- Avoid automatic washes as the soap is often too harsh
- Wash once a week
- Do not wash in direct sunlight
- Begin washing by rinsing your car with cold water
- Use gentle detergent in warm water
- Soak bird droppings before washing off - 110 grams of dissolved baking soda in 1 litre of water will remove stubborn marks
- Wash a small section at a time and rinse with cold water
- Dry with a good quality chamois
- Please remember those affected by the drought and use water responsibly
Removing Stains
- Remove grease, oil and tar (if it's fresh) with kerosene and turpentine
- Wash and polish the area after removing the stain
- Wash petrol off with clean water
- Never use petrol to clean painted or plastic surfaces
- Use a rubbing or cutting compound sparingly and only when the gloss of paint has reduced
Polishing Paint Work
- The use of a polymer glaze approximately every three months will help protect your paintwork
- Always wash your car before polishing
Maintenance Tips
Brake
- Spongy brake pedals, increased pedal travel, fluid leaks, or components seizing may mean your brake fliud needs changing
- Brake fluid deteriorates over time as it absorbs moisture from the air. Once contaminated it lowers the fluid's boiling point and corrodes internal brake system components
- Changing fluid regularly avoids these problems and helps to flush contaminates out of the hydraulic system
Tyre Management
- The front and rear tyres wear out at different rates
- Rotating your tyres will extend the life of your tyre tread and avoid the problem of poor directional stability
Changing Coolant
- Coolant is a complex formulation
- It can breakdown over time, losing optimum protection for water pumps, welch plugs, aluminium cylinder heads, heater cores and radiators
- It must be diluted to the correct dosage
- Never mix incompatiable coolants. In an emergency, use plain water until the correct coolant is available
- Have your cooling system periodically checked by a trained technician
Safety
Keep Kids Safe
- All infants under 12 should be properly restrained in the back seat
- Ensure that the restraint system is appropriate to the child's size and age
See and Be Seen
- If sun glare or oncoming headlights are affecting your visibility, look to the left hand side of the road markings to gauge your position on the road
- When you stop for petrol, always clean your windscreen, headlights and covers
- Have your headlights adjusted to suit the heaviest load your likely to carry.
Heartland is a proud supporter of Landcare Australia