Tips To Have Your Car Life Long

Proper maintenance of the car not only gives it a long life but also help your car to performance well even after getting old. Each automotive part in your vehicle has its own life and getting them changed timely gives long life to your vehicle. Here are some of the tips which will give your car long life.

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However, keeping your car young is relatively easy, all you have to do is follow these simple tips.

Check Engine Oil

You can check engine oil on your own. Park your car on a flat surface, turn off the ignition and wait for couple of minutes so that engine oil gets drained into the oil pan. Now you can open the bonnet of your car and pull out the engine oil dipstick, if you can’t locate the engine oil dipstick you can take help of the user’s manual.

After pulling out the engine oil dipstick, wipe it with a clean tissue and then put it back to its place. Now pull the dipstick back again and check the level of oil in your car. The oil level should touch the mark Full, if it is not then top it up with the same brand engine oil which you have used earlier. 

To Top Up the engine oil, make sure that you are using the same brand and type engine oil which are already being used. Add a small amount at a time and wait for couple of second so that it drained into the engine oil pan and then check the oil level again, if it is not at Full then add few more amount. 

Also, even if the engine oil level is already at Full, you must check the status of the engine oil, if it is not transparent and not sticky; it’s time to change the engine oil.

Check Engine Coolant

If the coolant level in your car is low, it may cause overheating of the engine which may further affect the performance of the engine and also it may damage the engine badly. 

To check the engine coolant level make sure engine is not hot. Opening the radiator or coolant overflow tank while engine is hot might spurt the fluid out and burn you. Turn off the ignition and wait for some time until the temperature of engine go down. Now check the coolant level, it must be between Full and Low marks in the coolant tank. If the coolant is at lower level, then top it up. If the coolant level is frequently going down, then get your car inspected by the authorized dealer, there may be a coolant leak.

​Tyres

Check the tyre pressure of your car at least once in a month, and keep the tyre pressure at the recommended level for optimum performance of the car and also for the long life of your tyre. You can buy a tyre pressure gauge to check tyre pressure on your own.

Make sure you are not filling the air in your tyre at the maximum pressure which is listed on tyre as it is not idle, as it may cause tyre burst if you are running at high speed for long time, especially in summers. Running car at high speed for long time may heat up the tyre which further increases the pressure inside the car which may cause burst. Refer to the user’s manual of the car for idle pressure. 

If you feel vibrations at steering at high speed it time to get your wheel balanced again. If you car pulls on left or right side on the road, there may be some wheel alignment issue so get it checked soon. 

If you feel vibrations at steering at high speed it time to get your wheel balanced again. If you car pulls on left or right side on the road, there may be some wheel alignment issue so get it checked soon.

Change Air Filters Timely

It is advisable to change air filters every time you change engine oil. Air filters are inexpensive in cost but if it becomes dirty it badly affects the performance especially the mileage of the car. Also, if air filters are dirty there may be a chance that your car can get failed at road side emission tests. It is quite easy to change the air filters and you can do it on your own be referring the user’s manual. Though, it will be wise to get it done at authorized service station while changing the engine oil.

Change Air Filters Timely

To ensure long life of your car, take your car to the authorized service center for regular check up at least twice in a year. Technicians at service center will lift your car to check all the major components including brakes, suspensions, ball joints etc. 

The only way to get best from your car is by treating your car well. By the proper maintenance you will always have a pleasure to drive a good looking car with good performance and ride comfort. Proper maintenance of the car not only gives you a long life to your car but also, when you decide to move for a new car it gives you a very good resale value.

Also read: Car Care Tips: How To Driving In The Mountains

READ MORE ABOUT HONDA CAR DEALERS IN ANDHERI AND BORIVALI CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS, ARTICLES, RESOURCES VISIT SOLITAIRE HONDA

Source - autoportal.com

TO KNOW ABOUT HONDA CAR DEALER CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

New Or Old - What Car To Buy?

A reality check on the advantages and disadvantages of new and used cars

This is probably one of the first questions that worries most car buyers when they decide on buying a car. A new car is always a very enticing option, but financially it may not always be a viable choice. For someone who is new to driving a car, a brand new car means he/she will have to be extra careful as damage and repair for new cars certainly cost much more to fix than for used cars. There are plenty of considerations that go into purchasing a car and every aspect needs to be carefully thought over. Let’s first take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of buying an used car.

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Used car - pros

• Doesn’t empty your bank balance as much as a new car, which means for the same amount of money, you can consider a model from a higher segment.
• Value depreciation of used cars is considerably less compared to a brand new model.
• Lower depreciation translates into better resale value if and when you decide to sell the car.
• Used cars also attract lower insurance premiums than new cars.

