Do not hang anything heavy on your car key (or key chain) and do not hang a dozen other keys on it. The weight (combined with bouncing while you drive), can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition. This leads to ignition switch failure over time.

Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition or purchase a key chain that allows you to separate your car key from the others. This will add years of service to your ignition switch. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to start your engine, your ignition switch may be on its way to failure.

Therefore lighten up your car key & key chain before further wear and tear sets into your ignition switch.

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Tumblers Inside The Ignition

New cars require a period of conditioning (called break-in period) so that the mechanical system can segue into full working condition. You’ve bought your new car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. The break-in period helps you achieve this. Here are some things to remember as you pull your new car out of the dealer’s lot:

1. During the break-in period — usually the first 1,000 to 2,000 km — keep your speed under 85 km/h or to the speed recommended by your car manufacturer’s operating manual.

2. Use only light to medium acceleration — keep the engine rpm below 3,000.

3. Avoid heavy loads on the drive train. This means avoid squeezing too many people into the car, avoid towing anything and avoid loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy items.

4. Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods. The oil pressure isn’t high enough to send oil to every part of your engine thus creating additional mechanical wear and tear.

Failing to apply the above practice for new cars may result in additional stress and strain on your car’s mechanical system leading to more frequent workshop visits.

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Looking After Your Car Tyres can be a breeze. In fact it takes you no more than 5 minutes every month to ensure a smooth ride if you know how. Here are 5 points that can keep your tyres running happily for you:

1. Check tyre pressure with a tyre pressure gauge once a month. Tyres lose around 1 psi (pound per square inch) every month. It’s important to maintain proper tyre pressure to ensure the best grip on the road. (Check tyre pressure when tyres are relatively cool. Warm air can distort the psi measurement)

A Directional Tyre

2. Rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 12,000 kilometers. This ensures that they wear evenly and it also prolongs the life of your tyres. When you don’t rotate your tyres, one tyre may wear off more significantly than the others and this tyre has to be replaced sooner. (When rotating tyres, check whether your tyres are directional. Directional tyres can be rotated only front to back and vice versa.)

3. Always check for uneven wear and tear. Over-inflated tyres will wear more in the center of the tyre, whereas under-inflated tyres have a tendency to wear more on the outside of the tyre. Another cause of uneven wear includes improper wheel alignment.

4. All tyres have tread wear indicators (small rubber markers in the tread) to show you the minimum depth that your tyres tread should be. If you are nearing these markers, you know…its time to replace those tyres.

5. Listen to your car for unusual “road” noises, and take note of the speed at which these funny noises occur – then feedback to your mechanic.

The way you drive also helps prolong the lifespan of your car tyres. For example, turning the car steering while your car is stationary increases the rate of wear and tear. This is a common sight at parking lots. It’s also advisable to slow down when going over pot-holes. You run the risk of a mis-aligned wheel each time you hit a pot-hole or a curb.

Finally, on long trips make sure your spare tyre is in good condition and properly inflated in case of an emergency. Always bring the necessary tools (car jack & wrench) with you so you can change your car tyres or get someone to assist you with it.

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