Maruti Suzuki has sold lakhs of mild hybrid cars in the country. India’s leading carmaker has now issued a couple of battery care tips for its mild hybrid range of cars to ensure that the system&nbsp;stays roadworthy after the prolonged lack of use during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A couple of days ago we put out a car care story to inform you about tips and tricks to keep your car roadworthy in the times of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. And today Maruti Suzuki has officially released battery care information for its mild-hybrid-system equipped cars that feature an additional Lithium-ion battery pack under the front passenger seat.

The first instruction is to start up the engine and keep it running for about 15 minutes to keep the conventional lead-acid battery under the bonnet charged. It is advised to do this every once a month. But you could also do this every 3-4 days for about 2-3 minutes.

The second and more important piece of advice for mild hybrid system equipped cars is to start the engine and turn on the headlamps and then leave the car running for 30 minutes. But considering that this is a considerable amount of time, it’s best to keep the bonnet open&nbsp;– if you live in a part of the country where the weather is warm&nbsp;– while doing this to let the engine maintain its optimum temperature easily.

While these tips will take care of the car’s mild-hybrid system and battery pack, here is a list of essential car care tips for vehicles that are left unused for prolonged periods of time –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/tips/maintenance-tips/maintenance-tips-for-unused-vehicles-107517/">Maintenance tips for vehicles not being used</a>

We have run the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz petrol mild hybrid for over a year as a part of our Long Term fleet and were amazed by its fuel efficiency figures. Check out the video feature below to find out how the system works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPhJ7MPSmYI

Also read -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-may-2019-105984/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: May 2019</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-august-2019-106440/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: August 2019</a>

Maruti Suzuki mild hybrid battery care tips

A couple of days ago we put out a car care story to inform you about tips and tricks to keep your car roadworthy in the times of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. And today Maruti Suzuki has officially released battery care information for its mild hybrid system.

We are in the middle of the biggest ever lockdown in the history of mankind, which means that all car washing services are temporarily closed. Also, there is no one to clean your car at your doorstep to keep your vehicle spic and span. The problem becomes really serious when we consider that in our social distancing mode, we still have to step out to buy groceries and other essentials. And we can't help but wonder how disinfected and sanitized is our car after returning from the local market? But there is no need to panic, we will tell you simple ways to prevent your car from becoming a contagious site.

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<img alt="Hosing Down Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/Hosing-down-final.jpg" width="642" />

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1. Hose down the car

The ideal way to clean your vehicle’s exteriors would be to use a high-pressure washer to clean off the layers of dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, and other particles that could scratch the car’s surface or even damage the paint. If you don’t have a high-pressure washer then a regular garden hose can also work. Once the car is washed, it’s time to clean the car with car washing liquid solution mixed with water in a bucket. Don’t use random soft cloths or old t-shirts&nbsp;– please invest in a couple of microfiber cleaning cloths or towels, which are affordable and can be bought with a click of a button on Amazon. They soak water easily and don't leave lint on the car's surface&nbsp;and, more importantly, they don’t leave any scratches. After that, you can hose down the car again and give it a final rinse with the microfiber cloth or towel.

A common mistake most of us do is to wash the car in the direct sun. If possible, try and park the car under shade or wash it on an overcast day. This way you can avoid watermarks all over the car, which are left when the leftover water on the car dries too quickly due to the sun.

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<img alt="Clean The Door Handle Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/clean-the-door-handle-final.jpg" width="642" />

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2. Identify possible contact points

What are the first contact points? The key fob or the car key and the door handles. The most effective way to combat and kill germs is to use Isopropyl alcohol. So, where can you get hold of this? The easiest way is to buy an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% Isopropyl alcohol. Then you generously put some on a microfiber cloth and rub it on all possible contact points.

