Essential Car Care FAQs: What Every New Car Owner Needs to Know

Essential Car Care FAQs: What Every New Car Owner Needs to Know

Congratulations on your new car! At George Corbett Motors, we understand that buying a new car is a significant milestone and it’s just the beginning of your journey as a car owner with us - but it also comes with the responsibility of proper care and maintenance.
Our customers often have important questions about maintaining their vehicles, from tyre pressure to servicing schedules. To help you get the most out of your new car, we've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. This guide will walk you through key aspects of maintaining your vehicle, helping you get the most value, comfort, and satisfaction from your investment for years to come.

Tyre Pressure: Why It Matters and Where to Find It

One of the simplest yet most important aspects of car maintenance is ensuring your tyres are properly inflated. Incorrect tyre pressure can lead to poor fuel efficiency, uneven tyre wear, and even dangerous blowouts.

So, what should your tyre pressure be? The recommended tyre pressure for your car can usually be found in several places:

  • Inside the Driver's Door Frame: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the inside edge. This label will often list the correct tyre pressure for both front and rear tyres.

  • Owner’s Manual: Your car’s manual is a comprehensive resource that includes detailed information about tyre pressure.

  • Fuel Filler Cap: Some vehicles have the recommended tyre pressure listed on the inside of the fuel filler cap.
It's important to check your tyre pressure regularly, especially before long journeys or if you notice changes in handling or fuel economy. A portable tyre pressure gauge can be a handy tool to keep in your glove box for quick checks.
We’re here to help! Not sure where to find your tyre pressure information, or need a quick check? Feel free to drop by George Corbett Motors, and we’ll be happy to check your tyre pressure and tread depth for you and show you exactly where this information is located on your vehicle. Your safety is our priority!

Regular Car Service Checks: When to Have Them and How Long They Take

Routine car servicing is vital to keep your car running smoothly and to catch potential issues before they become major problems - preventative maintenance is always better than waiting for a problem to occur. The frequency of car servicing depends on several factors, including your vehicle's make and model, driving habits, and the manufacturer's recommendations.
The time it takes for an average service can vary depending on the type of service (minor or major) and the make and model of your car.
At George Corbett Motors, at every service visit we carry out a Vehicle Health Check (VHC). The VHC looks at up to 40 items such as brakes, tyres, lights, suspension items, fluid levels (eg oil, break) and takes about 2 hours.
At George Corbett Motors, we service up to 40 cars daily, and to ensure you get the date and time that best suits you, we encourage you to book your service well in advance. Many of our customers schedule their service several weeks ahead to secure their preferred slot.
Our state-of-the-art showroom offers comfortable seating, work desks, and a coffee machine, so you can relax or work while you wait. If you’d like to wait during your service, just let us know, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements to accommodate you.
While the time commitment might seem like a hassle, it's a small price to pay for ensuring your car's longevity and reliability.
Need to book in a service? You can easily book online at George Corbett Motors Aftersales or call us on 051 – 857717 to arrange a time and date that suits you.

Service Campaigns: What Are They and How Will I Know About Them

A Service Campaign is a preventative check for quality enhancement to ensure customer satisfaction. It focuses on resolving technical issues with the product that are not directly related to safety or compliance, and may also involve emissions. These campaigns should be completed promptly to help prevent potential issues from arising in your vehicle.

Service Plans: What’s Included and How They Benefit You

Service plans are pre-paid packages that cover the cost of your car’s routine maintenance over a specific period or mileage. Service plan intervals can vary, depending on your vehicle.

Here’s what you typically get with a service plan:

  • Scheduled Services: The plan usually covers the cost of scheduled services, including oil changes, filter replacements, brake inspections, and other routine maintenance items as per the manufacturer's schedule. These do not include the replacement of wear and tear items such as brakes or wipers.

  • Fixed Costs: One of the biggest benefits of a service plan is cost certainty. You pay a fixed amount up front or in instalments, which protects you from price increases and unexpected repair bills.

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is being regularly serviced by trained professionals ensures it stays in top condition, which can prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your vehicle.

  • Inflation proofs: Locking in your service plan ensures you inflation-proof the cost of your next service.

Caring for Your Car is Caring for Yourself

Owning a car is about more than just driving from point A to point B - it's about ensuring your ongoing safety and maximizing the value, comfort, and satisfaction you get from your vehicle. Regular maintenance, understanding your vehicle’s needs, and responding promptly to service campaigns or recalls are all part of responsible car ownership.
Remember, a well-maintained car is not only safer and more reliable but also a joy to drive. Invest the time and care your car deserves, and it will reward you with many years of smooth, trouble-free motoring.
Also, a car is worth more with a full-service history. Residual value will be protected if you have an on-time full-service history.
Need to book in a service? You can easily book online at George Corbett Motors Aftersales or call us on 051 – 857717 to arrange a time and date that suits you.
At George Corbett Motors, we’re here to support you every step of the way - from your initial purchase through the years of ownership. Whether you need help understanding your tyre pressure, scheduling a service or addressing a query, our team of experts is always available to assist you.