Protect your cooling system ... Cooling system protection is one of the least understood aspects of vehicle maintenance. It is also one of the most critical if an engine is to provide long-term trouble-free operation. details
Changing the oil filter
The easiest and most beneficial maintanance item an owner can undertake is to change the engine oil and filter every 5,000kms or 3 months, (or 10,000kms or 6 months for later model vehicles). Your engine and the environment will thankyou.
Proper care of your tyres not only increases safety, it can also save you money... details
Storing a car for up to 12 months
Storing a car for up to 12 months ... do the following to minimise engine corrosion. Have someone drive the car once a month. Otherwise have the drive-wheels jacked up off the ground and run the engine at average revs for fifteen or so minutes, monthly.
A handy tip on how to get rid of windscreen film. details
Gears crunching?
Gears crunching? ... If it's difficult to get your car in gear or there's crunching, the synchromesh could be out of alignment, or a gear itself, could be damaged. See your local Repco Authorised Repairer for advice.
Ballpoint pen stains ... If you need to remove ballpoint pen stains try this mixture which should help. details
Where to check for rust
Where to check for rust ... If buying a used car, look for rust in the following places: under floor mats, under carpets, inside boot wells, doorsills, door panels, as well as under the vehicle.
Clean Alloy Rims ... To clean alloy rims mix some dishwashing liquid with warm water. details
Keep your air conditioner longer
Keep your air conditioner longer ... Run the car's air-conditioning for a good ten minutes each week, even in winter. This prevents the refrigerant from leaking out.
Tyre tips ... At 120 km/h, your tyres will wear out twice as fast as when you drive at 70 km/h. details
Removing marks on cloth seats
Removing marks on cloth seats ... First try to absorb as much as possible. Sponge or spray with dry-cleaning fluid. Apply warm water and vinegar. Rinse with water. Keep repeating until the stain is gone. Blot dry.
Clean batteries
Clean batteries ... One way to remove corrosion from battery terminals is to wash them with a mixture of baking soda and water.
Correct tyre pressure ... If you car handles in a heavy, sluggish manner, chances are your tyres are under-inflated. details
Removing tar from paintwork
Removing tar from paintwork ... Try margarine over the tar marks, leave for a couple of hours, then wipe off with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary.
Save the environment
Save the environment ... Around 13% of cars produce approximately half the car pollution. The majority of these are probably old, and poorly maintained vehicles. Maintaining your car maintains the environment and saves you money in reduced fuel bills.
Removing rego stickers ... Instead of using razor blades there are other ways of removing old rego stickers. details
Cleaning car chrome
Cleaning car chrome ... To prevent rust, polish with methylated spirits, then rub on petroleum jelly for a lustrous shine. Alternatively, rub on plain flour, then polish with a soft cloth.
Is your tyre leaking?
Is your tyre leaking? ... Check by placing a little saliva on the valve. If it bubbles, you have a leak.
Removing tar marks on the duco
Removing tar marks on the duco ... A cloth moistened with eucalyptus oil will remove those unsightly tar marks. If the tar marks cover a large area, dilute one part oil with four parts of kerosene or petrol.