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<img alt="Clean Key Fob Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/Clean-key-fob-final.jpg" width="642" />

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Apart from the two places we mentioned, the car cabin needs to be disinfected thoroughly starting from the steering wheel. According to Expedia Travel Group’s website, a steering wheel has four times the number of germs found on an average toilet seat. This should really make us all sit up and start cleaning the steering wheel on a regular basis. Other places to keep in mind are the infotainment system controls and dials, gear lever, cup holders, climate control and window buttons, air conditioner vents, seat belts and buckles, mirrors, both indicators, and windscreen wipers stalk.

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<img alt="Steering Whell Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/steering-whell-final.jpg" width="642" />

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The good news with Isopropyl alcohol is that it can be used on vinyl and plastics inside the cabin, but in limited quantity, and always pour it on the microfiber cloth first. Never use bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products, like the usual blue-coloured glass spray, as they will damage the interiors of your car.

The seat upholstery also needs to be cleaned properly. If you have leather seats, it is always safer to use leather care products, but in case you don’t have any at the moment, then gently soak a microfiber cloth in soap and water and simply wipe down the seats. Even if you have cloth seat covers, a gentle rub down is all that’s needed. Don't ever scrub the seat covers, as it will only damage them.

3. What to carry in the car?

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<img alt="Box Tissue Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/Box-tissue-final.jpg" width="642" />

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Tissues: Simple and yet effective. Always carry a box of tissues, as it’s the best way to control the spreading of germs, especially while sneezing, and it's an easy way to wipe your hands and faces clean. A small trash bag is also a good idea for the disposal&nbsp;of the tissues.

Sanitary wipes or spray: They are very good not only for keeping ourselves free from germs but also sanitising&nbsp;the car.

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<img alt="Hand Sanitizer 1 Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/Hand-Sanitizer-1-final.jpg" width="642" />

Hand sanitizer: A small sanitizer bottle can always come in handy, as it’s one of the most effective ways of killing germs on your hands.

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<img alt="Microfibre Cloth Final" height="336" src="/uploads/2020/03/Microfibre-cloth-final.jpg" width="642" />

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Microfibre cloth: A piece of microfibre cloth is good for all occasions. You can clean the car with it, both interior and exterior. You can also wipe off gunk, bird dropping, and bugs off the windshield.

Also, read:

<a href="https://www.autox.com/tips/maintenance-tips/maintenance-tips-for-unused-vehicles-107517/">Maintenance tips for vehicles not being used</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/tips/driving-tips/car-maintenance-mistakes/">Common Car Maintenance Mistakes - Driving Tips</a>

Tips on how to sanitize your car and prevent from germs

As we continue to face the biggest ever lockdown in the history of mankind, we tell you some simple yet effective ways to keep your car disinfected and sanitized. This will prevent your vehicle from becoming the epicentre of germs.

Car maintenance tips aren't just for cars that are under constant use but also for unused vehicles. Here’s a look at a few pointers that will keep your vehicle roadworthy after a prolonged period of being unused. &nbsp;

Owning a car calls for its running maintenance, this is, of course, a well-known fact, but did you know that a car also requires maintenance if it is left standing for a prolonged period&nbsp;of time. This is in fact very much the case with any machine, for mechanical components require regular movement to stay functional. So like any other machine, when it isn’t being used, your car requires a few maintenance tips to keep it healthy and roadworthy. So, here are a few car maintenance tips for you during the time of the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

