When it comes to car maintenance, opting out of regular servicing might feel like a saving but it could end up costing you more in the long run.
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Restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have disrupted people's priorities in many ways, but neglecting to get your car serviced is a concern, according to Sarah Fairbairn, from Triggs Motors Toronto.
"Many people are staying at home as per government recommendations to curb the spread of Covid-19, which is understandable," she said.
"But the government has made it clear from the start that bringing a vehicle in for required general maintenance, service and and repairs is an approved reasonable excuse to leave the house.
"Many people don't realise that oil sitting around in an engine getting old is just as bad for the engine as doing a large number of kilometres."
Items such as dirty engine oil, dirty air filters, worn out brake pads and high moisture content in brake fluid are a few of the reasons why vehicles should be serviced regularly.
"If a car does not receive regular oil changes the engine oil can turn into a sludge that can block up the engine's internals," Sarah said.
"A dirty air filter can stop the engine from 'breathing' and running efficiently.
"Running brake pads right down risks not only your brakes failing but also damaging the discs, meaning a more costly repair."
To allay fears during the coronavirus crisis, Tirggs Motors Toronto has introduced stringent measures to protect staff and customers and ensure vehicles get the services and repairs they need.
"We are disinfecting cars as soon as they arrive to protect our staff, then cleaning the vehicles again after we have finished working on them for the safety of our customers," Sarah said.
"Whenever possible, we are asking customers to tap and pay or pay over the phone. We have increased the amount of times we clean the office, waiting room etc during the day.
"We are limiting the amount of people we have on premises at once and we have come up with zero contact plans for our high-risk customers.
"All staff are temperature-checked at the start of each day to monitor their health.
"All staff have been advised to stay home if unwell or been in contact with persons unwell.
"If you need repairs/servicing on your vehicle and you fall into the Government's self-isolate high-risk groups, just give us a call and we will find a no contact way that suits you and your needs."
Triggs is a long-standing local automotive business providing everything from registration inspections and general safety servicing to suspension modifications, engine rebuilds and clutch replacements.
"We see everything from classic cars that people bring from as far as Sydney and even Armidale to us, to local families bringing their new Land Rover, Mercedes or old Toyota or Mazda," Sarah said.
"While we specialise in classic cars and the Land Rover/Rover, we do not discriminate against any makes or models. We are willing and able to work on a little bit of everything.
"At the same time, we are committed to ensuring customer vehicles get the services and repairs they need, while keeping us all safe and healthy."
Triggs Motors is located at 88 Excelsior Parade, Toronto.
For more information, ring 02 4959 2122, email triggsmotors@gmail.com or visit www.triggsmotors.com.