A person could think of a German car as an investment. It is a purchase that will enhance an individual’s prestige, announce to the world that he or she is successful in business, and also hint that the driver has very good taste in automobiles. German cars are easily recognized as the best manufacturers of cars on the road. From BMW to Audi to Benz to Porshe just to name a few. They are not a cheap vehicles at all. A brand-new cha-cha tear-rubber German vehicle will cost tens of thousands of dollars(millions in Naira) and it is important to think of those ways that will increase the life of the car, or extend the investment if you will. Here are some basic tips on auto maintenance for them.

Body

A real simple tip is to keep it in the shade. The rays of the sun can fade the paint job and if it’s not possible to park it in a garage or under a tree, a car cover can be used so the paint job is kept fresh and shiny. The paint job is susceptible to the wear and tear that slush or grime will produce. This is why washing the car often is a very good maintenance idea. It also allows you to notice whether rust is starting to develop so that can be taken care of. Waxing the car also helps protect the paint from various corrosive such as bird droppings.

Brakes

The brakes ought to be inspected on a routine basis, and any defects such as worn pads or excessive grooves in the brake drums will require that maintenance has to be done to replace them. The electrical system of the car ought to be checked by a master mechanic who is familiar with the electrical systems, and not somebody who is involved in just routine repair of cars.

Transmission

The transmission is a critical component underneath the hood. It should be given service when the mileage is between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. The transmission should definitely be serviced after five years of operation. The transmission fluid ought to be inspected every time service work is done on the car. Other fluids are important in maintenance. Newer models will use synthetic oil which requires periodic changing. The coolant level of the engine is an important to prevent any overheating. If there is any noticeable drop in the coolant level a mechanic should be asked to take a look to see what the problem might be. The brake fluid level should be something examined and replaced approximately every 20,000 miles. Air filters should be replaced at 40,000 mile mark.

Ordinary Maintenance Work

Some of this is service work is done at the time of a tune-up or regular inspection. Something that the owner of a German car can do a routine basis is use gasoline has the right octane rating for the car(we nor dey bother to check octane rating for filling station). Mercedes, Audi, BMW etc are European models, and the octane ratings of European cars are different than those of American vehicles. It is a good idea to consult the owner’s manual to find out what octane rating is best for your German car, and use gasoline that fits that. The benefit is fewer problems with the engine itself.

Tires

A very easy maintenance job is seeing to it that the tires have the proper amount of air pressure in them. It is a small thing, but poor air pressure can affect the alignment of the car and have an impact on the brake system as well. It doesn’t take much to check the pressure and air gauge so please ensure you do that regularly.

None of the above tips should be considered annoying chores. Taken as a whole these pointers help the owner maintain a fantastic car for many years. These aren’t meant to be discarded after eight or nine years of use; more than 10 years is achievable. The owner in the short-term should remember that this beautiful car costs a fair amount of money in order to get. The little maintenance chores will extend the life of the family jewel for years longer than ordinary. They are certainly worth all the effort expended, and whatever costs that may be incurred to keep your German car running like it just came off the assembly line.

Thanks for reading.

Source: Procarmechanics