<ol>
	<li>Do not use the handbrake: A handbrake permanently jams the brake pads in place, and its prolonged use without disengagement will cause the brake pads to get stuck to the disc brakes or drum brakes, leading to increased friction and wear and tear from the rear wheels and brakes the next time you get the car moving. The best thing to do is to disengage the parking brake and use wheel chocks or bricks to keep the car in place. You can also leave the car in gear or in P mode if your car&nbsp;has the automatic transmission, that is.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="2">
	<li>Battery care: In case you are travelling for a long time or aren’t using a car, it’s best to remove the battery terminal cables to stop the battery from rapid discharge. During the COVID-19 lockdown, you can simply keep starting the car every 3-4 days to stop the battery from rapid discharge. Leave the car running for at least 2 minutes to allow the engine oil to lubricate all moving parts of the engine.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="3">
	<li>Keep moving the car at least slightly: During the COVID-19 lockdown, we aren’t allowed to go for a drive, however, keeping a car stationary is detrimental to the tyres, as they can develop flat spots in sections that are in contact with the ground and supporting the weight of the car. So at the very minimum, drive the car backwards and forwards every time you start the car to shift the weight distribution on the tyres. This will also allow you to use the brakes, which, otherwise, can take time to get back to being full effectivity. Also, ensure from time to time that the tyres aren’t losing air and make sure inflate them to the correct pressure if they are deflating overtime.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="4">
	<li>Turn the steering wheel lock to lock: When a car is not used for prolonged periods of time, the steering assembly components can get jammed, especially in older cars. Once the car is moving slowly, turn the steering wheel from side to side gently to ensure that it gets all the natural movement that it needs.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="5">
	<li>Wind down the windows: Power window assemblies can get jammed in older cars when they aren’t used for a long time. So, every time you start your car, make sure to roll them&nbsp;down and back up a couple of times to keep them functional.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="6">
	<li>Fill up the tank: In case you aren’t using your car for a month or more, it’s best to brim the tank and use a fuel additive to prevent any moisture build-up in an empty tank. The shelf life of fuel is also about three months in a tank so the additive will help. Otherwise, the moisture build-up can cause rusting of the tank. Of course, ensure that the fuel filler cap and lid are properly closed.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="7">
	<li>Exterior protection: Leaving a car parked outdoors for a prolonged time causes excessive wear of paint, rubber, and plastic parts. If possible, keep the car indoors or wash the car and put a cover on it after the engine cools down to protect the exterior of the car during the COVID-19 lockdown.</li>
</ol>

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<ol start="8">
	<li>Interior cleaning: When a car isn’t being used for a couple of days or more, it’s a must to empty out any trash, wrappers, etc. from the car to protect the interior&nbsp;from acquiring a putrid smell. This also includes wet carpets and foot mats, which can really make the cabin musty.</li>
</ol>

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/tips/maintenance-tips/7-tips-for-driving-maintaining-your-car-this-monsoon/">7 tips for driving &amp; maintaining your car this monsoon</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/tips/driving-tips/tyre-changing-tips-tricks/">Tyre changing tips &amp; tricks</a>

Maintenance tips for vehicles not being used

Car maintenance tips are just for cars that are under constant use, but they also apply to unused vehicles. Here’s a look at a few pointers that will keep your vehicle roadworthy after prolonged times of being unused.

Every year tens of thousands of new drivers jump on the driving seat of vehicles and take on the challenging roads of our country. As easy as it might be to hold the steering wheel and drive around, it has to be said that driving a vehicle is one big responsibility - and when you counter in the fact that our roads kill around 1.5 lakh people yearly, it becomes quite a daunting task as well. &nbsp;So, while you may have got your driving licence issued, it’s very important to keep a couple of things in mind before starting out.

Safety First

First and foremost thing is to be safe. As a thumb-rule, wear seatbelts all the time – irrespective of the fact that the cops are watching or not. Also, encourage fellow passengers to buckle up as well. If you start practising this early on, it’ll become a habit for life.

Know your car

While we all tend to develop an emotional connection with our cars, at the end of the day, the fact remains that they are machines. So, being the person in charge, you should know basic stuff about your vehicle. Know where all the controls are. For instance, you don’t want to be fiddling with the wiper stalk while trying to use the indicators during a lane change manoeuvre. You should know exactly where all the controls are – not only will it be convenient but it won’t distract you while you are behind the wheel.

<img alt="Tips for new drivers 2" src="/uploads/2017/08/Tips-for-new-drivers-2.jpg" style="height:336px; width:642px" />Another thing that you should know is your vehicle behaviour – for example, check the clutch pedal action, brakes and accelerator pedal. Get the feel of the steering. Find the correct driving position, wherein the steering, gear-lever and other controls fall easily in hand. Also, try and get an idea of basic check-up methods – like checking the engine-oil and coolant levels, maintaining correct tyre pressure, etc.

