Vehicle Maintenance
Give your Hyundai the love and care it deserves, and in return it will perform and keep you safe on the road. Believe it or not, regular car maintenance will save you money, and keep your car at its best in between services.
Below are some tips on how you can keep your pride and joy, running at its best.
Engine Coolant
Coolant levels should be checked weekly.If coolant is required, only use the one that is specified in your log book and clean fresh water.
Don’t top up past the maximum level that is specified.If you notice that it needs to be topped up frequently this could indicate a leak somewhere so see your dealer.
Air Conditioning
When your car’s air conditioning system is running you may notice a decrease in engine performance and an increase in fuel consumption.Switch the air conditioning on at least once every two weeks, even in winter as this helps to lubricate the components inside.If you hear a slight hissing inside the cabin when the air conditioning unit is turned off this is normal.If you notice that the air conditioner is not running as well as it used to it may need to be reconditioned so make an appointment to see your dealer or a licensed air conditioning technician.
Tyres
Tyre pressure needs to be checked weekly (including the spare).Correct tyre pressure increases the life of your tyres and reduces fuel consumption.Use the tyre pressure sticker located on your car or refer to owner’s manual.Driving on a flat tyre for longer than is necessary to find somewhere to stop could damage the tyre and rim.Look out for:Uneven wearing or wire showing.Tyres are worn down to show the depth indicator that 1.5mm of thread is left.Splits, cuts, slices or cracks in tyre wall.If there is a bulge or bump in tyre.If tyre has a nail or any other foreign object – do not remove, take to service centre.Regular rotation of tyres will prolong their life.
Wheel Alignment
Regular wheel alignments are important to avoid unnecessary tyre wearing.Ensuring your wheels are in alignment will also help your vehicle to handle better on the road.
Oil
Oil should be checked weekly.Be sure to check the oil when the engine is warm.Make sure vehicle is on a flat surface when checking oil.After you have stopped driving wait a few minutes before checking oil.Only use the oil that is specified in your owner’s manual according the manufacturer’s instructions.Do not use supplemental oil additives and follow the directions in your log book to avoid warranty issues.
Brakes
Over time, brake fluid will deteriorate as it absorbs moisture from the air and heat from the braking system.With time and use the brake fluid becomes contaminated which if not changed regularly could corrode the brake system components.Regular changing of brake fluid will help to flush out the brake system and avoid corrosion from contamination.Contact your dealer:your brake pedal feels ‘spongy’.you have to push your break down almost to the floor before the brakes kick in.the brake fluid is leaking, discoloured or has a burnt odour.your bakes are seizing or the car is pulling to one side.there are pulsing vibrations while pushing brake pedal.you hear an abnormal grinding noise.
Contact your dealer:If your steering wheel seems off centre.If the car pulls to either side while driving.If there is uneven tyre wearing.If there is abnormal squealing from tyres when taking corners.