Published: 25 July, 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURE

IT isn't just the current financial situation that we have found ourselves that has had an effect on the number of new cars being bought. In the past decade most new models have been built to achieve higher standards of longevity, and this has had an impact on the way consumers shop.

IBISWorld is a leading market research agency specialising in trends affecting the motor repair industry in the UK and it recently reported that the industry sector currently has a turnover of around £18 billion. This illustrates the volume of man hours and cost to consumers that goes towards keeping ageing vehicles in good running order.

With this in mind, it is ever more important to take simple measures towards keeping your motor vehicle in road-worthy condition. Honda owners have the benefit of knowing that genuine Honda parts are readily available for all services and repairs, but there are still ways they can reduce the chance of needing these parts.

The battery

In cold weather the most common cause of breakdown is battery problems caused by an increased demand in electrical loads. If the battery is more than five years old it may need replacing, and batteries can be purchased from any outlet that deals in Honda car parts. A few simple actions such as double checking all electrical items (such as the interior lights, radio and boot lights) are switched off when parked can help prevent problems.

Fluid levels

Regularly checking your oil levels is a simple task that could potentially save you a fortune. Correct oil levels are essential for keeping the engine running and should be checked before any long journey, whatever the weather.

Check your oil levels regularly. It's not just older models that require oil checks either, as brand new cars sometimes consume more oil than usual when first driven.

Tyre pressures

Tyre pressure can affect the general running and performance of your car and obviously impacts the steering and handling. This can create dangerous driving conditions, especially when combined with the effects of general wear and tear.

The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle will be found in your owner's manual. Every time you check the tyre pressures you should also examine the tyres for damage, excessive or unexpected wear, or bumps and bulges in the treads or side walls. Over-worn treads can mean that your tyres no longer fulfil legal requirements – putting you and other road users at greater risk of injury.

The easy availability of parts and other spares for leading car models is partly due to the large manufacturing presence the company has in Britain. The UK division is responsible for the production of many of the brand's iconic and popular models, making the obtainment of replacement parts easy.