As the owner of a vehicle, you will most likely have an Owner's Manual. Many new cars, or late model vehicles, are equipped with sophisticated electronics or computerised components. It is important that you become familiar with your vehicle's features and controls and learn how to use them effectively and to their greatest advantage. You may also benefit from familiarising yourself with the servicing schedule recommended for your vehicle. Manufacturer's provide detailed and accurate information on the operation of your vehicle together with hints on everyday driving, emergencies and general care. Becoming acquainted with your vehicle will help ensure your safety and help maintain the condition and economy of your vehicle.




Service schedules vary from vehicle to vehicle, but it is recommended that you have a minor service carried out about every 5,000kms or 6 months. This involves replacing the oil and oil filter and a general check-over of the vehicle. A major service includes a tune-up of your vehicle's engine. The full service recommendations for your vehicle are stated in your Owner's Handbook and should always be followed. Before setting out on any long trip, ensure your vehicle is thoroughly checked over by a qualified Technician. Regular servicing and tuning ensures that your vehicle is maintained in peak condition, thus extending the life of your vehicle and preventing expensive repairs due to poor maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle will run more economically and major repairs could be avoided altogether. Regular servicing with a stamped service book, clearly identifying the vehicle has been well cared for, will provide a strong selling point and protect the resale value of your vehicle.




Check and top up under-bonnet fluids regularly. When your engine is cool, check your oil and water levels. Engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid are usually in translucent containers to allow a quick visual check. These should be checked daily if going on a long trip. If the levels drop significantly or require topping up frequently, have the vehicle checked by a qualified Technician. Remember to check under your vehicle for any signs of leaks as this could indicate your vehicle is leaking oil. We can assist you in identifying or demonstrating how these checks are carried out, or refer to your Owner's Manual for detailed instructions.

Check your tyre pressures and condition (only when cold). Remember to also check your spare tyre. Under-inflated tyres reduce stability, accelerate tyre wear and may lead to accidents. Regularly examine the tyre surface for cuts, foreign bodies or uneven wear. Uneven wear could indicate your vehicle requires a Wheel Alignment. All tyres should be in good condition with no less than 1.55mm of tread and no cracks or abnormal wear. We recommend you rotate your tyres every 10,000km.

When driving, always keep a close eye or your gauges and/or lights. If a dash warning light comes on, stop and have your vehicle examined by a qualified Technician. An engine that is running too hot will overheat causing engine damage which can be costly to repair.

Take notice if you experience a reduction in brake effectiveness such as a spongy brake pedal, an increase in stopping distances, a grinding noise, or your vehicle pulls sideways. Arrange to have your brakes inspected by a qualified Technician immediately. If your handbrake does not work on a slight incline, it is best to have your braking system checked as soon as possible.

Maintain your fuel level. On late model fuel injected cars, or any vehicle, it is advisable not to let the fuel run too low as this could cause damage to the fuel pump. Always maintain a reasonable fuel level to avoid condensation occurring in the fuel tank, which can introduce contamination into the fuel.




Regular washing of your vehicle will help maintain the condition of the paintwork. Hand washing is best, but only use a mild detergent. A dirty surface accelerates the absorption of the sun's rays causing the paintwork to loose its lustre and develop a chalky appearance. A well-presented vehicle with sparkling paintwork has the potential to save you thousands of dollars in resale value.




Air Bags
If your vehicle is fitted with airbags, it is important to remember that drivers should be at least 25cm away from the steering wheel. If you are too close, an inflating airbag could seriously injure you. Never place objects in front of you while you are seated in the front seat as injury may result when the object is forced towards you by the inflating air bag. Do not lean over the glove box or rest your feet on the dash when the vehicle is moving. Always wear your seatbelt. It is required by law and will help keep you in the correct position when the airbag inflates.

Loose Items
Any loose item in your car could become a deadly hazard in an accident situation. If you are forced to brake suddenly, loose items can catapult from one end of the vehicle to the other, causing injury to anyone in the way. Place heavy objects in the boot, or for station wagons, ensure they are securely tied down or use an approved fitted barrier.

Jump starting
Jump starting can be dangerous if done incorrectly. If you are uncertain about the correct method, it is recommended you leave the starting to a competent Technician. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and clothing. Remember to keep sparks, flames and lit cigarettes away from the battery at all times.

Mobile Phones
Do not use your mobile phone when refuelling. Fuel vapours and mobile phones can be extremely dangerous. Avoid igniting the fuel and suffering serious burns by keeping your mobile phone switched off when filling up with petrol.

Ensure you adopt an ergonomic position when driving. Move the seat back and forward until you can comfortably reach the pedals. Adjust the angle of the seat so that it does not cut into your legs. Make sure you have plenty of lumbar support by adjusting the back of the seat or use a rolled up towel behind the small of your back for greater comfort. Your hands should be placed on the steering wheel at the quarter past nine position. The head restraint should be centred on the back of your head (not your neck) for optimum head restraint in the event of an impact. Poor driver position can lead to aches in the back, neck and thighs, particularly after a long trip.

Wet brakes have lower braking efficiency. When leaving a car wash, driving in heavy rain or through water, apply the brake pedal gently to dry the brakes. Allow extra stopping distance and reduce speed on wet roads.

Before driving in sub-zero temperatures, ensure that sufficient anti-freeze protection has been added to your vehicle's cooling system. When hazardous conditions such as snow, ice or mud are encountered, drive cautiously allowing extra distance for braking. Avoid sudden steering movements and brake lightly.

To improve the fuel economy of your vehicle, always drive at steady speeds and avoid the use of full throttle. Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure and have your vehicle serviced regularly. It is helpful to try to anticipate traffic conditions ahead and slow down gradually.

If you have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) you should familiarise yourself with this braking technique. When braking in emergencies, apply full force to the brake pedal and steer around the obstacle. With ABS, no matter how hard you brake, steering is maintained.