3 Things You Can Do to Get Your Car Ready for the Open Road

 The arrival of summer’s warmer temperatures gives us something to look forward to in life. The dark times of winter are far behind us, and instead we have long days and beautiful evenings to celebrate. It’s the perfect time for enjoy life, getting together with family and friends and plan some epic adventures on the open road. Many of us save our vacation time for the summer, so we can embark on exciting explorations and enjoy all that life has to offer.

If you have been thinking of heading out on a great road trip, it’s exciting to dream of all the great places you might go. You might plot out a couple of great sights to see, and then research the other fun things you could do along the way. There will be lots of great options for lodging or camping to choose from. And it’s always fun to find some great places to eat on your route too. You will also want to be sure to make an appointment with your Kingsgrove mechanic so your car is all set for your great adventure too.

1.         Get Your Oil Changed and Check Fluid Levels

One of the best things you can do for your car or truck is to get your oil changed on a regular basis. This simple step will help prolong the life of your car and help keep things running right for the future. Your Kingsgrove mechanic can advise you on the frequency of oil changes for your car or truck.

When you take your vehicle in for an oil change, they will also check the fluid levels too. They can top off any that are low.

2.         Take Care of Any Scheduled Maintenance

Another step you should take before setting out on any road trip is to take care of any scheduled maintenance that is due. Every car manufacturer publishes a schedule of recommended inspections and maintenance that is required for your vehicle.

The required maintenance might be based on time frame, or on the kilometres you’ve driven. If you are going to be driving a lot, be sure to take care of any scheduled maintenance that would come due while you are on your trip.

3.         Take Your Car in for a Pre-Road Trip Inspection

Even if you are up to date on your oil changes and scheduled maintenance, it’s a good idea to take you car in for a pre-road trip inspection before you head out on your great adventure.

Your automotive centre can give everything the once over, and take care of anything that needs to be done. When you take your vehicle in, let them know how far you are planning to drive and if there are any unique environmental conditions along the way.

 

3 Reasons to Visit a Mechanic

 In today’s world of rapidly rising prices and economic pressures, it is more important than ever to take care of everything we own. When times are financially challenging, we can find ourselves facing unexpected expenses and debts that challenge our ability to progress and make it through life. In the past we often simply threw things away when there was a problem, and just got something new. Now, supply chain shortages and soaring prices have put an end to our previous approach of simply abandoning the assets we own.

This is especially true with your automobile, which is one of the most expensive assets you purchased or are paying for over time. When you are making that sort of investment in a car or truck, you will want to do everything you can to have your vehicle last for years to come. New cars are very expensive, and even used replacement cars have seen dramatic price increases and shortages. Fortunately, with the help of a great Kingsgrove mechanic, you can keep your car running like it is brand new.

1.         Regular Oil Changes

One of the best things you can do for your vehicle, new or used, is to make sure you schedule regular oil changes. You can easily set up an appointment with your Kingsgrove mechanic to change your oil and replace your oil filter.

During this service, they will also check the fluid levels in your vehicle. They can even set up your next appointment, or give you a reminder of when the next oil change is due.

2.         Factory Scheduled Maintenance and Inspections

Another key to keeping your car running well into the future is to make sure you follow the factory scheduled maintenance and inspections. Every car manufacturer provides a specific list of items that need to be taken care of for each model car, usually based on time duration or kilometres driven.

Your top-quality automotive centre will be able to take care of all of this work; their service will help keep your warranty in force too.

3.         Before You Go on a Road Trip

If you are going to be headed out of town on vacation soon and plan on driving or taking an epic road trip, you will want to make an appointment with your automotive centre before you go.

Your mechanic will inspect your vehicle and make sure all systems are go, so you get to enjoy the journey without any interruptions.

Pay Attention to What's Going On Under the Hood

When our car is running great and everything is going right, we have a lot of options and freedom in the world. It’s easy to get used to just locking up the house and hopping into our vehicle to go wherever we want to go. Our car opens up a world of possibilities, since we can easily get to cool outdoor places and wonderful restaurants in other areas of town. There’s no waiting for public transportation or an expensive ride share when your car is parked right outside.

If you want to fully enjoy owning a car, it’s important that you get it regularly serviced and keep everything running and in great shape. One of the best things you can do is to develop a relationship with a top notch Kingsgrove mechanic. When you find a great mechanic and a first class automotive centre, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they are familiar with your vehicle and will take care of everything for you at a fair price.

Check Your Oil and Top Up Fluids as Needed

One of the first things you should do when you open the hood is to check your oil. You’ll want to make sure it’s not low, and also check the color of the oil to be sure it’s not time for an oil change. Getting regular oil changes can help keep your car running for years to come

It’s also a good idea to take a look at the fuel levels too. Make sure you have the right amount of brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid in an automatic and check the windshield washer fluid too.