Know your limit

After you are allowed to drive on the road. Take things easily. Observe fellow motorists and pick up good driving traits from them. Of course, you’ll find some idiots who cut lanes, exceed speed limits, honk unnecessarily, jump traffic signals, etc. but try and keep your calm. Most importantly, know your limits. Since you’re relatively new don’t rush into doing things. Don’t go for a narrow gap that you’re uncertain of, don’t drive too fast or too slow, follow lanes, indicate properly and do take a look at important road-signs and what they stand for. You see, even a monkey can drive a car these days. The key is to be a good, safe and confident driver.

Considerate Driving

It’s always good to be courteous to fellow motorists and road users who you share the road with. Follow lanes, indicate well before taking a turn or changing lanes, don’t block the road or park at random places, etc. Allow pedestrians to pass before you, especially senior citizens and children. Always drive carefully and think logically. Also, do remember that public roads are not exactly the place to show your driving skills. Racing or being faster than the next vehicle won’t claim you a seat in Formula 1. So, don’t drive like you own the road.

Overtaking

Overtaking should always be done from the right - at least when you’re driving in India.&nbsp; Of course, you can undertake a vehicle from left but ensure that you warn the driver in front and intimate them that you intend to pass them from the left side. Flashing lights and indicating greatly helps.

Lane Driving

Not following lanes while driving is perhaps the most annoying thing that you do to other road users. There’s a reason why the roads have markings, you know. Follow a single lane and don’t swerve left or right without indicating or not taking note of the vehicle behind. Never change lanes immediately as this can be really dangerous. Also, the right most lane on our highways is for overtaking. So, try not to hog that lane doing 40km/h on a fast expressway.

Eliminate distractions

Don’t be distracted by social media notifications or your phone in general. Also, taking selfies while driving doesn’t make you look cooler in any way, so why put your and other people's lives at risk? Before you set off, make all the adjustments on the stereo, navigation system, etc., so that it doesn’t bother you while you’re doing the important stuff – which, in this case, would be to keep your eyes glued on the road ahead.

Some Pro Tips For New Drivers

Every year tens of thousands of new drivers jump on the driving seat of vehicles and take on the challenging roads of our country. 

The year 2017 is littered with long weekends which one would love to exploit for a quick weekend get away with a quick drive to a nearby destination. Here are seven-essential items that will make your journey much smoother if you go through this simple quick checklist before you hit the road.

Wheel Inspection

Check your tyre tread wear, recent punctures and cracks. Checking your tyre pressure before you set off is a good practice. Make sure you are running on the recommended pressure level recommended by the manufacturer. Driving at high speed will cause the tyres to heat up, which can lead to the tyre pressure to increase. If the life of the rubber of the tyre is not in good nick, it can cause a blowout. Also, check your spare wheel and your replacement kit if they are in working condition. The last thing you need in the middle of nowhere to be stranded due to a puncture.

Wiper Blades &amp; Lights

Inspect the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if required as extreme heat or cold climates can harden the rubber blades. Run a quick check of the head lamps, tail lamps, emergency brake lights and indicators should be done. Replace weak or fused bulbs, and ensure that the lights aren’t foggy/misty before commencing your journey. Checking the life of the car’s battery is usually something most people overlook, a weak battery will not allow all the electrical components of the car to function efficiently.

Rubber hoses

It’s always better to inspect fix leaks from the rubber hoses and pipes before hand, rather than having to fix them in the middle of a road trip. High engine temperature too could be a sign of a leak. To be sure, raise your car and look for oily residue or rust-coloured stains in the underbody and around flexible pipes near the engine. If there are patches or pools of oil in the space that you have parked your car, there is a high probability that there is a leak.

<img alt="road trip check list essentials" src="/uploads/2017/08/road-trip-check-list-essentials.jpg" style="height:336px; width:642px" />

The Essentials

Before hitting the road, make sure you equip yourself with emergency tools and equipment. Carry a spare mobile phone or a power bank, a life hammer, a multi-purpose knife, jump leads if possible, a portable air compressor and a first aid kit.

