Cut motoring costs by giving your car some TLC
The lasting effects of the recession and resulting tough economic climate means many motorists are continuing to look for ways to cut costs. Mondial Assistance in the UK, a leading roadside assistance provider, is helping drivers achieve these goals by offering advice on improving fuel efficiency and reliability through regular DIY checks on their cars.
“The rising cost of fuel and the impact of the recent recession combined with a continuing focus on greener motoring, means many motorists are more concerned than ever about reducing waste and getting the best from their current vehicle,” says Lee Taylor, Automotive Director at Mondial Assistance in the UK. “The latest SMMT figures reveal that whilst 2010 has so far seen a recovery of new car registrations, numbers have fallen over the past two years. There are also more cars between three and six years old, than any other age, illustrating that people are holding onto their vehicles for longer. As a car gets older, owners need to make sure they take care of it with regular checks and simple maintenance.
“Mondial Assistance deals with thousands of UK and pan-European vehicle breakdowns every month, many of which could be avoided. Flat batteries, overheating, punctures and filling up with petrol instead of diesel are some of the most common reasons for assistance requests, but simple car care can reduce the risk of breakdowns caused by many of these.”
Most new or nearly new cars will be covered by roadside assistance as part of the original purchase package however, in most cases if the car is older than 3 years of age, owners should look to extend their manufacturer roadside assistance scheme / warranty cover or alternatively take out an independent policy. The vast majority of manufacturer extended warranty schemes include roadside assistance and provide a very high level of protection against expensive repair bills whilst providing expert support in the event of a breakdown, including alternative transport options for up to 48 hrs whilst their vehicle is repaired.
Lee Taylor concludes, “While roadside assistance is essential for those motoring emergencies, we see many incidents that could be avoided with a little care and regular checks. Our simple car care guide offers motorists some easy steps to help spot potential problems early and keep cars running smoother for longer.”
Mondial Assistance’s Car Care Guide:
Battery – check connections and fluid levels, particularly on older vehicles
Punctures – check tyre pressures and condition fortnightly, especially after hitting a kerb or pothole and ensure the spare wheel, jack and wheel removal tools are in good condition. Optimum tyre pressure as listed in the handbook will increase fuel efficiency. Tread depth should ideally be at 2mm or more.
Engine oil – check the level every fortnight and before any long journey. Also, ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly. High oil consumption needs to be investigated, as it could highlight a bigger problem.
Engine coolant – check the level regularly, when the engine is cold. Any consumption could be an early warning sign of potential problems and inefficiencies.
Fuel – never let the fuel gauge drop too low and fill up completely before a long journey to prevent you being caught out. Getting distracted and inadvertently filling with the wrong fuel could result in costly repair bills, so please pay attention!