 Take Quick Action If Something Isn’t Running Right

No one wants to have to deal with issues with a car, but it’s really important to take quick action if something isn’t feeling or running right. Scheduling an appointment with your Kingsgrove mechanic will put your mind at ease and save you money in the long run.

It helps when you go to the same mechanic consistently, because they’ll really know your car and you’ll be comfortable because you can trust their work.

Check under the Hood Before You Go on a Trip

If you are planning an idyllic summer vacation or heading out for the open highway, one of the best things you can do is to ask your mechanic to check your car out first. They’ll be able to spot potential issues before you go.

When your car is in top shape, you’ll get to enjoy your road trip and won’t have interruptions along the way.

Why Won’t My Car Start?

 

Have you ever had one of those days when you’re running late, and your car won’t start? Apart from being incredibly frustrating and inconvenient, it indicates that perhaps your car isn’t running as well as it could be. There are several potential reasons why your car is having problems starting. We asked our local Kingsgrove mechanic what they might be.

The most common reasons

The most common reasons for cars not starting are a flat battery, issues with the ignition, clogged fuel filters and issues with the starter motor. However, it could be a down to a less obvious problem such as issues with the timing belt or the ignition coil. While most issues are usually quick and cheap to resolve, others may require a more expensive fix.

Issues with the battery

If your car won’t start, it’s usually down to the battery. If the engine turns over, but the car doesn’t start, it’s likely to be your battery. If it happens regularly or the engine just won’t turn over at all, you’ll probably need to replace the battery. As a quick fix, you can use jump leads to get the power you need to start your car.

Issues with the starter motor

As its name suggests, the starter motor turns the engine over. Therefore, if you start the car and the engine doesn’t fire, you’ve possibly got an issue with the starter motor.

Issues with the ignition

If you have a problem with the ignition, your car may start and then stop again suddenly. If you are experiencing this problem, we recommend you have your vehicle checked out by your local Kingsgrove mechanic.

Issues with the fuel filters

As you can imagine, if the fuel filters become clogged with sediment, the fuel won’t be able to reach the engine and your car won’t be able to start. The problem can be easily avoided by keeping to your regular car servicing schedule. Fuel filters usually need replacing every 30,000-40,000 kilometres. So, if you think your filter requires replacement, book an appointment with your local mechanic now.

To make sure that your car is running at its best, it’s always advisable to book your car in for a service in line with the schedule suggested by the manufacturer. During a service, any potential issues will be picked up and your car will perform much better and remain more reliable. Roselands Automotives offer servicing for all makes and models of cars. Get in touch and arrange your appointment now.

Time for an Oil Change?

 

Changing the oil in your car is vital to ensure that your car keeps running as it should. While it’s one of those maintenance jobs you can tackle yourself, many prefer to leave it to a local Kingsgrove mechanic. Doing it yourself can often lead to problems. Not only is it a dirty job, but the old oil needs to be disposed of correctly to avoid damage to the environment. So, if your car needs an oil change, your local Kingsgrove or Earlwood mechanic is often your best option.

How often do you need to check and change your oil?

It’s recommended that you check the level of your engine oil at least once a month. If your car runs out of oil, the engine will seize up and cause major damage to the engine. Checking your oil regularly will ensure that you don’t end up with a serious problem and a costly repair bill from your Belmore mechanic.

Most manufacturers recommend that you change your oil and filters every 5000km to 10,000km or every six months – whichever comes first. You can find the recommendation in your owner’s manual.

Planning to do the oil change yourself?

If you’re planning to change the oil yourself rather than taking it to a Kingsgrove mechanic, you’ll need to find out what oil is recommended for your vehicle. Once again, you’ll find this information in your owner’s manual or online. Putting the wrong oil in your car can lead to several problems including leaks. You may also notice a burning smell when driving. Incorrect oil may not work as it should which means engine parts won’t receive the right amount of lubrication which, in turn, will cause friction. If you do put the wrong oil in your vehicle, consult your Earlwood mechanic as soon as possible.

Taking your car to the garage for its oil change?

Taking your car to a mechanic for its oil change is one way to develop a relationship with them. Whether you live in Kingsgrove, Earlwood or Belmore, a trusted mechanic can be a godsend, especially if you experience serious issues with your vehicle. You’ll feel far more reassured that they will do a good job if you already know your mechanic well.

At Roselands, changing oil is just part of our services. Whether you need your oil changing or need a full car service, get in touch and schedule an appointment.

Look After Your Car and Your Car Will Look After You

Your car is probably a vital part of your life. It is there for your commute, for your weekly food shop, to take you on breaks away, plus many other activities.

