1. Keep Up With Your Oil Changes
Right, first things first – oil is pretty much the lifeblood of your engine. Driving around Hamilton, whether you’re crawling through Boundary Road in morning traffic, dodging potholes near Frankton, or taking the kids out to Gordonton on the weekend, your engine works hard. Over time, oil gets grubby, especially with all those stop-starts, and it can’t keep things lubricated like it should. That’s when engines start wearing out fast.
Had a customer in last week with a Volvo XC60 from Tamahere – she hadn’t checked her oil in ages, and it showed! Knocking noises, sluggish response, and dirty oil. We swapped it and the filter out, and the difference was night and day. Check your handbook for the right intervals, but usually every 10,000km is safe. Trust me, keeping fresh oil in there is way cheaper than a new engine. If you’re curious about why we bang on about oil changes, check out this article on why oil changes are important.
2. Don’t Forget the Air Filter
It’s easy to overlook, but a clogged air filter is like trying to run up Dawson Road with a peg on your nose. All those dusty roads out in Matangi or winter fog settling under the bonnet after a cold snap can choke things up quick. A dirty filter cuts airflow, and suddenly your Corolla or Audi A3 starts guzzling gas and feels underpowered.
One of our techs had a Mazda CX-3 in from Cambridge – owner thought something major was wrong. Turned out it just needed a new air filter. Swapped it out, engine sounded healthier straight away. When you get your oil done, ask us to peek at the air filter too. If you want to know more, here’s a handy link on why to change car filters, or read our article all about air filter replacement.
3. Spark Plugs and the Ignition Bits
If your engine’s running rough, misfiring, or just feels lazy getting away from the lights outside The Base, this could be why. Spark plugs and ignition coils are what give your engine the spark it needs. They wear out, especially in cars that see a lot of short trips like those running between Rototuna, Hillcrest, and back again.
Had a Nissan Qashqai (was a regular – she commutes to Te Awamutu daily) that was coughing and spluttering. Swapped out the worn spark plugs for new ones – sorted. Regular checks mean fewer surprises! If you want more info, have a look at our spark plug testing service.
4. Look After the Cooling System
Hamilton’s weather can be all over the place – cold, damp winters then suddenly a 28-degree day down Ruakura Road. Engines hate overheating, especially stuck behind a bus during school pick-up on Peachgrove Road. Your coolant stops the engine from running too hot or freezing up in winter.
We see it all the time – a Subaru Legacy comes in with a puddle under it after a run down to Raglan. Leaky radiator, or low coolant. Ignoring this stuff can trash your engine. Check your coolant level when you can, and if you see odd stains or drips, come in for a look. Hose checks are quick, and we can flush your coolant if it’s due. Want the low-down? Check out our guide on cooling system maintenance.
Wrapping It Up
A healthy engine means fewer headaches and safer drives – whether you’re blasting down SH1 to Ngaruawahia or just nipping to The Warehouse. Stay on top of oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, and your cooling system, and your car will look after you for years. If you’re after a car service in Hamilton, a WOF, or anything engine-related, pop in and see us at Grimmer Motors. We work on everything – hybrids, old Toyotas, Euro wagons, you name it. Want to book in? Hit the button below.