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When it comes to being safe on our roads, ensuring you’re driving a properly-maintained vehicle is paramount, according to Inwood Motors’ owner David Aldwinckle.
Though there are numerous factors which combine to reduce the road toll and and reduce injury from car accidents, being behind the wheel of a mechanically safe vehicle is crucial.
Mr Aldwinckle has been a mechanic for nearly four decades and believes that properly maintaining your car can help save time, money and lives.
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To ensure that your vehicle is in the best condition to help keep you and your family safe on the road, here are some points to remember:
Regular servicing: “My rule of thumb is to always have your vehicle serviced by a professional mechanic at least every 10,000 kilometres,” Mr Aldwinckle, an NRMA authorised repairer explained.
“Many things can go wrong with a car and, unfortunately, you won’t notice until you are in real trouble. So, it pays to check your car regularly.
“Every 10,000kms, we put the car up on the hoist and and give it a good going over – it is the safest thing to do.”
And prevention is better than cure – even when it comes to your car – Mr Aldwinckle said.
“Some cars haven’t seen a service for years and people bring it in for a rego check. By that time it is too late – it may need a lot of expensive work done to get it back on the road,” he said.
“And that is at the worst possible time for the owner, when registration and insurance is due. On top of that they are looking at a decent sized bill to get it up and serviceable again.
“Regular servicing means your mechanic can keep on top of issues and hopefully, stop them from becoming major.”
Tyres: You do not want to be at greater risk of sliding across roads, especially if they are icy or wet.
Mr Aldwinckle recommends checking your tyres’ tread and air pressure so you maximise your car’s grip – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre.
“Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month,” he said. “Though pressures levels vary, a good, safe guide is to have them inflated to 30 PSI, but check your car's plaque (usually on the inside of driver’s door).
“Tyres tend to lose air over time, and especially if you happen to hit a few potholes.”
Suspension: “If you car seems to be overly ‘bouncy’ and is lurching over bumps, well, that’s a good indication that your suspension is loose and needs attention,” he said.
This type of behaviour could mean your shock absorbers are worn and may warrant replacement.
Steering: Too much “free play” in the steering could see you veering all over the place and can also contribute to issues with your tyres, Mr Aldwinckle explained.