Since doing my car care tips on Rock FM Saturday breakfast show people have ask me to recap on ones they have missed so here are some of the best plus some new ones thrown in.

Lazy seat belts. Are your seat belts slow to retract or don’t retract at all? There’s nothing more annoying than a lazy seat belt getting in the way sometimes getting jammed in the door, it can also be dangerous.  Don’t worry this tip works 99% of the time. Go to nearest petrol station and buy a can of dash board shine must contain silicon. Pull the seat belt all the way out, spray the belt with spray until wet, and then let it go in and out several times. If still slow repeat process until it whips in like it used to. How it works, the silicon in the spray reduces the friction on the coiled up belt.  Simon Says “Best not to do this before you go out in your best clothes”.

Lost buckle. Dose the d part of your seat belt disappear down the side of your seat? When working correctly your d buckle should be near your lap. However sometime the retaining grommet can come out or be broken. What you need to do is find a button in the wife’s sowing kit (preferable metal) and sow it where the grommet used to be. Simon Says “Make sure the buckles the right side of the button”.

Sticky windows. Are your electric windows slow or juddering? Cyprus is a very dry climate and rubbers dry out. Get out you can of dash silicone spay and spay the rubber window runners. Work windows up and down several times.

Wind noise from windows. Are your window rubbers kinked or split. Don’t worry you don’t need new rubbers there’s plenty of rubber inside the door. Cut out the damage section and pull the rubber from inside the door, if you make a clean cut and are careful you’ll never know. Simon Says “Go easy when pulling the rubber from inside the door”.

General winter care.

Tyre pressures, now it colder it’s important to check your tyre pressures again they will all be a bit low. If you don’t have a hand book don’t worry most cars have tyre pressures written inside the drivers door, if they are not there put 2 bar (28psi) all round.
Battery care..  Your battery is at most risk  when its very hot or cold. If you have wet type battery remove caps and top up with distilled water. It is important that your battery is charging correctly so remove terminals and clean up with wire brush, when refitting terminals tap down with a socket to get best possible fit. Once tightened up put some Vaseline or grease on them to prevent corrosion. If you want best possible life from you battery you should reduce the load on it before you start car, i.e. turn off everything possible like fan radio rear demister. Your battery is working hardest in the winter as engine is cold. It’s also beneficial to let car tick over for couple of mins before turning off to charge up battery.

Anti freeze. Sound daft in Cyprus but it also cleans engine and prevents rust. If you live in the mountains its essential as it will drop below 0c.

Air Conditioning. Your aircon needs to be used in order to keep it working. When we put gas in air con we put 20ml of light oil, this keeps the seals soft and intact, if not used the seals will dry up and you will lose your gas.

If you have any other question please drop in to Deals on Wheels for a coffee at my workshop and car sales site opposite time out kiosk on cholrakas to old town road. Or call 99315649.