Essential Car Maintenance Tips from a Sydney Mechanic
Talal Almasri, a 42-year-old mobile mechanic based in Sydney, has spent 15 years working on vehicles and has witnessed numerous common mistakes made by drivers. His insights offer valuable guidance for maintaining a car’s performance and longevity.
Understanding Fuel Management
One of the most critical aspects of car care is fuel management. Almasri emphasizes that drivers should not let their fuel tanks drop below a quarter full. “All the dirt at the bottom of the fuel tank will go through the system and cause damage to the fuel pump,” he explained. This dirt often comes from low-quality fuels such as E10 and Unleaded 91.
“Filling up with 91 might be cheaper, but you won’t get the same kilometers as you would with Unleaded 98,” Almasri said. He suggested that drivers can occasionally switch to higher-quality fuel to clean out the system. However, he warned against relying on the estimated range displayed on the dashboard. “Your car might say you have 50km left, but you could break down before that,” he added.
Sticking to Regular Servicing
Maintaining a consistent service schedule is another crucial factor in keeping a vehicle in good condition. Almasri stressed that servicing every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, is essential. “If you do a long-distance drive around Australia and cover 10,000km in a week, you need to change the oil in that week because you’ve reached the 10,000km mark,” he explained. Even if a car is used infrequently, it should still be serviced every six months to prevent oil from becoming old and sludgy.
Almasri warned that delaying service can lead to costly repairs. “There’s no safe amount of time to leave a service after it’s due. The more you wait, the more at risk you are of engine failure,” he said. Sludge buildup from old oil can severely impact engine performance and lead to expensive fixes.
Proper Warm-Up for Cold Weather
In colder months, Almasri advised drivers to allow their engines to warm up before driving. “You should let your engine warm up because the oil needs to lubricate the motor,” he said. Jumping into a quick acceleration without warming up can wear down the pistons inside the engine.
Tyre Maintenance: A Common Oversight
Many drivers neglect proper tyre maintenance, which can affect both fuel efficiency and safety. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can cause uneven wear and reduce fuel economy. Almasri pointed out that some drivers rely on outdated numbers printed on their tyres instead of following the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Additionally, failing to rotate tires regularly and check alignment can lead to handling issues and damage to the suspension system. Proper tyre care is essential for both safety and performance.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Car
Finally, Almasri highlighted the importance of keeping a car clean, especially in areas where road salt and grime are common. “Dirt, road salt, and grime buildup can cause rust, particularly in the undercarriage and wheel wells,” he said. Long-term corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and affect critical components like brake lines and the exhaust system.
By following these tips, drivers can significantly extend the life of their vehicles and avoid unnecessary breakdowns and repairs. Whether it’s managing fuel levels, sticking to service schedules, warming up the engine, maintaining tyres, or keeping the car clean, each step plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience.