Stopping Power

Worn out brake pads can lead to a disaster if not detected and partially worn out pads are difficult to notice. Have a mechanic check your brake pads and its life. A lack of bite in the brakes and a judder in the brake pedal upon being pressed are also signs that your brake pads need replacement. Modern cars come with disc brakes, so keep an ear out for squeaking noises when you apply the brakes. If the pads are worn, the squealing noise will be evident as the brake calliper would be rubbing against the brake disc rotor.

Prior Route Mapping

Make a note of the route and plan out your journey before hand and try to have a schedule. GPS devices or smartphone apps are useful and will provide you with the fastest routes to your destination. However, while a route on the app may seem faster, it may not be aware of the condition of the roads. Prior knowledge of alternate route will come in handy in case your primary route gets choked due to some reason.

Road Trip Check List - 7 essentials to consider

The year 2017 is littered with long weekends which one would love to exploit for a quick weekend get away with a quick drive to a nearby destination. Here are seven-essential items that will make your journey much smoother if you go through this simple quick checklist before you hit the road.

The monsoon is here, and with it come a barrage of road accidents and car problems. Slippery roads, open potholes, water logging, and low visibility are only some of the reasons that cause accidents and other issues on the road. Several preventive measures can be taken to make sure that your car is in tip-top condition to brave the monsoon season.
Here are some simple tips and tricks that you can follow:
1. Tires: The tire tread depth needs to be at least 2mm to prevent aquaplaning on wet and slippery roads. The tire pressure should also be inflated up to the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer, as rubber tends to soften in water.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72947" src="/uploads/2016/07/tyre-tread-check.jpg" alt="tyre tread check" width="642" height="336" />
2. Rust: When metal comes in contact with water, it starts to rust, and the part of the car that is most affected and also most ignored is the underbody. You can shield the underside of your car from rust and corrosion by using preventive measures, such as the <a href="http://carcarestores.3mindia.co.in/Our-Services.aspx/Car-Underbody?utm_source=AutoX&amp;utm_medium=Auto&amp;utm_content=Anti-Rust&amp;utm_campaign=Content_Monsoon" rel="nofollow">3M Underbody Treatment</a>, which will help in long term rust and corrosion proofing.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72961" src="/uploads/2016/07/car-underbody.jpg" alt="car underbody" width="642" height="336" />

3. Electrical Check up: An electrical check up is imperative, as all electric connections need to be patched correctly and insulated against the rain to avoid short circuits and shocks. The battery condition should also be checked and petroleum jelly should ideally be used on the terminals.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72939" src="/uploads/2016/07/car-battery-charging.jpg" alt="car battery charging" width="642" height="336" />

4. Brakes: Brake calipers are a crucial part of your car and should be regularly checked and replaced. They should be kept clean and shouldn’t be too tight or loose. During the rains, the brake drums can get wet and reduce braking efficiency. After wading out of water, dry out your brakes by keeping your left foot on the brake pedal while increasing pressure slowly on the throttle with your right foot.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72941" src="/uploads/2016/07/car-disc-brake-servicing.jpg" alt="car disc brake servicing" width="642" height="336" />

5. Wipers &amp; Washers: The wiper blades usually wear out and become useless within a year. They should be replaced before every monsoon season and checked for functionality on all speeds. The washer bottle should always be full and you can even add a mild detergent to keep the windshield clean and oil free.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72948" src="/uploads/2016/07/wipers.jpg" alt="wipers" width="642" height="336" />

