Depending on the conditions in which you are storing your car, the period and the type of car, these tips may help to preserve your car for future use.

• Fill the petrol tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the petrol tank.
• Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
• Place a vapour barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
• Leave the park brake off (if appropriate) to help avoid brake corrosion.
• Put the car on jack stands (if appropriate) to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tyres.
• Depending on how long you will be leaving the card, disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining (refer to our tips on disconnecting and reconnecting your battery). Place the battery on a trickle type charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
• Plug the tail pipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.

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Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
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When you drive with care every day, your car will reward you with longer intervals with less car problems or need of repair.

To follow are some good tips that will help you save time, money wear and tear on your car:

• Do not pump your accelerator during start up. This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
• Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive. The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.
• Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a productive. The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
• Decrease the strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped.
• Avoid accelerating quickly and driving at excessively high speeds, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Driving in such a manner will result in more frequent repairs.
• To extend the life of your tyres, drive with care. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns, potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tyre against the curb when parking. Observe posted speed limits.
• When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position (such as full lock) for more than a few seconds. Damage the power-steering pump can result from such use.
• Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear, as well as the pollution your car generates, takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.

By following these tips you should find that when you take your vehicle for it’s car service that you will have less wear and tear.

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Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
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1. Buy Petrol at Reputable Service Stations

Some service stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product.

You can ask the services station attendant whether the petrol you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you do not get a suitable answer it’s likely you will damage your vehicle and end up with car problems. It would be better to go elsewhere before this occurs.

The bottom line is; when you find a station you trust, stick to it.

2. Don’t Fill Up if you see the Tanker

Should you happen to see a petrol tanker filling the tanks at your local service station, go to another service station or go back at another time.As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your petrol can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs. This is best avoided, and chosing another station to fill up at that time or returning later would serve your car well for the future.

In closing, if you do end up running dirty fuel through your vehicle, then we would recommend getting a car service to help stop any serious problems arising.

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Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

Cleaning Your Engine

There are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one which will help prevent any car problems.

You’ll be more inclined to make routinechecks such as of belts and hoses if you know you won’t get covered with grime every time you do so. A clean engine will also make it much easier for your mechanic to spot leaks and to service components during your routine car service.

Remember to protect sensitive engine components (including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts) with plastic bags or wrap before getting started. Use dishwashing liquid or other grease-cutting detergents and a bristle brush to scrub engine and components surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Heavy-duty engine cleaning products are available at automotive parts stores. Follow the directions carefully.

Another alternative is to have your engine professionally steam cleaned.

About the Author
Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/