Benecar mechanics help – Car care

The way we treat our car is essential to preserving it and making it last for many more years. What's more, the care you take now will result in a safer car and lower costs in the future. To explain the care you should take with your car, we spoke to one of our mechanics, Francisco Silva, who has over 36 years' experience in mechanics and has been part of the Benecar team for 24 years.

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When the car is idle for a long time

If you don't use your car for long periods of time, it can compromise the way it works. The time it takes for a car to be in danger of breaking down varies depending on the make, model, conditions to which it is exposed and so on. In some cases, this can be a concern after two years inactive and in other cases much earlier.

When you start using your car again, remember to take care, such as checking the brakes, the water in the radiator and changing the oil. Even if you don't drive the car, the oil is valid for one year.

If, on the other hand, you use your car infrequently and over short distances, you should also take care. In the case of diesel cars, there is a chance that the particulate filter will become clogged and to avoid this you should make regular trips of more than 20/30 minutes. The fuel level in the tank also has an influence, because if it is below ¼ tank the engine will not perform the particulate filter cleaning regenerations.

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Checking car fluids

If you want to use your car properly, it's not enough to fill up with fuel when it reaches its reserve. There are other important fluids to check, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield wiper water.

Checking the oil level can be done at home with the car in an upright position and, with the engine cold and switched off, remove the dipstick a first time to clean it and a second time to check the level. Remember that you should only put coolant in the radiator and NEVER water.

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Taking care of your tires

Tire pressure should be checked no more than every two months and should be adjusted to the load the car is carrying.

If, when driving between 80 and 120 km/h, you feel the steering shaking, it may be a sign that the tires need to be inflated. The balance of the tires can be compromised by going over a pothole, bending a rim or other situations and can be corrected through calibration, which consists of placing a weight on the tire, so that it is round and balanced again. If you feel the steering shaking, visit your mechanic immediately to avoid more serious and costly damage.

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On cold days

When the weather gets colder, you should pay special attention to your car. If you have ice on your windows, follow Benecar's tips HERE. As far as the car's engine is concerned, let it warm up for a few minutes before driving off. The ideal temperature for engine operation is between 80oC and 90oC. Sudden accelerations before the engine reaches this temperature are harmful, as insufficient lubrication leads to wear on parts.

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The fuel level

If you regularly drive with the fuel tank in reserve, does it damage the car?

Yes, the fuel pump is an electrical part inside the tank and the way it cools down is by immersing itself in the fuel. Now, if the tank is constantly on reserve, the pump will be uncovered and, as a result, will overheat. Contrary to popular belief, the clogging of filters by residues in the tank is not influenced by the amount of fuel, because the extraction is done at the bottom of the tank and will also have residues whether it has filled up or gone into reserve.

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The daily care you take of your car, combined with a reliable mechanic, will give your vehicle many years of life. Visit Benecar workshops and get the advice of qualified professionals who are ready to help you.

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Translated with DeepL.com