If you own a Suzuki hatchback, you already know you’ve made an excellent choice. Now you want to ensure you keep it in the best possible shape for many years to come.
Hatchbacks are one of the most popular vehicle types in SA thanks to their versatility in a compact package. Suzuki is well-known for producing some of the best hatchbacks to date, combining capability and value with that unmistakable Suzuki style.
From the Celerio and S-presso to the Swift, your Suzuki hatchback is so much more than comfortable and reliable transport. It’s where you can sing loudly and off-key after a long day at work. It’s where your kids excitedly tell you about their day. It’s where you count down the kilometres to your beach vacation. It’s where you and your friends catch up on all the details.
Your Suzuki hatchback is a consistent part of your life, and it’s only fair that you take care of your vehicle as well as it looks after you. We’ve compiled some top tips to help you properly care for your vehicle.
1. Follow your car maintenance schedule
Every vehicle has a service and maintenance schedule designed to keep that specific vehicle running at its best. The most important part of looking after your Suzuki hatchback is making sure you service and maintain your vehicle on time.
Even if your vehicle is older and no longer on a service or maintenance plan, speak to a Suzuki dealership and ask them for advice on when your hatchback should be checked in for regular maintenance.
This is the best way to ensure your partner in all adventures stays in good shape for many years to come.
2. Check your ride!
Make a habit of checking all ‘liquids and air’ regularly. This refers to oil, water, coolant, window washing fluid and tyre pressure. Vehicles vary, so check your owner’s manual or ask your dealership for a list of everything you should be checking. It’s not long, we promise!
We know life is hectic, and it’s easy to either forget or keep putting it off.
Our advice is to try to link these checks to your refuels or the first/last week of each month. Try to make it a routine because it is an essential part of extending your Suzuki hatchback’s lifespan.
3. Listen to your car
If you listen carefully, your Suzuki hatchback will speak to you, in its own way. If you hear any strange sounds from the engine, suspension or steering, it’s best to have it checked immediately. If something is wrong, you don’t want to leave it and risk more damage.
If you hear any rattles, maybe first do an interior sweep to make sure it’s not a stray coin or phone charger. If the rattle persists, have it checked.
Hot tip: if this is your first car and you don’t know what is supposed to sound normal / not, ask your dealership. They’ll be more than happy to assist and explain - no matter how often you contact them.
4. Into the light
Make sure you know what all the lights on the dashboard mean. Most vehicles have standard symbols for the oil and engine alerts, but it’s good to double-check anyway.
If any of the alert lights, such as ‘check engine’ come on, you need to get your beloved hatchback to the dealership immediately. Don’t ignore these alerts or even delay getting your vehicle checked, as this could turn a minor problem into a much bigger one. Don’t ignore your car when it tells you something is wrong.
5. Hatchback spa day
Keeping your vehicle clean is a critical part of your car maintenance routine. Not only does your Suzuki look even more sleek when it's clean and sparkling, but regular cleaning helps keep your vehicle in good condition.
A good clean, and wax protects the paint, while interior materials are protected from scratches and sun damage if the correct cleaning materials are used.
Remember that everything from sunscreen to snacks ends up everywhere from the steering wheel to the seats and will cause the materials to wear down over time. If possible, keep some interior car wipes on hand and do a wipe down every once in a while.
6. Don’t crack up
If you pick up small scratches or little dents, try to get them repaired as soon as you can. Paint chips or scratches can quickly cause more paint to flake off, especially if you live in a humid region.
Moisture and dust work their way into these small chips, causing paint to flake and expanding the exposed area. Your Suzuki’s paint is a protective layer that prevents the metal underneath from rusting over time.
Getting these repaired quickly will stop small stone chips from turning into a bigger problem.
7. Keep it smooth
Your driving style has a big impact on the health of your hatchback. Drivers who constantly and dramatically accelerate and then brake hard from one light to the next are putting unnecessary stress on their car.
While your Suzuki hatchback is more than happy to quickly brake or accelerate when needed, a smooth driving style will save you a lot on fuel, brake pads and tyres.
8. Be kind to your car
Treating your hatchback with a little kindness can have surprising benefits. It’s in the small things: don’t slam the doors, try to keep small shoes off the seats, don’t take out your traffic frustrations on the dials or levers. If something spills, clean it up as soon as you can.
Treating your car with kindness will prevent many of those small scratches that accumulate over time.
If you adore your Suzuki hatchback, you want to keep it in the best possible condition. Following the above tips will help you spot any concerns early and will keep your car in its most fabulous shape for as long as possible.
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