A reliable car is essential, which is why it is so important to look after your car so that it’s there for you when you need it most. Your Kingsgrove mechanic is here to help you get the most from your car and ensure that it remains reliable.

How often should you get your car serviced?

There is no easy answer to this question, but as a rule of thumb, you should get your car serviced every six-twelve months or every 10,000 km if that comes first.

The amount of servicing your car will need from your Earlwood mechanic will also depend on the age and condition of your car. With an older car, you might want to have it serviced more regularly as parts of your car are more likely to go wrong when it is older.

That said, with regular servicing and preventative care, you can help your car remain on the road for much longer.

Prevention is better than a cure

While some people have the misconception that servicing will cost them a lot of money and they can save themselves the cost, the truth is, it may end up costing more in the long run.

During routine servicing, your Belmore mechanic may pick up on something that could become a bigger issue in the future. Small fixes are cheaper and easier to do. However, if they are left to get bigger, it could cost you a whole lot more because more damage will have been done.

Different service types

There are different types of car services that you can have, including minor and major servicing. Your minor service will check important features such as steering, brakes, brake fluid and many more. They are quick to complete, so you will have your car back before you know it.

Major servicing, on the other hand, takes a lot longer because many more components of the car are checked, as well as checking all the elements that would take place during a minor service.

Check your car’s servicing manual to determine which type of service you should get and when, or call your local Roselands Automotive Centre for friendly advice.

Contact us today

At Roselands Automotive Centre, we are here to give your car the best servicing and ensure that it remains reliable for you. To book your service, get in touch today.

How To Take Care Of Your Tyres

 

Stroll into our Roseland Automotive Centre or visit any Kingsgrove mechanic, Bexley mechanic, or Earlwood mechanic, and we’ll all tell you the same thing: tyres are one of the most important parts of a vehicle, and keeping them well cared for is of paramount importance. Despite being one of the most vital parts of a car, many drivers forget to take good care of their tyres, which can bring about expensive and even dangerous consequences. Improper tyre care and maintenance can result in damage, wear and tear, and even blow-outs, which can cause an accident. However, it’s relatively easy to take care of tyres, and there are a few things you should do regularly to keep them in good shape and your vehicle legal, safe, and roadworthy.

Have Good Driving Habits

Good driving habits are just as important as maintenance if you want to keep your tyres in tip-top shape. Harsh and excessive breaking, too much acceleration, and lots of stopping and starting in traffic can cause them to wear very quickly. This is why it’s a good idea to drive as carefully and smoothly as you can and avoid harsh braking and high speeds.

Check Tyre Pressures

Tyre pressure greatly impacts a car’s handling, braking, steering, and mileage. Under or overinflated tyres not only damages them but also increases fuel consumption. Improperly inflated tyres can even cause a blow-out, which means a whole new and potentially costly replacement, and is incredibly dangerous since you can lose control of your car.

 

Check your tyre pressure every month and make sure your tyres are properly inflated including the spare. It’s also wise to check the pressure before going on a long journey, or if your vehicle is carrying more weight than normal.

Check For Wear and Tear

Performing a physical check of your tyres is also important and will allow you to see any signs of damage. You should look for indicators of wear and tear, which includes bulges, cuts, punctures, and any objects that may have punctured the tyre’s surface. If any damage is spotted, it’s vital to get it checked out by a professional mechanic, and repaired or replaced if necessary.

Don’t Overload the Vehicle

An overloaded vehicle carrying a lot of weight can affect the handling, as well as wear the tyres down due to heat. This can even cause a tyre explosion, which is extremely dangerous and can cause you to have an accident. Therefore, find out exactly how much weight your car can safely carry, and never exceed that load.

Check Tyre Treads Regularly

Tyre treads impact both performance and safety, particularly in certain weather conditions. In Australia, the minimum legal tyre tread is 1.5mm, and any lower than that deems your car not fit for the road and is not only unsafe but also puts you at risk of fines.

Keep Wheels Aligned

Improperly aligned wheels can result in uneven wear across the tyres, which can weaken them over time. Unaligned tyres can also impact your control of the car and increase fuel consumption. This is why it’s important to get the alignment checked whenever your car is in a garage and get them aligned if they aren’t right.

 Be Careful Mounting Kerbs

Drivers often mount the kerb without a second thought, when they’re pulling into a busy street, parking at the roadside, or trying to avoid an obstacle. However, driving up the kerb can damage tyres, weakening them over time and even risking a blow-out. When mounting a kerb, you should try to do it at an acute angle, slowly and carefully, and avoid scraping the tyres against the side of the pavement, as this will help to prevent damage.