you could be killing your car

Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle


Failing to change fluids and filters.Many fluids are required for the operation and protection of vehicle systems and components. Checking fluid levels regularly, along with the filters, helps ensure that your vehicle runs dependably and extends vehicle life.


Neglecting your tires. Your vehicle’s tires should be checked frequently for inflation and tread depth. Underinflated tires can wear out more quickly, needing to be replaced sooner, and can negatively impact safety, gas mileage and performance

Not following a service schedule. Because many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced in order to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and will help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.

Keeping a dirty car. Allowing your car to go too long without a wash leads to buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, increases the potential for rust from road salt and interferes with proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Ignoring the check engine light. Ignoring an illuminated check engine light can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. At the very least, this warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.

Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit; avoiding aggressive driving, including quick starts and stops; not hauling unnecessary items; and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.

Brake fluid

The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to neverFor example, Volkswagen says to change the brake fluid on most models every 60,000 Kms, but Honda says to do it every three years regardless of the vehicle's mileage. Three years is also the recommended interval for most Ford cars, but Mercedes vehicles typically call for fresh fluid every two years or 40,000 kms.In contrast, on the Ford Eco sports, Hyundai i20,Toyota Corolla altis  and other models from those manufacturers, there are no recommendations for replacing the brake fluid, only instructions to inspect it periodically.This leaves it up to the owner to consult what the manufacturer says in their car's maintenance schedule and rely on the advice of a trusted repair shop.
Brake fluid lives in a sealed system and can survive for years, but moisture from the surrounding air can work its way in through hoses and other parts of the brake system. Water in the brake lines lowers the boiling point of the fluid, so stopping ability can diminish in hard stops as heat in the system increases. In addition, over time the moisture can cause internal corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and other components.Flushing and replacing brake fluid might cost 359+GST  or less on many vehicles, but replacing rusted brake lines and other parts can run several hundreds of rupees, so clearly there's value in keeping up with maintenance.As a rule of thumb, it's wise to have the brake fluid inspected and perhaps tested for moisture content every few years and no more than every five if you live in a high-humidity area.You might be able to tell it's time for a change by looking to see if the fluid is still fresh. Brake fluid is often light brown in color, but in some vehicles it's clear (at least when new) and will darken with age, becoming murky from water contamination. A better way is to have it tested by a professional for moisture and see what they recommend.Brake fluid is as vital to stopping a vehicle as engine oil is to keeping it going, but it doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.

Check Engine Light: What You Need to Know

What does it mean when my check engine light comes on?

The check engine light warns drivers that something is wrong and occurs when the computer issues an error message.

A glowing check engine light means that the onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem affecting the emission controls. There are dozens of possibilities as to why it has illuminated. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, bad airflow, a bad oxygen sensor or a faulty catalytic converter. When this warning light comes on, it generates a trouble code that can be read by connecting a diagnostic scanner to the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system; that will steer your mechanic to specific areas and help find the cause. A flashing check engine light means the problem is serious enough that it warrants immediate attention to prevent expensive repairs. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.


How soon do I have to get my check engine light checked once it illuminates?
Though a check engine light doesn't always signal that something needs immediate attention, it shouldn't be ignored. While it might be minor, it could be something bad, something that will grow worse quickly if left unchecked. For example, a faulty oxygen sensor can reduce fuel economy, raise emissions and cause the catalytic converter to overheat. Replacing a catalytic converter will be much more expensive than an oxygen sensor. If the check engine light is flashing that means the situation is dire and needs to be addressed pronto.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Why is it important to diagnose an                                                                                                          illuminated check engine light?

The only way to find out what caused the check engine light to illuminate is to have a mechanic connect a diagnostic scanner to the onboard diagnostics system to extract trouble codes that will help locate the source. The sooner that's done the better.

Transmission Fluids

Transmission Fluid: When you should change your cars` gear oil ?

The manufacturer's maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn't call for fresh fluid until 60000-100000 kms or, with some German car   transmissions, even 150,000 kms. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and it should be done at least every 50,000 kms. Manual transmissions may be on a different schedule, so it's best to consult the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. Hard use — such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads, trailer towing — will accelerate the deterioration. That kind of driving raises the operating temperature of the transmission, and heat puts more strain on the transmission and the fluid, which helps facilitate gear shifts, cools the transmission and lubricates moving parts.

If you do a lot of driving under high-stress conditions, you should check the transmission level more often and have a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Transmission fluid often is red but can come in other colors, and as it deteriorates it tends to turn darker. It may also acquire a burned odor that could indicate it needs to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical problems. Another indication it needs changing is dirt or other debris in the fluid. When you take your vehicle in for an oil change or other routine service, the repair facility may urge you to pay for a transmission-fluid change or flush. Even if they can show you that the fluid is darker than original, that might not mean you need fresh fluid right now. Step back, check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual and see what the manufacturer recommends before you decide. This also will give you time to price shop.

Many repair shops use flush systems that force out the old fluid and pump in new fluid. Though that sounds good, some manufacturers say you shouldn't do that (Honda is one; there are others), so you need to know this before you agree to a flush. Look in your owner's manual. Some manufacturers, such as Honda, also call for their own type of transmission fluid and warn that using other types could cause damage. Moreover, some automatic transmissions have filters that should be cleaned or replaced when the fluid is changed. Make sure the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle.

If you have never changed the transmission fluid in your vehicle and have more than 100000 kms on the odometer, should you change it now? We have seen mixed opinions on this, with some mechanics suggesting you should just leave well alone if you aren't having shifting problems. Adding fuel to this theory are stories about older transmissions failing shortly after they finally received fresh fluid. We have a hard time accepting that fresh fluid causes transmission failure, so our inclination would be to have it done if you're planning on keeping the vehicle a few years or longer. However, fresh fluid is not a cure for gears slipping, rough shifting or other mechanical problems, so don't expect a fluid change to be a magic elixir.