Used car - cons

• Another major drawback is tracing the history of a used car with regards to its maintenance and service.
• Another major drawback is tracing the history of a used car with regards to its maintenance and service.
• Correct and spotless documentation of a used car is also difficult to come by, due to the lack of clear and clean paperwork as regards accident history and legal matters.
• Correct and spotless documentation of a used car is also difficult to come by, due to the lack of clear and clean paperwork as regards accident history and legal matters.

​New car - pros

• Nothing comes close to the pleasure and the pride of ownership of a brand new car.
• Another major drawback is tracing the history of a used car with regards to its maintenance and service.
• There is no worry as regards legal issues or accident history.
• It’s the latest model in the market and hence it is feature-rich and loaded with latest technologies and updated safety equipment.
• There is a comprehensive warranty with a new car for a considerable period of time or based on total kilometres, offering good value and peace of mind to the buyer.

New car - cons

• A new car will always be a lot more expensive than a used model.
• A new car will depreciate much higher and quicker than a used car.
• The insurance premium costs of a new car are significantly higher than for used cars.

TIP: If you plan to own a car for over 5 years, then it is advisable to buy a new car with extended warranty and use it well so that you get excellent resale value. However, if you plan to keep a car for just 1 or 2 years, then it's better to buy a second hand car from a known source and tested by a reliable mechanic whose integrity is not doubtful.

Also read: Car Maintenance Top 10 Tips - To Keep Your Car Looking New

READ MORE ABOUT HONDA CAR DEALERS IN ANDHERI AND BORIVALI- BLOG, ARTICLES, RESOURCES VISIT SOLITAIRE HONDA

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 TO KNOW ABOUT HONDA CAR DEALER CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

10 Things You Must Check After Getting Your Car Serviced.

We like to have a view of life that everything’s hunky-dory and nothing can go wrong, which remains in order only until the time we get betrayed at the hands of someone in whom we trusted blindly. With exactly this kind of attitude we hand over our cars for service. Next time you take your car for service.

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Here is a list of things that you should check to avoid getting duped.

1. Work order / Job sheet

It’s a standard practise to prepare a job sheet, regardless of the station to which you give your car for service. The sheet acts as a means of communication between the mechanic and the service advisor. While giving your car for service you may point out certain faults that need to be taken care of, make sure that you check the car and sheet while taking the delivery just to ensure that everything has been attended to and the said corrections has been done.

2. Itemised bill

An itemized bill is always prepared after you get the car serviced. Make sure to check that it carries the price of the item as was approximately quoted to you by the service advisor. Keep an eye open and see in case of engine oil top-up, you are not being charged for replacement. Human or machine error does happen. It’s better to be vigilant.

​3. Engine oil / Transmission oil

The engine is the heart of your car and for it to function properly, it needs engine oil change as well as filter change. The same goes for transmission too, though it generally does not have a filter. Depending on when you are getting the engine oil changed, observe the colour before and after. New oil would be lighter in colour and clean.

4. Coolant / Brake fluid

It’s important that the engine coolant is changed after a few thousand kilometres since it loses its properties after sometime. And depending on the car manufacturer’s recommendation, you may need to replace / refill the brake fluid too. While there’s no way you can ascertain if this has been done or not unless you see it while it’s being done. It’s better to stay in the observation bay or take it to a service station where you can actually see it happening.

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5. Belongings / Tool kit / Boot

Just to be on the safer side it’s advised that you take out the tool kit and other personal belongings out of the car before giving it for service. If it’s not possible, you can ask the service advisor to mention this on the Job sheet to ensure that it does not get misplaced while it’s being worked upon. Also, upon taking the delivery ensure that spare wheel and other accessories are intact.

6. Fuel level

Service advisors mark the fuel level on the job sheet to ensure that it’s not being misused. It’s common practise to check air conditioning working during summers. To ensure that it’s not being misused by mechanics for relaxing, check the fuel level upon delivery.

7. Odometer reading

It’s common practise to take for a short test drive of about 2-3 kms after service just to ensure that the car is driving properly, is dynamically fine and there aren’t issues as such. A long test drive may be needed in case the engine overhauling has been done or head gasket etc. has been replaced etc. The reading would reveal if the car was misused behind your back.

8. Tyre condition / Wheel rotation & Balancing

Have a good look at the tyres / wheels while taking the delivery of your car. The chances of wheels swapping are likely to happen if your car is due to get the wheel rotation or alignment. Although chances of this happening are next to none. But you would not want to get old tyres if your car in new.

9. Air filter

A check for air filter can be easily done by opening the air filter housing and taking it out. The air filter is meant to be replaced after few thousand kms and should be cleaned ever time your car goes for service. It contributes to the engine health in great deal. Also, checking this relatively easy too.

