Author: lisabackup

The festive season is here. For most people that means more adventures, even at night. 🚗🌃⁣⁣⁠

How night driving reduces your driving abilities

Did you know: Night drives come with many changes in your usual functioning. For instance, your vision and reaction time is 90% affected at night. Adults over 50 years old require twice as much light as usual. The risk of accidents is proven to be 3x as high as usual. 😱🚗⁣⁣⁠

Ways to reduce risks of night driving

With more night drive risks, we still have you covered here at 3 Service Centre. With your vision and functioning reduced, your car’s functioning is of vital importance. Bring your vehicle for a service where we will diagnose and fix all your mechanical faults to ensure that your vision is the only thing that might be affecting your driving. You don’t need the added danger of an unserviced or faulty car. 🔧⁣⁣⁠

Enjoy the festive night adventures, stay safe and alert. 🌃❤⁣⁣⁠

Was that just a minor slip up or are my brakes trying to tell me something? 🤔🚗⁣⁠

Your brakes are essential in your driving. Without optimally functioning brakes, your car won’t stop on demand and this will put your life at risk.

How to tell if your brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic:

When your brakes need immediate professional help, they will: ⁣⁠

• vibrate or pulsate anytime you brake⁣⁠
• grab when you press them slightly⁣⁠
• ignite your brake light on your dashboard⁣⁠
• only engage if you apply extremely high pressure⁣⁠
• screech when they’re engaged⁣⁠
• make grinding noises when you’re pressing the pedal⁣⁠
• cause the vehicle to pull one side while breaking⁣⁠

If your brakes are showing you any of these signs, do not ignore them. This is your car’s way of screaming for help. We here at 3 Service Centre can professionally diagnose your brakes and get your car back to optimal condition. Come on over, we know cars! 😄⁣⁠

If you think that washing your car means just using soap and water to get the dirt off- you might need to rethink that. 😄🧼⁣

Washing your car correctly can prevent scratches, paint peeling and maintain the overall appearance of your exterior. ⁣

Mistakes you should avoid when washing your car

Below are common mistakes you might be making while washing your car:⁣⁠

• Applying wax incorrectly and on a dirty car⁣⁠
• Drying your car with harsh towels⁣⁠
• Washing with dirty water⁣⁠
• Washing in direct sunlight⁣⁠
• Using incorrect detergents on different materials of your car (eg. leather, glass, paint)⁣⁠
• Washing with dishwashing or household chemicals⁣⁠

Our daily habits directly affect our car’s appearance, functionality, and value. The first step you can take to improve your 4-wheeled friend’s life is to focus on better washing routines and investing in good cleaning products.⁣⁠

When was the last time you had your car’s interior inspected? 🚗🔎🚗🔎⁣⁠

The importance of regular interior car inspections

Regular interior car inspection is important as it ensures you start your trip safely. It also allows you to keep tabs on what functions optimally in your car and what you need to get checked by a mechanic ASAP! ⁣⁠

Steps to performing an effective interior inspection:

Here are 6 quick and effective steps to properly do an interior inspection, as required by K53 vehicle regulations. 🎉⁣⁠

Step 1: Check doors⁣⁠

• Ensure that all your doors are properly closed. (Safety tip: lock all your doors as soon as you get into your vehicle.)⁣⁠

Step 2: Secure handbrake⁣⁠

• For both manual and automatic cars, ensure that your handbrake is up.⁣⁠
• Also make sure that it is locked in place via the handbrake button.⁣⁠

Step 3: Check the gearshift⁣⁠

• Ensure your gear is in neutral. Sometimes we are in such a hurry we park our cars in reverse gear or in a higher gear.⁣⁠
• This avoids unforeseen rolling and inconveniences. ⁣⁠

Step 4: No obstructions⁣⁠

• Make sure there are no obstructions at your feet, or around your pedals.⁣⁠

Step 5: Check lights, hooter, and indicators⁣⁠

• Turn on your headlights and brake lights. Let a second person stand outside and see if all your lights shine as you switch them on.⁣⁠
• Check that your hooter, both indicators, and wipers work optimally.⁣⁠

Step 6: Warning lights⁣⁠

• Finally, put your car on. Wait a few seconds and observe if all your warning lights turn off on your dashboard.⁣⁠
• Warning lights will shine/ flicker while you drive if there is a problem with your vehicle.⁣⁠

We specialise in BMs! Our passion is to provide you with top-quality tips, repairs, and services from our 40 years of experience in BM models. 😄🚗⁣⁠

Ways to optimally maintain your BM car

Here are tips to save money and keep your BM car functioning optimally:

✅ Keep a spare key⁣⁠

New BM modules have high security. Keep a spare key to prevent having to enter your car forcefully and damage a whole system of security.⁣⁠

✅ Park correctly⁣⁠

Park automatic cars in “P” and manual cars in reverse/ first gear.⁣⁠

✅ Protect your BM engine⁣⁠

Your engine can wear out when you rev it excessively while it’s cold. Allow it to warm up.⁣⁠

✅ Consider your oil pressure and water temperature⁣⁠

Keep a lookout for these gauges while driving. If a warning light shines or the gauge move into a critical zone, get help ASAP. If you’re in the Cape town area, contact 3 Service Centre, a BM Specialist shop.⁣⁠

If you are from South Africa, you know that the petrol station is the most expensive place right now! 😂🚗⁣⁠

How to save on petrol

Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce your petrol. Let’s go over some ways to help you save some cash and prevent your 4th trip this week to the petroljoggie. 😄⁣⁠

• gradually accelerate and brake less excessively⁣⁠
• carpool to common places⁣⁠
• take more walks to shorter distances⁣⁠
• consider which petrol station charges less on petrol⁣⁠
• reduce the weight of your car⁣⁠
• limit idling⁣⁠
• ensure your tire pressure is correct⁣⁠
• for short distances, roll down your windows more than using the AC⁣⁠
• get your vehicle regular maintenance⁣⁠

Petrol prices will always rise and fall. However, if we adjust our lifestyles, better our driving and keep our maintenance in check, then we can save some bucks on petrol.

