ABC to keep your vehicle like new

Starting the year with the car in optimal conditions should be a priority to avoid future damage and high repair costs. Bladimir Vásquez, national manager of Teojama Comercial Services, says that the abc consists of a global review of the vehicle, which depends on the years of use of the car and the maintenance tables, which are the reference used by the technicians to determine its status, including items that need to be checked and those that need to be changed to ensure proper performance.

Danny Álvarez, national head of Renault Service, recommends carrying out preventive maintenance every 5,000 km, this will allow the vehicle’s wear elements to always be verified by an expert.

Fabricio Jácome, after-sales director of Kia Ecuador, mentions that there are ten most important points that drivers should review in their vehicles periodically to guarantee their safety and extend the useful life of vehicles.

tires

They are essential for the correct and safe operation of the vehicle. A carving with a minimum height of 1.6 mm must be maintained; with a lower height, the tires are more prone to malfunction. Esteban Arboleda, a service engineer for GM OBB in Ecuador, says that according to Ecuadorian law, carving less than this measure on vehicles that are circulating is punishable by jail time.

Alignment / balancing / rotation of tires

Jácome explains that wheel alignment and balance help maintain vehicle stability and prolong tire life. “If the alignment is not correct, abnormal tire wear will occur. If the balance is not correct, unnecessary vibrations may be experienced while driving. The wheels must be aligned, balanced and rotated every 10,000 km”.

Suspension

Vásquez mentions that the verification of this system is important, since it favors the stability of the vehicle and prevents abnormal tire wear. The malfunction of this can be identified when there is strange behavior during curves or there is heavy braking. Also if blows or noises are heard when going through potholes.

Filters

Arboleda indicates that the fuel, lubricant and air filters are essential for the proper functioning of the vehicle, while the cabin filters ensure the comfort and health of the occupants. The engine lubricant filter must be checked or replaced every 5,000 km or 10,000 km depending on the distance established for each vehicle maintenance plan. Meanwhile, for the rest it is important to carry out the revisions at least once a year.

Lubricant

Álvarez mentions that it is recommended to carry out oil changes every 5,000km to ensure that the internal parts of the engine are always well lubricated and the oil does not lose the properties that allow the engine to extend its useful life for as long as possible.

Refrigerant

Arboleda explains that its function is to maintain the internal components of the engine at normal operating temperatures, below 100 ° C, and to cause significant damage to the engine components. The engine coolant level must be checked periodically by the owner and replacement must be carried out in routine preventive maintenance, approximately at 40,000 km or every two years.

Battery

It is an important element in the operation of the vehicle’s electrical system and its preventive review is essential, when periodic preventive maintenance is carried out in an authorized workshop. Alvarez says it’s not enough to just measure the battery’s voltage, since this measurement doesn’t specifically determine if it’s in good condition and how much life it has left. “The best measure that can be taken for the battery is the starting capacity that it still has, this measure is carried out with specialized equipment that dealers or authorized workshops have.”

Brakes

The braking system is essential for the operation of the vehicle and a safety package for it. Arboleda states that correct operation ensures a solid reaction of the vehicle to the driver’s requirements, especially during emergency events. “It is essential to ensure proper function and proper fluid levels for this system. It is recommended to check the brake system at each maintenance, and if possible check the brake fluid level by the vehicle owner before each trip.

wiper blades

Jácome points out that the statistics show that 90% of driving decisions are based on what can be seen. “Bad wiper blades affect visibility when driving the vehicle and can compromise safety. It is important that they are in good condition and working properly.” It is recommended to inspect them frequently and replace them at the beginning of the rainy season.

Bodywork

Jácome indicates that the accumulation of soot, tree sap, bird droppings and dead insects can cause certain acids to seep into the vehicle’s paint and affect its appearance. “It is advisable to wash the exterior bodywork in a shady place, out of the hot sun with liquid car soap and apply a coat of wax at least once a month.” Vásquez adds that scratches, dents or dents should be repaired. This will improve the appearance of the vehicle and show off a model in perfect condition, regardless of the year of the car. In addition, it will prevent the rust from reaching the depths of the metal and the problem may be greater.