Did you know that your car should be serviced as frequently as 5,000Km – 10,00Km? Cars in Jamaica especially should be serviced regularly due to the road and weather conditions. The most basic level of service recommended is to change your oil and filter to ensure a healthy engine. Engine repairs can be costly and a properly maintained engine can go well over 200,000Km! Servicing your car actually saves you money in the long term and any real Jamaican knows “prevention better dan cure!”
Here are some tips to keep in mind for proper maintenance
- Don’t skip the recommended service schedule
Gas vehicles service schedule is approx. 7,500Km and for diesel models approx. 5,000Km. General maintenance includes checking the integrity of oil and filter, air filter, brakes, belts, and hoses. - Proper fluid levels
Brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid, window washer fluid, these are some of the common ones. - Battery condition
Check whether your cables have become loose, whether there is corrosion around the terminals and check to make sure your battery has the correct voltage and amperage for your car. - Condition of tires and alignment
Check to ensure that all tires are wearing evenly, uneven wear could indicate misalignment or front end problems.You vehicle should be tested for proper alignment at least once per year. Make sure all tire pressure are equal. Check the condition of your spare tire. - Ensure that you have proper emergency tools
These include but are not exclusive to jumper cables, flashlight, jack, spanners, screwdrivers, lug tools, portable chargers, and inflation devices are now available. - Wash and polish
Washing your car not only keeps your vehicle looking good, but it also helps maintain the protective wax by getting rid of dirt, dead bugs and harmful chemicals that build up on your vehicle. It also not recommended to use household cleaning agents if you decide to wash your car yourself, use a product designed for cars. Try to polish your car twice per year to maintain a new car look even on a car that’s 10 years old!
Maintaining your car in Jamaica doesn’t have to hard.