Tips on How to Maintain Your New Car

A new car is a significant investment, so you will want to keep it looking its best and running smoothly. Here are a few things you can do to keep your investment in tip-top condition.

Keep a close eye on your engine oil and fluids
A new car engine will be a little 'tight' for the first few hundred kilometres. That means it's essential to ensure that your engine oil is at the correct level and is the right grade for your engine to reduce friction. Your dealer will be able to advise you on the best engine oil to use in your car to provide optimum performance and the correct lubrication. You'll also need to make sure other fluids, such as coolant levels in your radiator, are at the proper levels.

Keep it clean
A new car sitting on your driveway is your pride and joy, so naturally you'll want to make sure it's looking its best. But keeping your car clean (both inside and out) will also help preserve the paintwork and the quality of the interior. Regular washing and wax polishing will help protect the surface of your car from the effects of the sun's UV rays, preventing fading or peeling. It also gives you the chance to inspect every inch of your vehicle weekly so you can spot any issues early on. Cleaning your car's interior not only makes it a more pleasant environment for the driver and passengers, but it can also make a big difference to its resale value.

Check your tyres regularly
The correct tyre pressure isn't just an important safety issue. It also has a big influence on the fuel consumption of your car. A regular weekly inspection will give you an early indication of any problems such as cracks or damage to the sidewalls, worn tread, or incorrect inflation.

Park it in the shade
The sun in the UAE can be particularly harsh on a car’s exterior. The high UV levels can damage the paint causing it to fade, crack or peel. This will devalue your car and make it harder to sell. The desert sand and dust can also have a scouring effect on paint, and if you're close to the coast, the salt in the sea breeze will damage paintwork very quickly. Try to keep your new car parked in a shady spot, preferably in a garage or underground car park.

Don’t miss your services
You need to make sure that you put your car in for minor and major services on time. This will keep your vehicle running smoothly, but it may also be a condition of your warranty. Your dealer will notify you when your services are due (usually 10,000km for the first major service).

Don’t smoke or eat in your car
Try not to smoke or eat in your car. The smell of cigarette smoke will be challenging to remove from your upholstery and will affect the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it on. Likewise, food, especially greasy food, can stain the upholstery. These stains can be tough to shift, particularly from light-coloured seat covers.

If you’ve bought a new car and want to know how to look after it, talk to the team at Al-Futtaim Lexus, who will be happy to give you advice and tips on keeping your new car in pristine condition.