Your car needs some caring too.
You’ve coughed up a tidy sum for your car in Singapore. So, you would want to ensure a longer lifespan for it. With proper maintenance and servicing, you can manage the running (and repair) costs of owning a car while keeping its value over time.
As a start, here are three car maintenance tips that you can take note of for a smoother and safer drive. Keep a lookout for more upcoming tips from us.
1. Don’t let bird droppings get the drop on you
Some superstitious Singaporeans might claim that having a bird poop on you is good luck. Drivers should know this could cost you more than a few bucks if the poop stays on your car.
Why do it: Wipe away any bird droppings quickly with tissue and water (or wet wipes). Bird poop is not just an eyesore, it is highly acidic. If left on your car too long, it will eat away the paint job.
If you don’t: It will be one expensive bird bathroom break you’re paying for. Once the damage is done, you are looking at either a costly paint correction or a full respraying of your car.
2. Pick where to park
Yes, finding a parking space in Singapore is a challenge. But given a choice, look out for possible surrounding hazards when you find a lot.
Why do it: A sheltered car park helps you avoid bird poop. But some – ahem, other – drivers are notoriously space challenged, encroaching into adjacent lots. Btw, cars like the BMW come with have an intelligent Parking Assistant if you need help parking in tight spaces. If outdoors, find a shady spot. And avoid poop traps like lamp posts and trees where possible.
If you don’t: Repairs! Repairs! Repairs! Other than new pain(t)work, there’s dents, dings and other damages you might have to pay for. Extended sun exposure can lead crack your dashboard, melt plastic accessories in your car interior and cause fading on your paint job (again!). Carpark charges could be the least of your worries.

3. Don’t tire your tyres out
Tyres affect your car’s performance, fuel economy, and your safety. They are also exposed to constant wear and tear. So it is super important that you have them checked regularly.
Why do it: Worn out, over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can cause serious problems, from poor steering and braking to overall instability. Send your car to your dealer or workshop to have your tyres rotated and balanced (after every 10,000km as a guide) to even out tread wear. Safe tyres also help you to save on fuel!
If you don’t: Insufficient pressure can cause increased friction between the tyres and the road. This can lead to dangerous tread separation or tyre blowouts. You are likely to lose control over your vehicle. In Singapore, where we see quite a lot of rain, it is also risky to drive with improperly inflated tyres as wet roads can reduce traction.

Service your car regularly so it can serve you properly
At the end of the day, if you spend a bit of your own time to check your car, keep track of its maintenance schedule and have it sent for servicing regularly, you can ensure that your car will serve you safely for a longer period of time.
In the meantime, look out for more upcoming car maintenance tips from us to keep your automobile in tip-top condition.
Contact Sime Darby Motors Singapore for servicing and maintenance for BMW and other brands.