Top Tips for Car Maintenance: Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient. Following these car maintenance tips can help you avoid costly repairs, extend your car’s lifespan, and ensure your vehicle is always roadworthy. Here are our top 6 car maintenance tips every driver should follow.

1. Check Your Oil Regularly

Oil is your engine’s lifeblood, making this one of the most crucial car maintenance tips. Check your oil level monthly using the dipstick, and look for signs of contamination or excessive thickness.

How to Check Your Oil:

1. Park your car on level ground and wait for about 10 minutes after switching off the engine to allow the oil to settle.
2. Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, usually marked with a bright handle.
3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, and reinsert it fully.
4. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level, which should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
5. Inspect the oil’s colour and consistency. It should be a clear, amber colour. If it appears dark or gritty, it may be time for an oil change.

Most cars need an oil change every 6,000-10,000 miles, but consult your owner’s manual for specific intervals. Regular oil changes are among the most cost-effective car maintenance tips you can follow

2. Monitor Tyre Condition and Pressure

Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. This car maintenance tip can prevent dangerous blowouts and reduce fuel consumption.

Monthly Tyre Checks:

1. Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, using a tyre pressure gauge which you can find at many garages. The tyre pressure guide for your car can be found in the car manual or sometimes on a sticker in your car door jamb.
2. Inspect the tread depth using the 20p coin test. The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. To carry out the 20p test, insert the coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is too worn.
3. Look for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate alignment issues.
4. Check for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects that could cause a puncture.

Maintain the pressure recommended in your owner’s manual or on the tyre information placard. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear unevenly.

3. Test Your Brakes

Brake maintenance is a critical safety consideration. These car maintenance tips can help you identify brake problems early.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

1. Listen for squealing or grinding noises when braking, which could indicate worn brake pads.
2. If you notice that your car is taking longer to stop than usual, this could be a sign of brake wear.
3. Feel for any vibrations through the brake pedal when you bake as this could indicate warped brake discs.
4. You may notice that your car starts pulling to one side when you brake. If this happens it could indicate a brake imbalance.

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your brakes inspected immediately. Regular brake fluid changes are also essential – typically every two years.

4. Check Your Lights

Functional lights are legally required and essential for safety. Include these car maintenance tips in your monthly routine.

Light Inspection:

1. Headlights:Turn on both low and high beams, then walk around the vehicle to confirm they are working properly and aligned.
2. Indicators:Activate each indicator light to make sure they flash correctly.
3. Brake lights:Press the brake pedal and check that all brake lights illuminate. You can use a reflective surface, like a window, or ask someone to assist by observing while you press the pedal.
4. Hazard lights:Switch on the hazard lights to confirm all four indicators flash together as intended.

Replace bulbs promptly when they fail, and make sure that you keep the light lenses clean to help improve visibility.

5. Inspect Belts and Hoses

Engine belts and hoses are critical components that can cause major problems if they fail. These car maintenance tips can help to prevent roadside breakdowns.

What to Look For:

1. Inspect seatbelts and drive belts by looking closely for any cracks, fraying edges, or shiny/glazed areas that may indicate wear. Replace if damaged.
2. Check hoses by gently squeezing the hoses to feel for soft spots or bulges, and look for any signs of leaks around the hose or connections.
3. Test belt tension by pressing down on the longest section of the belt. It should move about ½ inch. If it moves much more (too loose) or hardly at all (too tight), adjustment or replacement may be needed.
4. Examine hose clamps by checking the clamps that secure the hoses. Look for rust or corrosion, and replace them if they appear weak or damaged.

Replace belts and hoses showing any signs of wear before they fail completely.

6. Keep Up with Professional Servicing

While many car maintenance tips can be followed at home, professional servicing remains essential. Annual or bi-annual services can identify problems before they become expensive repairs.

Professional Service Benefits:

1. Comprehensive safety inspection:A thorough check of all major systems to confirm your vehicle is operating safely and reliably.
2. Advanced diagnostic testing: Use of specialised equipment to detect hidden issues that may not be visible during a visual inspection.
3. Early problem detection:Professional identification of potential faults before they develop into costly repairs or to help reduce risk of an accident.
4. Warranty protection:Services performed in line with the manufacturer’s schedule keep your warranty valid and your vehicle covered.

Keep detailed records of all maintenance work, as this can increase your car’s resale value and help with warranty claims.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance offers numerous benefits:

• Cost Savings:Preventive maintenance is much cheaper than emergency repairs
• Safety:Well-maintained vehicles are significantly safer to drive
• Reliability:Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns
• Fuel Efficiency:Properly maintained cars consume less fuel
• Resale Value:Documented maintenance history helps with a car’s sale

Keep up with your car maintenance and dealing with car repairs when they are needed. Putting off making repairs can cost you more in the long run.

While these car maintenance tips cover the basics, always consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific requirements. When in doubt, seek professional advice rather than risk damage to your vehicle or compromise your safety.