Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair & MOT specialists based in Farnborough, Hampshire, we like to give you handy hints
and tips on keeping your Volvo or Toyota in tip top condition in between servicing schedules. Our blog today is all about the things you can do at
home to reduce the risk of expensive breakdowns and repairs.

Nothing can replace the importance of sticking to your Volvo or Toyota manufacturers service schedule but keeping an eye
on things and regular time spent on the things you can check at home can make all the difference in avoiding a breakdown and keep repair bills to a
minimum. Replacing normal wear-and-tear parts such as timing belts before they break will save you money in the long run – so when that part comes
up for change during servicing it really is essential that you have it done. Waiting for it to break will be more costly to you with the damage that
can occur.

The Maintenance Difference

The secret is that there is no real secret to getting a vehicle to last a long time. The difference is maintenance. Regular fluid checks between servicing
is essential – it only takes a few minutes a fortnight to check the levels of your oil, brake fluid and coolant. The best oil in the world will do
your engine no good if you never change it – this is probably a job best left to the experts at your local independent garage such as ACC UK Ltd of
Farnborough. During your regular annual service of your Volvo or Toyota your oil will be changed not just topped up. It is advisable to keep a regular
eye on your tyre pressures. For information as to the correct tyre pressures for your Volvo or Toyota look in your owners handbook. Underinflated tyres
not only affect driving and control, they also wear tyre tread more quickly and unevenly resulting in tyre change more frequently therefore costing
you more money.

Tip 1

Check and change the oil at the required intervals. No single step will help an engine last more than regular oil and filter changes will. Conversely,
nothing will destroy an engine faster than neglecting oil-level checks or fresh-oil changes.

Tip 2

Flush the cooling system and change coolant once a year. Your local independent garage will advise you on how to do this if you want to do it at home.
A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water will keep the cooling system in good shape and prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the
cooling system.

Tip 3

Change the transmission and differential oils. While not requiring frequent service, these fluids must be changed according to service intervals.
Always use transmission fluid or gear oil of the recommended type and viscosity. If you are sticking to your regular manufacture recommended service
schedules these items should be included at the correct intervals.

Tip 4

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it is adept at attracting moisture. Moisture causes components to corrode and fail. Replace the fluid and bleed
the brake system once a year. Brake fluid is incredibly cheap in comparison to calipers, hoses, and sensors that will get damaged if you do not maintain
the brake fluid.

ACC UK Ltd are independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair & MOT specialists based in Farnborough, Hampshire. Give us a call next time your Volvo
or Toyota is due a service or repair – let us quote you happy – offering a dealership service at a fraction of the price.