As with any mechanical item, it is important that you take care of it in order to optimise its lifespan and maintain its value. Here are a few tips to help you on your way. Regular servicing, make sure your car is serviced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. Tyre pressure and alignment, one of the biggest influencing factors of fuel economy is the condition of your tyres, keep them correctly inflated at all times. Cambelt replacement, make sure you always replace your cambelt in alignment with the manufacturer's recommendations. Failure to do this can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle. Keep your bodywork clean, remove bird droppings & dirt from your paint work as soon as they appear, the acid in these can erode the paint and leave the metal exposed which may start to rust. Keep your windscreen clear and chip free, windscreen wipers are made of rubber which will eventually perish. Without them your view of the road can be impaired. All windscreen chips should be treated straight away before they turn into a cracked windscreen which needs replacing. Check your lights regularly and keep a spare set of bulbs in the boot just in case of emergencies.

If you want to avoid sticking to your leather seats in a long hot traffic jam this summer, and demist your windows at the flick of a switch in winter, you'll need to understand how to effectively maintain your car's air conditioning system. Car air conditioning works like your fridge at home, cooling the air with a refrigerant gas and then circulating it through your car. It's tempting on hot days to open the windows for an extra blast of cold air, but if your windows are open while your air con is on, you're wasting fuel by pumping cooled air into the outside. Recharge regularly, as with oil and other liquids in your vehicle, the coolant used by the air con system needs to be regularly topped up (known as a recharge or re-gas). If the level gets too low, the coolant has to be drained and replenished. Most manufacturers recommend a recharge every two years, but check your vehicle's handbook for details for your car. We can recharge your air con and will check for leaks as part of the service. They'll also lubricate all the moving parts to extend the longevity of the system. Dust and liquid build up in the air conditioning system over time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria which can eventually start to smell. As well as keeping the inside of your car dirt and dust-free with regular cleaning and vacuuming, you should also replace the pollen filter too.