6. Driving through water: If you do find yourself driving through water, make sure you don’t let the car stop under any circumstances. Firstly, put the AC off and open some windows and doors to ensure that even if the car shuts down, you can get out safely. Secondly, keep revving the engine to make sure water doesn’t enter the exhaust pipe. Lastly, make sure you never change gears and ensure you are driving at a low gear and at a slow speed.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72944" src="/uploads/2016/07/driving-in-the-rain.jpg" alt="driving in the rain" width="642" height="336" />
7. Regularly clean your car: No matter how careful you try to be, your car will eventually gather dirt, dust and infections – especially in the monsoon, when water can enter through open windows and doors. Unreachable corners, upholstery fabric, ducts and vents often harbor disease-causing microbes that cannot be eliminated with regular cleaning methods, such as a dust cloth with some soap or detergent. Instead, opt for the <a href="http://carcarestores.3mindia.co.in/Our-Services.aspx/Car-Interiors?utm_source=AutoX&amp;utm_medium=Auto&amp;utm_content=germkleen&amp;utm_campaign=Content_Monsoon" rel="nofollow">3M GermKleen</a> treatment, which kills up to 99% of these microbes and removes the toughest stains without causing damage.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72962" src="/uploads/2016/07/car-interior.jpg" alt="car interior" width="642" height="336" />

Additionally, we would suggest keeping an Emergency Kit in your car when you venture out during the monsoon. It should have rope, in case you need to be towed, basic food and medical supplies, and a flashlight in case you get stranded somewhere in the dark.
If you follow these basic and easy steps toward car care, it will go a long way in preparing you for the monsoons and also help prevent a lot of mishaps. Monsoon-proofing your car is absolutely essential and a post monsoon check-up and cleaning with the right tools will ensure any damage caused does not last long.
To give your car a once over click here - <a href="http://carcarestores.3mindia.co.in/Appointment.aspx?utm_source=AutoX&amp;utm_medium=Auto&amp;utm_content=Appointment&amp;utm_campaign=Content_Monsoon" target="_blank">Set up Appointment</a>
<pre>*This is a Sponsored Feature.</pre>

7 tips for driving & maintaining your car this monsoon

The monsoon is here, and with it come a barrage of road accidents and car problems. Slippery roads, open potholes, water logging, and low visibility

The scorching sun can be unforgiving to our cars. It not only heats up the car cabin, but also takes a toll on the engine. Here are some simple ways to beat the heat.
Cars take a severe beating during the summer heat with mechanical parts pushed to the edge of their operating window. No matter how sophisticated the cooling system, it may fail at extremely high temperatures, severely damaging the engine, sometimes leading to complete breakdown.
Under-inflated tyres and dirty air filters are also not recommended in summer months with both being capable of reducing your car’s fuel efficiency. Hence, here are some pointers to keep your car in prime position for the next few months
Use electrostatic sheet
Finding parking in shade isn’t an easy task, especially if you live in a major town or city. So if you are forced to park your car in direct sunlight, make sure you cover all the windows and the windshield with an electrostatic sheet. It’s a simple and efficient method to prevent the interiors of the car from being exposed to direct sunlight.
Rolling tint
On similar lines to the electrostatic sheet, a rolling tint may be fitted on top of the windshield. After your car is parked, simply roll the tint downwards. This will prevent direct sunlight from entering the car from front.
Carry extra coolant, water, emergency kit and a spare tyre
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-52368" src="/uploads/2015/06/tips-maintenance-april-2015-pic2.jpg" alt="Car Cooling Tips for Summer" width="642" height="336" /></a>
Chances of your car breaking down in summers is far higher than in cooler conditions. Therefore, extra coolant, water and emergency supplies always come handy. Tyres are also pushed to the limit in the heat. So make sure you have a spare one in your car’s boot space. Ensure that the spare wheel has correct air pressure as recommended by the automobile manufacturer or as mentioned in the car manual.
Weekly wash
Everyone likes his/her car to look shiny and new. That’s why we wash it at regular intervals. However, little do we know that regular wash prevents the car from damage by sunlight, UV rays, salt, dirt and air pollution. Hence, it is advisable to get your car washed once a week and waxed every six months.
Service your in-car AC
In-car AC needs to be serviced as frequently as its home/office equivalent. With dust and grime protruding the compressor frequently on Indian roads, the need to service the AC becomes all the more important. So before you head out for a long drive or a short trip around the city, make sure the air conditioner is working efficiently.
Check air filter
Air filter is to ensure dust and grime do not enter the engine. Over time, this dust accumulates in the filters and blocks the air passage. Result? Fuel efficiency takes a major dip and the engine gets choked. Therefore, one must regularly get the air filter replaced, especially if you travel frequently on dusty and gravel roads. Always refer to the car guide manual which will tell you exactly when to replace the air filter.
Changing the engine oil
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-52364" src="/uploads/2015/06/tips-maintenance-april-2015-pic6.jpg" alt="Car Cooling Tips for Summer" width="642" height="336" /></a>
In summers, engines require more lubrication than in winter season. Hence, one may switch to a higher viscosity engine oil to better protect the power unit. Synthetic oils are also recommended although they command a premium over conventional engine oils.
Check hoses and belts
Hoses are the weakest component of the cooling system whose failure may result in overheated engine, loss of power steering and loss of electrical charging system. Hence, it must be visually inspected to find cracks and leaks.

