Car Care 101

Are you that person who nods nonchalantly, pretending to know what is going on while the kind repairman at your local service centre explains to you what he did to your car during servicing?

Don’t worry, many of us are guilty there.

Most of us don’t really know what’s going on with our cars other than filling in petrol when the fuel bar gets low and replacing the battery when our cars can’t start.

And that’s why GRADUAN® teamed up with Bateriku.com to give you expert insight into important things you should know about your car and how you can take care of them.

Read till the end for bonus car hacks every driver should know!

TYRE CARE
A lot of car accidents happen due to poor tyre conditions that’ll lead to a failing braking system which will stop you from hitting the brakes efficiently, especially when it rains cats and dogs like it does here in Malaysia.

Monitor the condition of your tyres to make sure the tyre treads are always visible. If the treads are beginning to wear off, you might want to consider getting a new set of tyres in the days to come. Our experts at Bateriku recommend investing in high-quality tyres from brands like Toyo or Michelin to ensure a longer shelf life so you have less to worry about for a longer time.

Make it a point to check on your tyre pressure at least once a month to ensure a more pleasant drive each time.

YOUR BATTERY
Without this, you’re not going anywhere. Literally.

The function of the car battery is to provide an electric current that will power the starting motor which in turn starts the internal combustion engine that actually propels your automobile. Simply put, this is what starts your car.

A failure to service or change your battery will result in a failure to start your car, no matter the conditions. If you ever encounter this issue, a simple fix would be to jumpstart your car with the help of another vehicle.

New batteries usually have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. Experts at Bateriku.com however advise our readers to stay vigilant and inquire the manufacturing date of the battery as the inventory kept in stock for a long period of time could result in a lower shelf life.

One of the most common signs you need a new car battery is a slow engine crank, dim lights, and electrical issues.

ENGINE OIL
Now here’s where you get your hands dirty! Your car’s engine oil ensures a smooth drive while preventing any funny sounds coming from underneath the hood. There are three types of engine oil: Non-synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Bateriku experts recommend the oils to be changed every 5,000, 7,500 and 15,000 to 20,000 km respectively.

Be wary when dealing with workshops as there are a ton of counterfeit oils on the market which could potentially damage your vehicle’s performance.

CAR HACKS EVERY DRIVER SHOULD KNOW!
1. Fix cracks with nail polish Fix that crack in your windshield by applying nail polish on the affected area and letting it dry. This isn’t a permanent fix so you’ll eventually need to get that sorted at the workshop.

2. Wake up with lemon juice Preparing for a long drive? Pack some lemons with you! if you find yourself struggling to stay awake during your drive, pull out a sliced lemon and squeeze the juices on to your tongue. This is bound to help you regain that focus and keep going.

3. Fix dents with a toilet plunger This simple hack can save you a trip to the repair shop and a good deal of cash! Pour some hot water on to the affected area and using a toilet plunger, stick it on to the dented area and pull that dent out. With the right method, you can easily pull the dent out and your car will be as good as new!

4. Get more petrol with this simple hack Instead of squeezing the pump full on, ease your grip and let the fuel slowly flow in. You’ll be getting more petrol and less air into your car. Give it a try next time but be considerate about those waiting in line!

Download the Bateriku app available on the Play Store today so the next time you find yourself struggling with car troubles you’ll know who to call.