New car maintenance: You’ll need to put in the hours (or dollars) to keep your new ride in tip-top condition.
You’ve just collected your brand-new car, taken a few photos and driven it home.
By the looks of it, you might be thinking, “I don’t have to do anything to my new car yet.”
However, if you’re a first-time owner of a brand-new car who wants to keep their car in tip-top shape, follow these tips.
NEW CAR MAINTENANCE TIP #1: RUN-IN OR BREAK-IN YOUR CAR
New car maintenance starts during the break-in or running-in period of your car.
The break-in period typically lasts for 1000km. During this time, you should be very gentle with your car.
Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to speed and revs.
Cars should not be driven at constant speeds during this time, and revving the engine past certain rpms is also a no-no.
Your brakes and tyres will also need time to be “seasoned” or bedded in.
NEW CAR MAINTENANCE TIP #2: FOLLOW THE OIL-CHANGE INTERVALS!
Some car brands require an oil change after the car has done its first 1000km.
Your car might seem “fine”, but if the manufacturer says the engine needs it, you should get it done.
There is a reason for the carmaker to recommend an oil change at this point. Unless you are an engineer who actually knows better, just follow the recommendation.
No point in saving some money now, only to pay more later because of added wear and tear.
NEW CAR MAINTENANCE TIP #3: GROOM YOUR CAR
Yes, your brand-new ride looks very shiny because the dealer probably did a bit of detailing and used some products.
But, if you call yourself a detailing enthusiast, you know this is not enough. If you’ve ever seen what cars look like after they’ve been unloaded from a ship, you’ll know what I mean.
Let’s not forget that ex-stock (existing stock) cars usually sit in warehouses gathering dust, too.
So if you want your paintwork to look spotless and glossy, you’ve got to do a proper detailing job (or send your car to a professional outfit).
Wash, clay and polish your car (yes, even if it is new). Apply wax or sealant when this is done, so that you lock in the finish.
You can also go the high-tech route by sending your car to get a ceramic coating.