Car Cooling Tips for Summer

The scorching sun can be unforgiving to our cars. It not only heats up the car cabin, but also takes a toll on the engine. Here are some simple ways

We know that you all love your cars, but like cars, the tyres are to be loved too. Tyres in good condition translate into better driving experience and road safety as well. Here are some simple tips to ensure prolonged tyre life.

Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, therefore preserving them is important. You can easily do this by regularly checking tyre treads, air pressure and search for any sidewall damage. Following tips will help you maintain your tyres and let you enjoy a pleasurable drive.

CHECK TYRE PRESSURE

Firstly, you must check tyre pressure on a regular basis using a suitable device. Tyre pressure affects almost every facet of the way a car behaves including fuel consumption, emissions, acceleration, braking and cornering. An under-inflated tyre adversely affects driving stability, causes high fuel consumption and may even harm the suspension. Over-inflated tyres aren’t ideal either as they lead to reduced traction and increased tyre wear.

TYRE ROTATION

<img alt="Tyre maintenance" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-52356" height="336" src="/uploads/2015/06/tips-maintenance-pic2.jpg" width="642" /></a>

Tyre rotation refers to moving around the tyres to improve tyre performance and increase their life expectancy. Ideally, tyres should be rotated every 6,000-8,000 km. The pattern of rotation depends on the engine layout. For instance, a front-wheel-drive car is likely to put more load on the front tyres, requiring them to be interchanged with those placed in the rear. As compared to this, four-wheel-drive cars put equal load on each tyre and one may slot any used tyre in place of another.

WASH TYRES AND WHEELS

Slush, debris or other particles may accumulate on the surface of the tyre, causing the rubber to deteriorate prematurely. Therefore, it is advisable to clean the tyres and the wheels in soap water on a regular basis. Avoid using petroleum-based chemicals or other solvents as they may harm the rubber.

CHECK TREAD DEPTHS

Sufficient tread depths is essential for road safety, particularly during winters and the autumn season. Worn tyres are more prone to losing traction in the snow and on wet roads. Uneven tyre wear is also a cause of worry as it indicates the need for suspension repair or wheel alignment. Both of them play a role in extending the tyre life.

SPARE TYRE CHECK

The spare tyre always comes handy in case of emergency. Therefore, it is equally important to keep it in perfect shape. It should be checked for tyre pressure, tyre treads etc.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

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It refers to the measurement of complex suspension angles and the adjustment of a variety of suspension components as per manufacturer’s guidelines. If your car seems to be drifting from one side to another, even if you’re driving straight, it is advisable to get the wheels aligned.

It is slightly complicated but just as necessary for perfect vehicle control and even tyre wear. A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering.

REPAIRS

It is crucial to know when it is okay to have a tyre repaired and when a tyre should be replaced. If a tyre loses its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it is not damaged. Tyres that are run even a short distance while flat are often damaged beyond repair. Most punctures and nail holes can be repaired by trained technicians as long as the damage is confined to the tread. Do not repair any sidewall puncture or tyres with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch. Also, never repair tyres which are worn below 1/16 inch of tread depth.

