How to top up the transmission fluid

It’s very important to use only the transmission fluid specified in your owner’s manual to prevent the need for a car repair and an unscheduled car service.

For example, some Chrysler transmissions need a specific fluid and regular fluid like Dexron II may even destroy the transmission. Add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe and do not overfill it.

Wait for a few minutes – let the fluid flow down. Start the engine. Check the level again.

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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Correct Tyre Pressure Helps Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy – Tyre Pressure And Servicing

Check your tyre pressures regularly – once a week is ideal. Bad tyre pressures can affect fuel economy very noticeably. It’s easy to do and there is no excuse not to. Air pumps are readily available at all major service stations.

Another way to ensure fuel efficient driving is to have you car serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Also driving smoothly, slow gradual acceleration, changing gear to neutral when not moving such as at lights or when parked will save fuel usage.
Call for our service technicians to come out to service your car at a time that suits you.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary car problems or damage upon your return.

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
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

Cracked Fan Belt

Check Your Engine Belts

At the front of your engine there will be a series of rubber drive belts that loop around various pulleys, driving everything from the alternator to the air conditioner compressor.

Rubber perishes, more so in extreme conditions like those found in an operating engine bay. Should the belt driving the alternator break, the charging system will then fail to charge the battery and other systems eventually leaving the vehicle without power. Should a timing belt break during operation, serious damage could cause car engine problems.

Get your timing belt and accessory drive belts checked every 40,000 kilometres, preferably replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres (as required) or as specified in the manufacturers manual. Our service technicians can check your timing belt and other engine belts during your next car service.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Everyday Driving Tips – Helpful Tips

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
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

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/