NOTHING could be worse than a car that stalls in the middle of the road and refuses to start. Sometimes the reason could be as simple as an empty gas tank, but often a stalled engine is a symptom of something deeper, most likely from the result of neglect. Avoiding the inconvenience and high cost that come with repairs and labor all boils down to regular car maintenance. In short, you need to take better care of your car. We asked car enthusiasts who read SunStar Cebu for essential car care tips to keep your automobile in top shape.
Luis Sayson
Official Team Driver
iKustomz Motorsports
Always check the basics. An engine runs on three most important basic factors: petrol, air and spark. Make sure these three are okay. Then your engine is fine. Also frequently follow the maintenance schedule to ensure your car is always in top shape and is safe to drive.”
Gustavo Fidel Uy
Writer Digital Marketing
Smartgroup Enterprises
Read your car owner’s manual—it will have everything you need to know about fluid change intervals and preventive maintenance. I like to do a quick walk around the car every now and then to check tire pressure, lights, and look for blemishes on the paint.
I have a white car, which seems to send birds the signal “CRAP ON ME,” so I always bring a bottle of quick detailer and microfiber cloth to remove poop when needed. The longer you let that stuff stay, the more likely it will etch the paint.
Lastly, as extra as it sounds, I like to replace my windshield wipers every six months. It will seem like overkill, but wipers are cheaper compared to removing scratches on glass.”
Edrian Gustin Camacho
BS Information Technology
University of San Jose-Recoletos
As a freshmen college student, I did acquire some basic knowledge when it comes to car maintenance tips. It may be new or old to some people, but this definitely helped me throughout my driving experiences, and one of it is checking oil filters and oil change. In my case, cleaning oil filters should be done for every 10-kilometer run to prolong usage. If you feel like your air conditioning system isn’t “cool” anymore, check its filters as well. You might be surprised at how much dust is trapped in there. Leaving your car engine on for minutes doesn’t “help.” Check your tires from time to time. When you drive on bumpy roads, head to the nearest gasoline station and ask for assistance. You’ll be spending a little less than seven pesos.”
Flora May Gebilaguin & Simon Biswas
Business Owners
Rapidé Talisay Cebu
Once you get a car, brand-new or secondhand, read the manual. It’s there for a reason. Don’t just leave it untouched, in the glove box. It tells you everything: how to service your car, maintain it, and even how to properly drive it.”
Fr. Genesis Labana
OSA, Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño
Good car tips are good, but good driving habits are much better since most accidents happen by having bad ones.
1. Always check your car if it is in good condition, particularly the brake pads, engine belt, oil etc.
2. When planning a long trip, always have a good rest.
3. Check tire pressure.
4. Do oil change once a year.
5. Do maintenance check schedule.
6. Replace worn-out tires.
7. Don’t forget to say a short prayer before driving.