Righto, so you want to know how to keep your engine humming—Hamilton traffic, crawling down Te Rapa Road after work, weekend jaunts to Raglan, and all the potholed back streets in Rototuna… They all take their toll. Doesn’t matter if you’re rolling in a Suzuki Swift, a Nissan X-Trail, a Toyota Vanguard, or something a bit leftfield like a SsangYong Actyon or an Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The basics of engine maintenance are the same, and it’s cheaper to look after your engine than to shell out for a major repair down the track. Here’s five tips I always give customers who pop into Grimmer Motors.

Regular Oil Changes—Don’t Skimp on It

Honestly, this one’s huge. If you’re rattling around on old oil, you’re just asking for grief down the line. Changing your oil means your engine stays lubricated, and helps clear out all the crud that builds up over time— especially if you’re stuck in Morrinsville-Hamilton traffic every day. Most of the Toyotas, Mazdas, or even the odd Honda CR-V we see that come in with engine trouble, it’s because the oil hasn’t been changed regular. Check what your car manual says, but usually every 5,000km or so is pretty bang on for most NZ conditions. And always use the right oil—makes all the difference for fuel economy and power.

Keep Your Cool (Cooling System Maintenance)

Hamilton’s weather chops and changes—frosty winter mornings with the heater on full, then some sticky, dry days in summer. If you’re running between Cambridge and Hamilton most weeks, don’t overlook your coolant. Pop the bonnet and check that coolant level now and then, and be sure it isn’t just water from the tap—proper coolant/antifreeze protects your engine from overheating and corrosion. Seen too many Hyundai i30s and the occasional Peugeot owner get caught out with an overheating engine just because the radiator was clogged or low on fluid. Your wallet will thank you if you flush the system every couple of years as per the handbook, and check for sneaky leaks too.

Swap Out Those Air Filters

You wouldn’t believe how choked up air filters get around Dinsdale and Frankton with all that dust and pollen—especially in spring. If your engine (maybe it’s a Ford Focus, or a little Mitsubishi Mirage) is struggling up Hukanui Road, might be a simple fix. A clogged air filter means less air, more fuel wasted, and you’ll feel it in the wallet and the sluggish power. Chuck in a new one every year or so, or more if you’re on dirt roads out in Tamahere.

Spark Plugs & Leads—Little Parts, Big Difference

Funny how many folks come in running rough after a cold snap or a bit of Waikato rain. Nine times out of ten, it’s a set of worn-out spark plugs or leads. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Kia Carnival or a Citroen C4—spark plugs do all the hard work firing your engine to life. If you notice it’s hesitating or drinking more petrol, have the plugs and leads checked. Replace them if they’re looking dodgy, and you’ll keep your engine running smooth and starting quick, no matter if you’re zipping around Chartwell or gunning it on the Expressway.

Belts & Hoses—The Stuff That Gets Overlooked

It’s not glamorous, but a cracked old belt or leaking hose can leave you stranded outside The Base or halfway to Ngaruawahia. The timing belt especially—you don’t want that snapping in your Subaru Outback. We see it all too often with folks forgetting to check their hoses for splits or mushy bits, especially in older Euro cars like Skoda Octavia. Get your belts and hoses checked every WOF or service—it only takes a minute and could save you a world of hassle. For peace of mind on the road, it’s worth it.

Doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Huntly for work or dropping kids off at Claudelands, engine maintenance makes life easier. The team here at Grimmer Motors isn’t just about quick fixes—we’re into proper car service Hamilton drivers can trust. We use good parts, keep things upfront, and get you back on the road quick. So look after your engine, and it’ll look after you for years to come.

Any questions or want to book in for a check? Swing by, give us a bell, or check us out online. Cheers!