German car manufacturers are renowned for making some of the most powerful, well-engineered and reliable vehicles in the world. However, these vehicles are designed for the European climate and require top quality parts and skilled maintenance to keep them running properly. With proper care, these cars can easily last for many years, but problems start when you take them out of their natural habitat and do not provide them with the essentials they need to live a happy life. Here are some of the main things you should pay attention to to keep your German engine purring.
Fuel
After engine oil, the fluid that interacts with your engine the most is the fuel you use in your vehicle. Modern German vehicles with advanced engines and turbo-charging arrangements require drivers to pay more attention to the fuel they use. In particular, you need to know right octane rating you need for your car. Gasoline is available in numerous grades and getting the highest rating may not be the most suitable option. If the fuel is too high or too low octane, it will have a negative impact on performance, overall engine health and the longevity of these important components. The engine is a central component of the car, and if the engine is not working properly it can impact other components including the electrical system.
Battery
The battery and alternator are responsible for the electricity in your car. Electricity is required to do everything from turning the power on for ignition to running your stereo system. However, modern vehicles are equipped with many electrical components and plenty of of them are for the convenience or safety of passengers. German automakers often use more than one battery, or place the batteries in the trunk. If you’ll well take care of your Mercedes-Benz, start by checking the battery and ensuring it’s providing the proper voltage. As the batteries go bad they will still provide current, but maybe not all the time as high as it should. These voltage fluctuations damage the electrical components that carry current. Use a good quality dry battery and make it part of your routine maintenance to check battery health.
Tire
Tires are another very important part of the vehicle, and having bad tires significantly reduces the security of the vehicle. Tires are also directly connected to the suspension and drivetrain systems and weak tires can harm these connected systems as well. Especially if you drive an all wheel drive vehicle, you need to know when it is time replace tires before you get into big trouble. The wear on your tires is one indicator but you also need to check the health of the rubber on the tires. Likewise, ensure the tires are properly aligned and inflated, and not subject to extreme pressure.
Mechanical maintenance of your car is paramount, but taking care of the body and ensuring it looks nearly as good as when it came off the production line is also important. Whenever you wash or polish your car, ensure you use a soft microfiber cloth or cotton cloth to stop scratching or scratching the paint. Using a quality polish will help seal the surface and protect it from the sun and every kind of contaminants in the environment.