Author: lisabackup

Are you unsure when to change the spark plugs in your car?🔌🔌

The functions of a spark plug:

Spark plugs functions by creating a spark, activating your fuel and air which then powers your engine. In short: nonfunctional spark plugs = powerless engine. ⁣⁠
To avoid this outcome, I will be sharing 4 important indicators that it’s time to change your spark plugs!⁣⁠

Warning signs that it’s time to change your spark plugs

✅ Your car requires petrol more often

New spark plugs don’t just improve the quality of your vehicle, it also saves you money. Worn-out spark plugs consume fuel as they do not entirely burn all the fuel that is in your engine. ⁣⁠

✅ Your check engine light is on

This is one of the clearest indications that your vehicle needs new spark plugs. When a plug fails, your engine can misfire, leading to your check engine light shining.⁣⁠

✅ Your car is accelerating slower than usual

As car owners, we become accustomed to how quickly our car reacts to our signals. If you notice your car doesn’t accelerate as per usual, it is probably time to check your spark plugs. ⁣⁠

✅ Your car has a tough time starting up

Worn-out spark plugs do not spark and power your engine as quickly as new spark plugs do. A vehicle stalling when starting up is a big indication that a replacement is in order.⁣⁠

With over 40 years of experience in specialising in BM vehicles, you’ll be surprised by all the great things I’ve learned! Here are 7 fun facts about BM that might shock you!🎉😱⁣⁣⁠

BM fun facts we bet you didn’t know

1️⃣ They were aircraft creators in the past

BM started off creating aircraft engines for World War I and World War II.⁣⁣⁠

2️⃣ Their logo has a deeper meaning

The BM logo isn’t mimicking a propeller, it represents the state where it was found: Bavaria in Germany⁣⁣⁠

3️⃣ They invented electric cars

BM made one of the first electric cars, even before Elon Musk! ⁣⁣⁠

4️⃣ Mercedes almost became their brand

BM and Mercedes almost become one company! ⁣⁣⁠

5️⃣ BM owns many popular cars

We often compare these cars with each other, but did you know BM, Mini and Rolls-Royce are all owned by BM?

6️⃣ Architecture of the headquarters 

The BM Germany headquarters is shaped like their famous four-cylinder engine. ⁣⁣⁠

7️⃣ Motorbike crafts

They built the world’s fastest motorbike. ⁣⁣⁠

Did you know the optimum functioning of airbags actually depends on the windscreen?⁣⁠

The relationship between your windscreen and airbags 

Fun Fact: The airbags that pop out and protect you, do not depend on “internal-mechanics-fancy-machinery-thingamajig” or whatever ideas we come up with . It actually depends on the windscreen of your car! ⁣⁠

But how do these two very opposite components of your car affect each other?⁣⁠

How the windscreen-airbag relationship work

 Your windscreen has strength that positions your airbag after a crash. Airbags rely on your windshield to deploy correctly and provide cushioning when an accident occurs.⁣⁠

It’s a bounce-back system. As the airbag blows up, it deploys against your windshield and boomerangs back to you-providing you with protection.⁣⁠

The importance of having your windshield fixed

Thus, it is very important for you to have your windshield undamaged not just for appearance’s sake, but for safety! If it is chipped or cracked, the airbag will break the windscreen when it hits it, which increases your risk of injuries in an accident.

Do you usually ignore all the confusing flashy lights on your dashboard, in hopes they automatically go away?

How to read 4 important car warning lights

Whether you’re a new car owner or just need to refresh your memory- let’s look at how to read 4 important warning lights on your vehicle. 🎉🎉⁣

1️⃣ Tyre pressure warning light

This is normally a yellow light with an exclamation mark right in the center. When this light flashes, one of the tyres in your car is experiencing pressure that is unsafe for travel.

2️⃣ Anti-lock brake warning light

This is usually an orangish-yellow light with the letters “ABS” in the center of a circle. This light will shine while you’re driving if your anti-lock brakes aren’t working optimally.

3️⃣ Engine temperature warning

This light is generally a thermometer that shines a red light. It indicates that your engine is overheating and it needs to be checked ASAP.

4️⃣ Check engine light

In most vehicles, this is a yellow light shaped like an engine. When this light flashes, it indicates a serious problem with your car and requires attention immediately.

All warning lights indicate a specific problem with your car. As soon as your car flashes a warning light, you’ll want to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic ASAP.

