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Keep your motoring costs down.

It is difficult to avoid rip-off’s in the motor trade, but if you follow these tips it could possibly save you a little cash.

Fuel Injection.
Most cars sold today have fuel injection, after a time this can give a problem in that rough running and a misfire appears on start-up, after a few seconds running, problem disappears. This could mean fuel system is getting gummed up with harmfull deposits in the petrol. Taking your car to the dealer with this malady can leave you wide open to being conned to have spark plugs replaced, at the very least. (Modern spark plugs last for up to 40,000 miles.)
Adding an additive to the fuel twice a year can alleviate this; Additives can be purchased cheaply at most accessory shops. This is marketed as “Fuel and Injector Cleaner” simply adding contents to fuel tank every six months or so will clean and restore injector system.

Diesel Engine Vehicles.
Diesel cars and vans can also have this problem but is less noticeable; A special additive can also be used on these engine types. This is added to every tank-full of fuel to maintain optimum economy and performance.
An alternative is to drive your vehicle with the pedal to the metal, this could have the same effect.

Maintaining your own car.
The private car owner can help to save on garage costs by carrying out minor jobs his or her self.
Familiarise yourself with under bonnet layout and check and top up coolant and engine oil weekly, brake fluid should also be checked.
Checking your battery is another easy task, most batteries fitted to cars today are sealed and topping up is not usually necessary. You can check terminals for tightness or corrosion.
If corrosion is a problem, this should be cleaned off and anti corrosion washers fitted, followed by anti corrosion compound or vaseline will do the job cheaply.
A little oil or grease on door hinges and locks will lenghthen life and will save money, wipe off excess to avoid marking clothing. Oiling door locks on cars without central locking, can help to stop them freezing, but make sure the ignition lock is not oiled, this could ruin lock.
It is a legal requirement to make sure that tyre pressures are kept to your carmakers recommendations. Tyres that are under inflated can make your car dangerous to drive, and cause rapid tyre wear. If the tyre is over-inflated this can also cause handling problems and costly tyre wear. It is a simple matter to check tyre pressure when filling tank up, otherwise invest in a small compressor that plugs into cigarette lighter socket to easily do this. Keep an eye on tyre wear, any uneven wear could be a sign of misalignment.
All car owners should spend a little time studying cars handbook, this will give information regarding tyre pressures, also types of tyre fitted to your vehicle.
Dont forget to check spare tyre is inflated to at least 35lb. also familiar yourself with jack operation and tools to change wheel should you ever have a puncture.

Changing Bulbs.
Another easy job every car owner should be able to do is replace bulbs. The first bulb that will go is the stop light. The stoplights should be checked every week, either with help of a friend or by reversing close to a wall to check reflection. Both the stoplights are legally required to be working, as are all lights fitted to your car. Check your handbook to make sure you fit identical replacement.

Washers and wipers.
A weekly check should be made of level in screenwasher reservoir, and should be topped up with a proprietary screenwash fluid, clean water can be used but remember in winter it will freeze. Make sure washer nozzles are kept clear.
Keep a close check on wiper blades as these will deteriorate over time, do not forget to check rear wiper blade. A worn blade can scratch screen and make a costly MOT failure.