Here is our Maintenance Tips for TATA Safari and it may be applicable for a DICOR Safari too.
Do not operate your Power Windows before starting the car. It may reduce the life of the electrical motors.
Always start your car with the clutch pedal depressed. It will reduce the starter motor load and increases its life.
Never crank the engine before the Glow Plug beep sound “STOP” and warning indicator light is ‘OFF’. Also release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts.
Wait for 30 seconds before engaging the first gear. 30-60 Sec waiting procedure before Run/Stop the Car should be followed mandatory else there is a huge chance of the turbocharger failing due to Oil starvation.
Do not switch on the A/C immediately after starting the car. Using the A/C or Heater without warming up the Engine is not recommended.
After parking in the sun, drive with windows rolled down for a few minutes to blow off hot air before switching the AC On. Also switch off AC switch first and then stop the blower.
Use the Air conditioner of the vehicle at least 30 minutes once in a week. Avoid using the Air conditioner of the car with Windows Opened.
Come to a complete stop before shifting between reverse and a forward gear. Declutch, wait for a few second and then engage reverse gear. Keep the foot on the brake before shifting into neutral when at a stop. Riding the clutch will surely cause unnecessary clutch wear.
If you drive in Bumper to Bumper Traffic, Carbon gets deposited in the Catalytic. Rev the Engine when Hot to ‘Full throttle’ for 2-3 seconds in Neutral (Do not Press the Clutch & make sure to switch off all the Accessories). Do it for 4-5 times or till you don’t see much of Carbon Deposits being spewed out from the exhaust. Do this twice a week.
Try to run the vehicle at a constant speed about 80-100 kmph for 10 minutes at least once in a week.
Make a habit of filling fuel at the early morning. Avoid using your Car to test the quality of different fuel stations in your city. Never wait till the fuel tank getting almost empty.
Check the Tyre pressure once in a week, if can’t, switch to Nitrogen Gas.
Check the Coolant Reservoir Level, Oil Tip Stick Level, Wiper tank water level at least once in a week and top up if necessary.
Check the Battery Water Level, Brake Oil level, Clutch Oil Level and Power Steering Oil Level at least once in a month and top up if necessary.
Do not change your Engine Oil brand and Grade frequently or unnecessarily. Try to settle with the same Brand always. Do not waste your money on expensive Synthetic Oil for Safari.
Wash and Wax your car as much as possible, but never go for any paint protection treatments like Teflon, 3M or PTFE. Also avoid rubbing & polishing the car frequently or unnecessarily.
Do not wait for 10,000Kms to change the engine Oil, unless you drive the car only in Highways.
Do not use any lithium based Greases on O-Rings, Rubber and Plastic Parts. Only apply Silicone Grease if in contact with them. Try to upgrade all the bearing Greases and Joint greases from lithium based to Synthetic.
Try to upgrade the Brake Fluid and Clutch Fluid from DOT-3 to DOT-4. Do not forget to overhaul the cylinders and Tanks when doing this. Also make sure to completely flush out the old Fluid from all the wheels.
Never mix or Topup with DOT-4 brake/clutch fluid as Safari uses DOT-3 unless you have upgraded to DOT-4 already.
Do not use any GL-5 rated Mineral/Synthetic Gear Oil in the Safari Gear Box. You need a GL-4 rated Synthetic gear Oil or even better try a Multigrade Synthetic Gear Oil.
Never use Tap or Bore-well water with the radiator coolant. Try to source Distilled or RO Water, if can’t stay with AquaFina bottles.
Do not use Vim or any detergents to flush the Radiator coolant. Use dedicated radiator flush agents or you will loose the water pump.
Never use any Detergents or Diesel to clean the Catalytic Converter. Never paint the catalytic converter to protect it from rust.
Never switch off the engine when driving down the hill. Also never downhill or Turn in Neutral or with clutch depressed.
When parking on a slope, apply parking brake and keep the vehicle in first gear.
Do not apply the Hand Brake when parking the vehicle for a very long period.
Avoid using Fuel Additives and never use PTFE based Oil Additives in the Engine and Differential. You don’t need any additives for a Safari as it’s not a low-power vehicle unless you didn't maintain it well or you don't know how to drive it.
Protect the Car from Sun, Rain, Trees and Birds using a breathable, Water & UV resistant type Car cover. Do not use any 1000 bucks car cover for a Safari.
