Car Maintenance Checks You Should Be Doing Regularly

Cars cost a lot of money to buy and with fuel prices at record highs, they are also expensive to run. That’s why it makes sense to look after your car to maximise its performance and life.

Regular checks are also great for car safety and a well-maintained vehicle will impress future buyers, ensuring a good price when it comes to selling up. Don’t worry, looking after your car doesn’t mean you have to be mechanically minded and it doesn’t take up too much time.

Follow our simple tips on vehicle maintenance and you’ll soon be reaping the benefits with lower bills and more efficient, safer motoring.

Tyres

Tyres are incredibly important and benefit from regular checks to ensure they are safe to use. A properly inflated tyre will not only make your car safer to drive but it will also save you money.

Check for general wear and tear, splits or bulges, and monitor tread depth. The correct tyre pressure is also important, so be sure to check your owner’s handbook make sure your tyres have the correct pressure.

Well maintained tyres increase fuel efficiency and therefore save money in the long run. Check at least once a month or before long car journeys.

Lights

Headlights, fog lights, indicators, break lights, they are all vitally important when it comes to safety. Lights are there to keep you and other road users safe and if they don’t work then you’re not driving safely.

So, to make sure you don’t put yourself or other road users at risk, it’s important to check your lights are working at least once a month. In winter, when the days are shorter and the weather is worse, it makes sense to check at least twice a week.

Walk around your car and visually inspect indicators and parking lights. Have a friend of family member stand behind the car while you press the brakes to make sure your brake lights are working properly too.

Windscreen Wipers

It’s easy to forget about windscreen wipers, until you need them, and by then it’s usually too late. Stuck in a downpour with poorly performing blades is extremely dangerous and you and other road users.

Wiper blades are rubber and do not last forever so check for splits and cracks and replace ahead of time.

Screen Wash

Windscreens get dirty, especially in winter, but whether it’s bugs, dust or mud, they need to be regularly cleaned. Check your screen wash and top up if necessary, with a good screen wash additive or pre-mix.

Check your handbook if you’re unsure where to put it, but it’s usually clearly marked under the bonnet. Most garages stock screen wash so it’s easy to find and is especially important in winter, as unlike water, it will not freeze.

Coolant

Coolant keeps the engine from overheating and stops it from freezing in colder weather. It’s simple to check and is usually clearly visible under the bonnet but consult the user manual if you’re unsure.

Check your car’s coolant level at least once a month and you’ll help prevent some potentially expensive engine bills. Make sure you do it while the engine is cold to ensure an accurate reading.

Interiors

It’s one of the easiest jobs to do and yet somehow, one of the hardest to complete. Remove all rubbish so nothing gets trapped under any of the pedals while driving and ensure the windscreen is cleaned from the inside.

It’s also worth clearing out excess luggage, coats, boxes and other belongings that end up in the boot or under seats. Extra weight uses more fuel and costs you money.

Exterior

Once the interior is done, it’s time for the exterior. Make sure the headlights, number plates and brake lights are clean and easily visible.

Keep all the windows, not just the windscreen, clean and clear at all times. Washing by hand means you can check the tyres and windscreen for wear and tear at the same time.

Creating a quick car maintenance schedule will help extend the life of your vehicle, save you money and protect against breakdowns and expensive repairs. It will also add value to your car when it comes to selling, making it well worth the effort.