on top of things. The more you know, the better. The best way to keep track is to take note of the manufacturer’s guidelines from your service and maintenance logbook. It serves as a reminder to when your next service is coming up (check to see if you’ve met the required mileage or years - whichever comes first).

More importantly, get familiar with the warning signals. If an issue comes up, you’ll be able to get ahead of the situation then and there.

The bottom line is, if you learn how to manage your time and understand the basics of what your vehicle needs then you’ll be just fine. Looking after your pre-owned or brand new vehicle will not only save you time and money in the long run but your warranty compliance too (if you’ve opted for a Warranty Policy).