High-performance vehicles rely on more precise engineering, and they’re usually pushed that little bit harder than the average motor. Getting the best from them, on a long-term basis, relies on treating them to regular maintenance – especially if you’ve opted for a slew of modifications. Some of this maintenance requires a degree of mechanical nous, but some steps are so simple that just about any motorist can take them. Fail to do so, and there can be no excuse!

Let’s run through some kinds of maintenance that will help you to eke every last bit of performance from your vehicle.

Fluid Levels

The average sports car relies on a whole series of different fluids, even if we don’t include the fuel. You’ll want to keep an eye on each of them and ensure that you aren’t running excessively low on any. Motor Oil, Power Steering Fluid, Brake Fluid and Coolant will all need to be replenished. Needless to say, putting cheap oil into an expensive engine is asking for reduced performance, and ultimately a dirty engine with poor performance.

Fuel

The advantages of a high-octane fuel become inarguable when you’re driving a high-performance car. The octane rating, for the uninitiated, refers to the amount of pressure the fuel can withstand before it ignites. If you find that your engine is ‘knocking’, then moving to a superior fuel may help, and it’ll extend the lifespan of the vehicle, too. The switch may also result in greater horsepower and improved general acceleration.

Tyre Pressure

If you’re driving faster and braking more suddenly, then your tyres will wear out more quickly. Moreover, tyres which are underinflated will not grip the road as nicely, and thus your performance will suffer. Keep an eye on the tread depth of your tyres and make a regular point of changing the pressure. Your manual will give you the ideal pressures to aim for, but if you’re and experienced driver, you might wish to experiment. The tyres themselves should also be replaced pro-actively; you can do this yourself if you have the requisite tools from RS Components.

Clean the Outside

For many sports-car drivers, outward appearance might be just as important as performance. Can you imagine driving a Lamborghini that’s covered in dirt and grime? It would just be weird. If you’re driving a soft-top convertible, you might find that the fabric of the hood is the most difficult part of the car to clean; use a specialist cleaner, formulated for this purpose, to keep it looking plush.