If it’s the daily drive to work, a Sunday cruise or an around the country road trip – you need to be able to rely on your car. Find out here how to look after your car.
Regular Maintenance
Owning and managing a car is a big responsibility and it’s a good idea to give your car some regular TLC.
We recommend you do a little bit of car maintenance every month or two and especially before any cross-country road trips.
Not only will this help you get the most from your vehicle but it will go a long way to:
- retaining the value of your car
- minimising major and potentially avoidable repair work
- keep you and your passengers safe
Not maintaining the correct tyre pressure can cost you more in petrol costs. The tyres wear quicker, and the steering and ability to control the vehicle are affected, among other things.
If you don’t keep your vehicle fluids topped up, you increase the likelihood of engine wear and risk an annoying and costly breakdown. In the worst case scenario, the engine can seize up.
Regular Maintenance Checklist
We’ve put together a list of basic maintenance tasks you can do each month when you visit the petrol station.
- Make sure the tyres are pumped up and have good tread depth (over 1.5mm) – don’t forget the spare!
- Check all your lights are working, including the indicators
- Check the engine oil level is above the minimum dipstick indicator
- Check the condition of the engine oil by making sure it hasn’t gone dark, thick or sludgy
- Check the window washer fluid level
- Clean the front windscreen and check there are no chips or cracks
You can do all your regular car maintenance at your local petrol station. Or if you’d like someone else to take care of it, pop into your local VTNZ branch and we’ll be happy to help you. One of our trained Automotive Technicians can do a Basic Service any time and or in combination with your Warrant of Fitness.
Add a Basic Service to your WoF for only $28
Find out moreUse less fuel and save money by checking your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. The pressure details can be found on a plate inside the driver’s door, the fuel flap or owner’s manual. Leslie White, Automotive Technician
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