Summertime is approaching! Here are quick tips and tricks to protect your car from harsh and hot weather. These tricks will ensure you drive comfortably during summer. 🚗🌞🌞⁣⁠

How to protect your car during harsh summer weather

1️⃣ Wax your car 🌞⁣⁠

A waxed car protects the paint of the vehicle from sun ray damage.⁣⁠

2️⃣ Test your batteries 🌞⁣⁠

Make sure your batteries are fully functional because your batteries work harder as heat levels increase.⁣⁠

3️⃣ Check your tyre pressure 🌞⁣⁠

Did you know your tyre pressure rises and falls as the temperature rises and falls? Get them checked out. ⁣⁠

4️⃣ Keep oil in your boot 🌞⁣⁠

To avoid running out, keep oil on hand as driving in warm seasons can burden the lubrication of your vehicle. ⁣⁠

5️⃣ Check air conditioning 🌞⁣⁠

Make sure your system has enough coolant, water, and airflow. ⁣⁠

6️⃣ Check air filters 🌞⁣⁠

Replacing air filters allows your air conditioning to function properly and keeps your car cool.⁣⁠

Did you know: Your car’s functionality depends 90% on fluids? 🚗🌊⁣

Important fluids your car need

Yes, your engine, steering wheel, and fancy machinery are all NB in making your 4-wheeled friend work. However, no matter how hard your engine revs or how new your system is- your car won’t function optimally without fluids. 😄⁣⁠

The most essential fluids

Some fluids are a no-brainer essential. Oil is a must in every car. Without it, your engine will become damaged. Transmission fluid is used to lubricate your transmission. Radiator fluid prevents your engine from overheating. Without brake fluid, your car won’t brake properly and can cause accidents.⁣⁠

The most convenient fluids

There are also other fluids required that make your driving experience more comfortable. Air conditioning refrigerant is one of them. If your refrigerant is low, your AC will produce air but not cool your car. Windshield washer fluid helps to clear your windshield from obstructions and allows you to drive safely.⁣⁠

No wonder we get so attached to our cars! We need fluids to live just like they need fluids to operate!⁣⁠

Have you found the “perfect” second-hand car, but you’re unsure whether you should purchase it or not? Before buying any second-hand car, answer these 10 questions to ensure you’ve chosen a good potential vehicle. 🎉🎉⁣⁠

Ask yourself these questions before buying a second-hand car:

1. Have you taken it on a test drive to test parallel parking, braking, and acceleration?⁣⁠
2. Is the tire tread worn evenly on all 4 wheels?⁣⁠
3. Have you inspected the engine for cracks, leaks, and corrosion?⁣⁠
4. Is the oil and transmission fluid discoloured?⁣⁠
5. Was a vehicle history check done?⁣⁠
6. Is the body of the car rusted to an irreversible extent?⁣⁠
7. Are there any issues with the frame of the car?⁣⁠
8. Have you calculated the mileage to see if it’s too high? (Tip: Calculation: number on odometer/ vehicle age = mileage) ⁣⁠
9. Do all the interior parts like radio, air conditioning, heat, etc work?⁣⁠
10. In cases where I have doubt, have I asked a mechanic to do an inspection.

Purchasing a second-hand car has become a very popular way of getting a vehicle. Whether you’re in the process of buying second-hand or you are just considering future options- I am here to help you with some tips. 🎉⁣⁠

Here are 4 things to avoid when purchasing a second-hand car.💯🚗⁣⁠

What to avoid when you buy a second-hand car

1️⃣ Not having a financial plan at hand

I am no financial expert, but I am a car expert. Considering all your financial possibilities (loan/ monthly installments/once-off payment etc) will help you decide on the best offer at various dealerships. ⁣⁠

2️⃣ Buying a car based on an image alone⁣⁠

We all get excited when we see shiny cars in pictures. However, rather do not send money or sign documents online. Ensure you can arrange to see the vehicle in person before purchasing it.⁣⁠

3️⃣ Not taking it for an inspection

When buying second-hand, it’s advisable to purchase from a local dealership instead of overseas. This will allow you to take the car for a test drive. When in doubt, arrange to take the car to a mechanic for a full inspection.⁣⁠

4️⃣ Lacking research

To avoid future disappointment- do research. Research the car, and what the actual cost price is. Research if the price of the second-hand car accurately compensates for its current mileage. If you do take the online route, check the credibility of the seller. ⁣⁠

Get all the help you need when purchasing

Purchasing a second-hand car can be an exciting process. Consider me to assist you in your process; come on over to 3 Service Centre, to have a full inspection done on your vehicle. 🚗🔎⁣⁠