DAILY CHECK

Every morning before starting the vehicle, check the exterior of your tyre. If the damages exposing the ply cord and/or steel belt are visible, remove the tyre and consult with a tyre specialist. Remove stones or nails which are entrapped in the tread of the tyre.

How To Maintain Your Car Tyres

We know that you all love your cars, but like cars, the tyres are to be loved too. Tyres in good condition translate into better driving experience

Dashboard lights tell the driver the car’s status and potential mechanical problems. Therefore, it’s important to know what these warning lights mean. Modern cars are equipped with a string of sensors to monitor how your car is behaving. If any of these sensors detect a mechanical or electronic problem with the car, the corresponding dashboard light illuminates to warn you about the same. It is important for every motorist to have a thorough understanding of each and every warning light on his car’s dashboard. This lets you know whether the problem requires immediate attention or whether you can continue your journey and visit a mechanic later in the day. You must also be aware that warning lights may be specific to each car model. Therefore, it is always helpful to go through the car’s handbook before turning the keys of your car. It is normal for these lights to illuminate briefly when the vehicle is started. However, if they continue to flash, a serious problem might be on its way. One should never ignore these warning lights or take them lightly. ECU/Engine This light illuminates when the sensor detects a malfunction with the engine management system. It is usually accompanied by loss of power as the car switches to safe mode to prevent serious damage. It is advisable to stop the car immediately, at the side of the road, and call a mechanic to avoid any damage to the catalytic converter. If the light is blinking, this indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system. If this occurs, you should reduce power and have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Oil pressure This light indicates a loss in oil pressure and requires the engine to be switched off immediately to avoid significant damage to the core part of the car. Even the oil level is found to be correct in manual checks, it is advisable that you get the car repaired by a mechanic instead of assuming that the sensor is faulty. Oil is what lubricates your engine, with the oil pump used to spray the fluid to all corners of your engine. If temperatures get too high or low or oil pressure drops, the effectiveness of the lubrication can be reduced or lost all together. Battery charge This light indicates that the car is not charging its battery and is likely to run out of electrical power soon. There are a number of reasons for the alternator failing to charge the battery: 1) The alternator may itself be faulty 2) The battery may have developed a fault and requires repair/replacement 3) The cabling may be damaged 4) The alternator drive belt may be loose. This can turn out to be a serious problem as many other systems rely on the belt such as the engine coolant pump, or power steering. Therefore, park your car at the side of the road and call a reliable mechanic. Power steering The power steering warning light will illuminate if the fluid levels are low or if there is a fault within the system. While it is possible to safely the drive the car without the power steering, the steering will become heavy and affect the driveability of the car. Brake system The brake warning light illuminates when the handbrake is applied and switches off once it is released. Illumination after releasing the handbrake may indicate low brake fluid level. If the brake fluid is found to be too low and the brake pedal is distinctly longer than usual, one of the two hydraulic brake circuits may have failed. This is also relevant for vehicles with the anti-lock brake system as it also uses some of the service brake hydraulic components to operate. If the red brake light comes on and stays on, there is a serious problem. Airbag Airbags can reduce driver deaths in the event of a side impact crash by 40% , according to a research conducted in the US. A faulty airbag may not go off at all in a crash or deploy when you least expect it, giving the driver a nasty shock. Hence, whenever one’s dashboard indicates a possible fault in the airbag, it is advisable to visit an authorised repair shop. Coolant Engine overheating can cause fatal damage to the car. Possible reasons for rise in temperature above the optimum level could be blockage or leaking within the engine coolant system, or simply insufficient coolant. If the corresponding light illuminates, pull over the car to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Check the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet.

Decrypting dashboard warning lights

Dashboard lights tell the driver the car’s status and potential mechanical problems. Therefore, it’s important to know what these warning lights

Maintenance Tips