VEHICLE CARE

The AA recommends using good quality engine oil which helps to make your car's engine last longer and can give better fuel consumption. Over time the oil in the engine deteriorates. The oil protects the engine which is the most valuable part of the car, and therefore the most expensive part to replace. Playfair Auto Centres use a wide range of oils so we can match your car to the right type.

Over time even regular servicing can't remove the build-up of sludge in the engine. It is advisable at the time of servicing to have an oil flush every few years. This helps to maintain the efficiency of the engine and contribute to fuel economy. Ask us for details of our oil flush services.

One of the biggest influencing factors of fuel economy is the condition of your tyres ensure they are kept at the correct PSI for optimum performance.

Chips and road salt can erode the paint and leave metal exposed which may start to rust.

Windscreen wipers are made of rubber which will eventually perish. Without them your view of the road can be impaired. All windscreen chips should be treated straight away before they turn into a cracked windscreen which needs replacing.

Your car battery provides the power for your car’s electrical system, and your vehicle can’t start without it. When your battery starts to lose power and your vehicle refuses to start, it can be frustrating, which is why Playfair Auto Centres’ battery fitting service is here to help.

To avoid having faulty or illegal lights, use our great value Playfair Auto Centres’ bulb fitting service. Our trained technicians will make sure everything's in working order, and get you back on the road without having to pay expensive dealership prices. Your car bulbs are important all year round. They not only show you where to go, they also inform other drivers as to what you're doing & help to keep you safe and seen on the road, which is why the Playfair Auto Centres’ bulb fitting service can prove to be so important. In the winter, as the days get darker it's even more important to check your lights are working properly. We can fit bulbs to the majority of cars but each fitting is always subject to a vehicle inspection by one of our experts. Bulbs can be tricky to replace so why not let Playfair Auto Centres help when a bulb needs replacing.

Many petrol stations sell ‘high performance' fuels, yet the AA says there’s little or no performance difference for most standard cars. So for an easy saving, don't fill up with the super fuels unless you drive a sports car that you've been advised will actually use the petrol correctly. If you're keen to use high performance fuel, they suggests using three tankfuls in a row to keep the engine clean and efficient, then revert to normal fuel.

Think of your accelerator as a money pump. The harder you press, the more cash is turned into fuel. Your brake is a money burner. Press it, and the speed you paid for converts into heat.

Fuel price rises can be a painful addition to motoring costs, but basic maintenance can help put the brakes on your fuel bill: Keep your tyres inflated - Lower tyre pressure increases the drag on a car meaning you need more fuel, so regularly check the pressures are correct. De-clutter your car - The lighter your car is, the less effort it needs to accelerate. So de-clutter: clear junk from the boot, and ditch unnecessary weight. Take your roof rack off - A roof rack adds massive wind resistance, increasing drag and making the engine work harder. Don't need it? Remove it. Don't fill it up - Fuel's heavy, so by filling up you're adding weight. The less fuel your car holds, the more efficiently it drives. Filling up slightly more often and putting less in (1/2 or 3/4 full) will make it more efficient.

It's possible to drive the same distance in the same time, yet use considerably less fuel, to chop up to 30% OFF your fuel costs without cutting your top speed. It's simply about driving more smoothly to boost your fuel efficiency.

- Accelerate gradually without over-revving
- Drive in the correct gear
- Slow naturally
- Think about road position - The more alert you are, the better you can plan ahead and move gradually.

Have a safe journey!