Simple car maintenance checks to assist keeping your car on the road safely and economically
Carrying out these simple checks every few weeks and before a long journey can help keep your vehicle in good running order and prevent a breakdown.
Fuel
Check your fuel level before embarking on a long journey or just general around town travel. It may sound obvious but you don’t want to run out of fuel particularly in harsh cold winter conditions or in the heat of the summer months.
Oil
Check the oil level because if it is dangerously low this can cause a breakdown and lead to catastrophic engine damage if left unresolved. Check that your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick and top up if required. If you are not sure which type of oil your car needs, refer to your owner’s handbook or speak to your local garage or workshop dealer.
Rubber
Check both your tyres and wiper blades on a regular basis.
Check tyres for general wear and tear, splits or bulges and tread depth. Also ensure you’ve got the correct pressure in your vehicle’s tyres. Consult your owner’s handbook or vehicle door if you don’t know the correct inflation.
Examine your wiper blades too as over time the rubber perishes and needs replacing due to splits and cracks.
Coolant
Check your car’s coolant level. You would not want a frozen engine or even for your car to overheat – this can cause serious and expensive damage. Check your coolant levels when the engine is cold and consult your handbook for the correct coolant and mix to use should it need topping up.
Electrics
There are plenty of electrics in your car from headlights to fog lights to your battery and even the number plate lights. These all need to be checked regularly. Check your battery to make sure the terminals are clean and tight (clean off any corrosion) and that the engine starts correctly. If your engine battles to start when you turn the key get the battery checked out at your nearest service station or battery centre. When you’re having your car battery tested, ask the attendant to check the starting and charging system and whether anything is draining your battery, this could give you a better idea of your vehicle’s overall electrical health. If your vehicle battery is over four years old it may be a good idea to replace it to prevent it letting you down. There is usually an increase in battery related faults every winter as the cold weather takes its toll on older tired batteries. Batteries have to work that much harder in cold conditions and they endure greater demand from the extra electrical equipment i.e. the lights and heater.
Windscreen wash
Check your windscreen wash level in the tank under the bonnet, topping up if required with a quality screen wash additive or pre-mix. Windscreen wash is important all year round. In winter frost and grit cause dirty windscreens whilst in summer bugs and pollen can obstruct your view.
Engine air filter
A faulty or clogged air filter could reduce your fuel efficiency and lead to reduced engine power, which is why mechanics recommend getting it replaced every 12 months.
Spark plugs (petrol engines only)
Spark plugs are integral to the running of your engine as one or more faulty plugs will cause an engine to misfire.
Brakes
Don’t underestimate the importance of properly-functioning brakes. Keeping them maintained is essential. Start by checking the brake fluid level and if low, top it up. Consult your vehicle handbook for the correct fluid specification and the mileage intervals for changing them or take it to your nearest service centre.
Air conditioning
Whether it’s extremely hot outside or freezing cold it’s essential your car aircon unit is fully functioning. If your aircon does not feel cool enough on hot summer days this may mean that the system requires a regass. Specialist equipment is required for regassing or for system servicing therefore it should be taken to a reputable service centre.