Caring for Your Car
Most breakdown organisations will tell you that the majority of problems they encounter could have been avoided by following a simple programme of routine maintenance and repair. Looking after your vehicle properly can add up to greater performance, fuel economy and driving safety.
Here are a few of the basics:
Regular checks you should perform in between services
Fluid checks
Be sure to check your oil every couple of weeks (and remember to make sure the vehicle is on level ground when you do it!). Your engine will work most efficiently when filled to the dip-stick 'Max' level with oil. Take care not to overfill it and ensure it does not fall below the 'Min' level. Please make sure that the correct type of oil is used, Opel recommends the use of fully synthetic oil for its vehicles. If in doubt please contact your local Opel Network Q dealer.
Ensure the wiper jets are correctly aimed and that the washer bottle is full, with the appropriate concentration of screen wash mix. More concentrate will be required in winter to help prevent freezing. And it's always worth checking your wiper blades for signs of cracking - it's much better to notice the cracks in your wipers while stationary on your driveway, rather than in the fast lane of a motorway during a rainstorm!
Tyre pressures
You'll find information on the correct pressures in your service handbook. Remember, correctly inflated tyres can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle, while under-inflated tyres can actually increase fuel consumption by a few percent. For a true tyre pressure reading, check the tyres when cold, after your vehicle has been stationary for a few hours.
Tyre tread
The legal level for tyre tread is 1.6mm, taken at 3 points across 3/4 of the width of the tyre. An illegal tyre is liable to a fine and you may be liable for penalty points for each defective tyre.
Independent research indicates that one in ten cars is currently driven with a tread depth at or below the legal limit. This is not only illegal but highly dangerous, especially in the wet, where braking distances can be 52% greater than the equivalent tyre with a full 8mm of tread. If you have not checked your own tyres recently, it is certainly worth doing. Alternatively, pop in to see your local Opel Network Q dealer and they can do it for you.
Other Tips:
Battery Care
Car batteries are affected by the cold weather, reducing their efficiency and therefore the power available. In addition, the ever increasing number of electrical items that draw power from the battery and the almost constant use of headlights in the winter increase the risk of the battery becoming drained. If the charge warning light comes on, or the battery seems sluggish on starting, get it checked as soon as possible by your local Opel Network Q dealer. They can test the battery strength to make sure it needs charging or definitely replacing so that you don't spend your money needlessly.
Fuel Economy
Smooth, gradual acceleration helps increase your miles to the gallon, while rapid starts waste fuel. And try to maintain a steady speed - fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 60mph. Finally, if you have a manual transmission, shifting into high gear as soon as possible, without straining the engine this helps reduce drag and could use less fuel.
For further help or advice
Of course, your Opel Network Q dealer is always on hand to help and provide advice. If you have any problems or need a simple check in between your normal service routine, ask your dealer if they have a 'Summer' or 'Winter Check' on offer. By understanding the different extremes that summer and winter can place on the car, your local Opel Network Q dealer will check specific aspects of the vehicle to give you the added reassurance that your car will remain trouble-free and a pleasure to drive.
If in doubt about the health of your car all authorised Opel Repairers offer a Visual Health Check on your vehicle - why not ask your local Opel Network Q dealer for a check today!