10. Take a road test with the service advisor

This is last but certainly not the least. While you may be in a hurry to leave with the car after it is serviced. It’s better to take a test drive with the service advisor and see the issue that you pointed out have actually been sorted out or not, however smaller they may be. Most often it’s the smaller issues that further aggravate and make the problems worse than they actually were in the first place.

Also read: Car Driving Tips - Hassle-Free Road Trips This Summer Vacation

READ MORE ABOUT CAR SERVICING CENTRES ANDHERI AND BORIVLI- BLOG, ARTICLES, RESOURCES VISIT SOLITAIRE HONDA

Source - autoportal.com

TO KNOW ABOUT HONDA CAR DEALER CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

Car Driving Tips - Hassle-Free Road Trips This Summer Vacation

While swanky offices, weekend parties, and little time-outs mean summers aren’t as painful, but the need to have a vacation never dies. And what could be better than a getaway from the concrete jungle and the mundane life associated with it! But before you head out for a quick summer break,here are some pointers that should be kept in mind for hassle-free motoring this summer.

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Hassle-free motoring:

Routine check ups

Road trips are certainly relaxing than morning/evening commutes, but given that your average speed is expected to be higher, and also, you’ll be driving over longer durations, it’s necessary for the car to be in proper shape.

The slightest of an issue can effectively ruin your vacation plans, so the best way out of this is to get your vehicle checked/serviced before embarking on a journey. As a rule of thumb, just check the fluid levels and ensure the onboard diagnostic system isn’t indicating anything before leaving the house.

Planning

Last minute plans might satiate your desire to be Indiana Jones of sort, but the lack of preparedness can be harmful. While mapping the route is essential, make sure that you mark points of interest and emergency contacts.

Keep a first aid kit, a few bottles of water, chocolates, and ready to eat snacks along with you. The vehicle’s registration documents, licenses, and PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate shouldn’t be forgotten, either.

Check the spare tyre for pressure, and see if the tool-box has all the tools as well.

​Keep minimum loads

While travelling light might not be in our genes, it’s best to keep minimum (and only necessary) luggage while going on road trips. Also, the added luggage, be it inside the cabin or loaded on the roof-mounted carrier shouldn’t obstruct the driver’s view. Extras like bicycle racks shouldn’t protrude, either.

Avoid rush hour traffic

Avoid driving in/out of the city during rush hours i.e. the time when office commuters are either on their way to office or are heading back home. Early morning is the best time to get out of the city limits.

A small caveat though, just be aware of the traffic as you hit the highway, because the existing traffic there is likely to be travelling overnight, so they might not be as attentive as others. Maintain some distance and avoid close maneuvers.

Take breaks

Driving to a place a thousand kilometers away from your home isn’t a problem, but driving non-stop can certainly be. It’s always wise to divide the journey in parts so that you don’t over-exert yourself or your car.

Taking quick breaks will also ensure that you fighting against fatigue, or are ‘dead-tired’ by the time you reach your destination. To make sure that you aren’t running against the clock, keep these breaks into consideration while planning your trip.

Distraction-free driving

Belt ‘em up! Make sure that all of the occupants use seat belts, and stray objects are kept to a minimum. In case of an unfortunate event, stray objects like small bags, toys, bottles, etc. can be harmful.

Also, if you’re accompanied by a pet, make sure that it’s secured, and is leashed when taken out of the vehicle. Midway stops are generally by the side of the road, and unsecured pets can run towards the traffic, unknowingly causing accidents and even loss of life.

Make the drive memorable

Selfies might be in fashion, but doing so while driving should be completely avoided. Click pictures/record videos but don’t do so at the cost of safety. Alternatively, you could use one of the action cameras (like GoPro), mount in inside/outside the vehicle and create beautiful timelapse videos.

Avoid playing movies on the in-dash entertainment units as they can be very distracting for the driver. Tablet PCs, rear screens (if your car has them) make more sense here.

Avoid sudden temperature changes

The moment you step out of your car’s air-conditioned environment into the sweltering sun, you subject your body to a rapid change in temperature. That not only makes the heat a lot more irritating, it is very harmful to your health. To avoid so, increase the temperature/reduce the fan speed as you inch closer to your destination.

Do the same while getting into the car after a long time. Roll down the windows, switch on the AC so that it pushes the hot air out gradually. This will eventually mean that the temperature change isn’t as sudden, while AC cooling will become more apparent, too.

Keep the points in mind and enjoy your road trip. Also, if there's anything that you would like to add to the list, please add in the comments section below.

Also read: Car Care Tips: How To Driving In The Mountains

READ MORE ABOUT CAR DRIVING TIPS AND TRICKS , TRICKS, ARTICLES, RESOURCES VISIT SOLITAIRE HONDA

 Source - autoportal.com