7 Basic Car Care Tips for Your Mercedes-Benz AMG®
The Mercedes-Benz AMG® product line offers the quality, reliability and luxury that is the hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz brand, combined with the superior performance technologies developed by AMG® through its extensive racing heritage. A Mercedes-Benz AMG® represents the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz product family, with performance and luxury that is unmatched by lesser vehicles.
As a Mercedes-Benz AMG® owner, there are many things you can do to make sure your car maintains its superior performance, high resale value and long-lasting reliability. Here are a few basic car care tips that will help keep your Mercedes-Benz AMG® in pristine condition:
1) Follow the Service Schedule Meticulously
Routine maintenance such as changing the oil, checking fluid levels, changing brake pads and monitoring tire wear keeps a vehicle performing efficiently and prevents problems that could lead to expensive repairs in the future. Each Mercedes-Benz AMG® has a detailed maintenance schedule that is designed by the manufacturer to prolong the life of the vehicle and replace common wear items before they cause other problems. Each step in the maintenance schedule should be followed meticulously to keep your vehicle running properly and to protect its warranty.
2) Bring it to an Authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
While many third-party automotive repair shops and service centers can perform high-quality work, they service many makes and models of vehicles and, with such a wide focus, their knowledge and experience with certain models may be limited. By taking your Mercedes-Benz AMG® to an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center, you can be sure that the technicians working on your vehicle have plenty of experience with your specific model.
They are also privy to exclusive manufacturer-supplied information that third-party facilities may not have access to, such as service bulletins, and they only use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for service and repairs, protecting the performance, resale value and the warranty of your vehicle. Finally, by taking your vehicle to the same Mercedes-Benz service center each time, the technicians will know the history of the vehicle and be able to diagnose and repair it quicker.
3) Check the Oil Regularly
The oil in your vehicle’s engine provides essential lubrication to moving parts and protects them from excessive wear, which could lead to premature engine failure. Between service visits, it is a good idea to check your oil at least once a week, adding more if necessary.
Checking the oil should be done before the engine is started, while it is still cool. To begin the process, open the hood by pulling the hood release locate inside the vehicle, and opening the safety catch on the underside of the hood. Prop the hood up, if required, and find the engine oil dipstick, which should be labeled. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a clean cloth. Reinsert the dipstick for a few seconds, then remove it again. The oil should be between the “Full” and “Add’ marks. If not, add oil through the cap marked “Engine Oil.”
Refer to your owner’s manual, if necessary, to find the dipstick location, the filler cap and the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. If you must check the oil after the vehicle has been driven, wait at least 30 minutes after the engine has been shut off, which allows the oil time to drain back into the pan for an accurate reading.
4) Check the Coolant Level
The coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat from the combustion process. It is then pumped to the radiator, where the fluid is cooled, and back to the engine to remove more heat. Low coolant levels or an improper mixture of anti-freeze and water could cause your vehicle to overheat, destroying the head gaskets, warping the heads or damaging the engine block.
To check the coolant level, open the hood when the engine is cold, and find the coolant reservoir, which is typically translucent white plastic. If the coolant level is at or near the “Full Cold” indicator line, the coolant level is adequate. If it is below the line, add the coolant variety specified by the manufacturer.
5) Check the Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid helps to keep your windshield clean during inclement weather and in dusty or muddy conditions. To check the level of the fluid, open the hood and find the windshield washer reservoir. If it is below the “Full” line, add the appropriate type of fluid for the system.
6) Monitor Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure can cause poor fuel mileage, and both high and low pressure could cause abnormal tire wear. To keep your tires in good condition, check the pressure at least every week or two, even if your Mercedes-Benz AMG® has a pressure-monitoring system. On older vehicles, the tire pressure monitors may be inaccurate, and it is best to verify the pressure with a trusted gauge yourself.
To check the pressure, remove the valve stem cap, and place a tire pressure gauge over the valve stem, making sure it depresses the pin in the center of the valve. Refer to the tire sidewall and the owner’s manual to find the correct pressure, and add more air, if necessary. Tires should be checked before the car is driven. During the process, you should also inspect the tires and wheels for wear, damage or punctures, and have them replaced if they are worn or damaged.
7) Wash Your Car Often
Dirt, dust and other substances can collect on your car’s finish and make it appear dull or cause the top coat to wear. In areas with frequent snowfall, road salt can also collect on the undercarriage and body, leading to corrosion. It is a good idea to wash the exterior of your Mercedes-Benz AMG® at least once or twice a month to remove excess dirt and contaminants. It also may be necessary to wax the vehicle every few months to protect the finish from dirt, debris and the sun, and to clean and polish the interior surfaces, like leather, wood and plastics. Check your owner’s manual for recommended soaps, waxes and other car care products to avoid damaging the exterior and interior finishes.
With these tips, you can help keep your Mercedes-Benz AMG® running efficiently and reliably, and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Sources
http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalAssets/AMG®_ThemePage/pdf/AMG®_Brochure.pdf
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/amg
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