Tips and Advice
TIPS AND ADVICE FROM BARRY CLARKE AUTOMOTIVE
Barry Clarke Automotive has lots of tips and Advice on how to keep your car in optimum health. At anytime you need help just ring us 09 360 88 88
When do I need to change my Auto transmission oils?
Automatic oil changes are based on the manufactures spec’s or 40 000 km, or every 20 000 km if towing load frequently.
Why do I need to change my Coolant?
Coolant degrades overtime, rust and scale deposits can build up. This should be changed every 2/3 years or by the manufactures spec’s. Not changing your coolant is the main cause of mechanical breakdown in cooling systems.
Why do I need to change my oil?
Engine oil becomes contaminated with fuel, water, dirt and combustion by products. So in time this will reduce the lubrication quality of the engine oil. Changing engine oil and filter is much cheaper than major engine repairs!! Once a year or every 10 000 km fir best results.
Why use the Barry Clarke Automotive?
• Locally owned.
• Well trained staff.
• Well equiped workshop.
• AA approved repairer.
• MTA approved repairer.
• Bosch approved service dealer.
• All work GUARANTEED.
Engine
Checking Engine Oil Level:
To check engine oil, park on level ground and wait until the engine has cooled down. Locate the oil dipstick, pull it out and wipe it clean, then push it all the way back in again. Wait a moment then pull it out again. Check the level of the oil. If it’s between the high and low marks, the oil level is fine.
Checking your coolant level:
Locate coolant reservoir. To check coolant level, wait until your engine has cooled down. Check out the ‘low’ and ‘high’ markings outside the reservoir, the level of coolant inside should be between the two. Remember, do not take the radiator cap off to check coolant levels because if the coolant system is still hot then it is still under pressure and the pressure release will burn you.
Check belts:
At the front part of your car engine there will are a series of rubber drive belts that loop around various pulleys, driving everything from the alternator to the a/c compressor. Rubber perishes, more so in extreme conditions like those found in an operating engine bay. Thus, get your timing belt and accessory drive belt checked every 40,000 km, preferably replacing it every 80,000 km.
Battery
Check your battery terminals:
If the battery terminals or contacts are not clean, it is more difficult for the current to pass through the electrical system. To clean, remove the terminal caps and clean each contact post with a wire brush to get a nice clean metal contact surface. Do the same to the other terminal caps, then reattach them.
Wheels & Tyres
Clean brake dust:
Brake dust normally clings to wheels with static electricity so use a damp sponge and clean cold water to get it off.
Check tyre pressure:
Check tyre pressure regularly. Bad tyre pressures will affect fuel consumption, car handling and ride comfort.
Check tyre tread depth:
Most tyres now come with tread wear indicators built into them. Find the tread wear indicator of your tyres, examine it and if tread level is too low, replace your tyres.
Rotate your car tyres!
Every 5,000 miles or 8,000km, rotate your tyres.
Regular Mechanical Checks
For your safety, it is recommend to have your car inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic. Beside visual inspection, ask the mechanic to get your car lifted and check major components such as brakes, suspension, etc., while having your tyres rotated, for example.