It’s a great feeling when you first receive your keys to your new Skoda Superb. But though the thrill and excitement of owning a new car is undeniable, it does come with its share of responsibilities. Apart from things such as registration and insurance, proper maintenance is also extremely important if you want to make to most of your new vehicle.
So why do we need to perform vehicle maintenance and is it important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines?
Regular maintenance is the lifeblood of any vehicle, enhancing its performance and durability. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can help prevent major problems before they occur.
When your car was designed and built, it was made to perform under specific conditions and mechanical stipulations. If you neglect to follow the instructions of the manufacturer, your car’s core components will stand a high chance of malfunctioning or early failure and this may mead costly replacements.
So with this in mind, and to ensure your car keeps on performing, it’s always recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and maintenance intervals in the owner’s manual in order to keep your Skoda Superb operating at its best.
Performing the required maintenance for your car will make sure it runs efficiently and without problems, and helps prolongs its longevity. It will also save you money and time by preventing and spotting problems before they become a big issue, and makes your car safer to drive by giving you peace of mind that things like the engine and brakes are working as they should. Apart from that, keeping a detailed record of your car’s maintenance history can also help improve its resale value too.
How should I break in my new car?
Many drivers may wonder whether breaking in a new car is still necessary. The answer is both Yes and No.
Doing a proper engine break-in used to be a standard procedure with new cars. Better manufacturing practices used in today’s modern cars have meant that engines are stronger and better built than they used to be – but hasn’t yet completely eliminated the need for a break-in.
Break-in times for specific vehicles vary, depending on the make, model and other variables, but here are some general recommendations on how you should drive your new car for the first 500 to 1,000 miles (~800 to 1,600 kilometers) or the interval recommended in your owner’s manual:
- Avoid running the engine at high RPMs.
- Don’t floor the gas pedal.
- Avoid using cruise control. It’s important for the engine to go through different RPMs.
- Avoid short trips when possible – to ensure the car’s engine is allowed to warm up to normal operating temperature.
- Avoid towing as it can put a heavy load on the engine.
At the end of the day, adequate vehicle maintenance is all about ensuring safety, performance and durability – which is why it is important that you maintain a regular servicing routine for your car as per the manufacturers guidelines. And being kinder on the engine at the beginning will help with this too.