Wondering why you should service your car regularly? Well, I’m here to help you out today!

Reasons to have your car serviced regularly

Maintain your manufacturer’s warranty

Do you want to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty? Well, then you better keep to your car’s service schedule! Failure to do so may invalidate your warranty (which you obviously don’t want to happen!)

Avoid long-term mechanical damage

It’s super important to keep your car working efficiently! Replacing the little parts that wear and tear over time can end up saving you a lot of money by avoiding long-term mechanical engine damage (which happens when you don’t replace those parts as needed.)

Keeps you safe

And finally, servicing your car regularly keeps you safe! This way mechanics can pick up on any potential problems your car may have that are safety-related and notify you! ⁠

Popping on here to share a couple of ways that you can make your car last longer!

Ways to extend your car’s lifespan:

1. Maintain your battery

Make sure you don’t let your car’s battery go flat, because when it does and you need to jump-start your car, it can damage the battery and even the entire engine system. Definitely, something you’d want to avoid.

2. Use your aircon

They inevitably leak refrigerant gas over time, but even more so when they aren’t used often. It’s one of those use-it-or-lose-it type of situations.

3. Regularly top up fluids

Check your oil, coolant & windscreen washer at least once a month. Not checking these regularly can have terrible consequences for your car.⁣⁠

4. Stick to your service schedule

Budget for a minor service once every year and a major service every 2-3 years.

5. Keep your car covered

This will keep your car dry, clean, and safe. If you don’t have a garage, consider buying a high-quality car cover. ⁣⁠

How do I know whether my vehicle needs a wheel alignment? Have a look at these common signs that your car is out of alignment.

Signs your car needs a wheel alignment

• Rapid or uneven tyre wear
• Noisy steering
• Pulling to either the right or the left
• ⁣⁠Steering wheel crooked while driving straight
• Squealing tyres⁣⁠

If you notice any of the above signs, you’ll want to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to get you safely back on the road as soon as possible.⁠

I’m sure you know that your vehicle’s engine gets hot. In order to prevent your engine from overheating, your radiator sends the coolant through it that helps keep the engine at a constant temperature.

Warning signs your car needs a radiator repair or replacement

Have a look at these warning signs that your vehicle may need a radiator repair or replacement.

1️⃣ Overheating

If your engine is overheating you must stop immediately and let it cool down. If you keep driving while your vehicle is overheating you can break the engine completely, and you’ll need an entirely new engine.

2️⃣ Bright coloured fluid leaking

If you notice any bright coloured fluid leaking from your car, this will probably be coolant leaking as coolant is usually brightly coloured (green, yellow, or pink). This means that your car may not have enough coolant to keep the engine’s temperature in check, and thus you should definitely see a professional have it checked out and repaired.

3️⃣ Rust on your radiator

Because your radiator is made from metal it will begin to rust if it comes into contact with moisture.

4️⃣ Coolant levels are low

Regularly keep an eye on your coolant levels. If you notice low coolant levels, definitely bring your vehicle in so that we can check it out.⁣⁠

When last did you have your car serviced? 💨⁠

How often you should get your car serviced

As a general rule, you should be having your car professionally serviced every 6 months or every 10 000 km, whichever comes first! 🏆 Some newer model cars can go up to 12 months/ 15 000 km before needing a service, however, newer models’ engines are more complex and really don’t appreciate any neglect, so don’t try to push your car too far!

Book a service with a professional

So, if it’s been a minute since your car has seen a professional, it might be time to book your service! We don’t want you standing next to the road waiting for a tow truck/ mechanic to pitch up when you’ve got places to be! Rather safe than sorry! 🤷⁠

Taking care of your car, getting regular services, fixing any problems as they come up, and most importantly finding a good mechanic can feel really expensive… But what if I told you that not doing those things will cost you a lot more in the long run!

The importance of taking care of your car

Taking care of your car means that it will be healthier, which means that it will last a lot longer, which means that you won’t need to replace it as soon. Alternatively, if you do want to upgrade your car then you will be able to get a lot more for your car if you can prove that it was looked after and is in good shape.

Where to go for excellent car-care

So, remember to take care of your car and if you are looking for a little help in this area then consider us at 3 Service Centre. We specialise in looking after your car so that even after thousands and thousands of kilometers your car is still in tip-top shape!⁠