If you have recently bought a gleaming new Jaguar XJ or even an older model, it pays dividends to look after your motor. Many people simply do not know how to maintain their cars properly. With a little know how you can save on expensive bills when something goes wrong, preserve the performance of your purchase and most importantly ensure you, your passengers and other drivers are safe. You can also fetch a few more quid if you are selling on the vehicle by making sure it is always in pristine condition.
Firstly, safety is by far the most important thing. There are several components on any given car which must be maintained and can be very dangerous if not looked after. For instance you must make sure you get your brake pads regularly checked and changed if they are worn down. Failing to do so could have catastrophic implications for you and other road users as worn pads lose their stopping power. Do not take a chance with the pads – ensure you get them examined frequently by getting your vehicle regularly serviced.
Similarly tyres wear down. It is not just sensible to keep checking they are roadworthy – it is the law. Measure your treads frequently because you can get points on your licence if they are below the minimum legal requirement of 1.6 millimetres. While you are at it check the tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres hamper performance and make your car less economical on fuel.
Check your oil every month. Find the specific oil requirements in your vehicle handbook and use the dipstick to see whether the level is acceptable. Top it up if it is too low but do not exceed the maximum. It is always worth checking brake fluid levels as well.
Keep your eyes peeled for dashboard signals – warning lights are there for a reason. Neglecting them can often lead to much larger problems.
If you remember everything above the only other piece of advice you need is to get your new Jaguar regularly serviced. The professionals can do complex jobs like changing brake fluid and can spot problems quicker than you, so it is the best way of preserving value. A full service history also improves the value of a used car so make sure you get the appropriate paperwork is done.