Even though regular car services are essential, it’s also important to keep on top of your car maintenance to catch any small issues early before they develop into big problems. To help you out, we’ve put together our top ten essential car maintenance checks so that your motor can stay in the best condition possible between annual services.
Especially if you have an older car, a little extra effort when it comes to vehicle maintenance can go a long way. Taking the time to learn how to maintain a car will save you money in the long run & will help to keep your car legal and roadworthy.
A working car battery is essential for the engine to be started. If possible, it’s best to change your car’s battery every three years. This is because most vehicle breakdowns are due to a flat or faulty battery. The most common cause of a flat battery is leaving the lights on after turning the engine off.
Top tip: Store a pair of jump leads in your car in case of a breakdown, so you can recharge your battery from another vehicle.
Tyre pressure is important when it comes to car maintenance checks, as it impacts the amount of fuel a vehicle consumes. If your tyres have low pressure, this will increase fuel consumption and will increase the chance of accidents due to longer breaking distances.
It’s advised that you check your tyres once a week to ensure they are topped up, and you can also check for cuts and that your tread is within legal limits. If needed, follow our step-by-step guide on how to change a tyre.
Top tip: Tyre pressures can be different for the front and rear tyres. In order to even-out wear and prolong tyre life, try rotating your tyres by swapping out the fronts to the rear and vice versa.
Oil problems can be some of the most expensive car maintenance issues to fix. Make sure to top up your engine oil so that the level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick. If your car is low on oil, this can risk causing damage to your car’s engine and could result in a break down.
Top tip: Engine oil makes sure that your car’s processes run smoothly, and it reduces the mechanical erode of the car’s components.
When it comes to basic car maintenance, you should be aware of how to check the levels of antifreeze, coolant and wiper fluid in your car. If not, take a look at the owner’s manual. If it looks like you’re running low, make sure to top up to avoid any major issues.
Top tip: Also take the time to check for any leaks.
Seeing where you are going when driving is obviously very important! Make sure to check your windscreen wipers – are they in good condition? Are there any chips or tears? If your windscreen wipers are damaged, get them fixed as soon as possible. Small chips could turn into cracks which would require a replacement rather than repair.
An easy way to make your wipers last is by taking a clean, damp rag and wiping each blade from end to end. This will remove any built-up dirt which may affect the wiper blades.
Simple enough, take the time to make sure that you know what your car’s dashboard warning lights mean! This will save you time in the long run, as you won’t get caught by surprise if one flashes up.
They may be easy to overlook, but also don’t forget to keep on top of how well your car’s lights are working. Get someone to stand outside of your car whilst you test the lights and indicators to let you know if everything looks like it’s working properly.
Something you should always be doing is driving sensibly and with control. Learn how to use the controls of your car correctly to reduce component wear, which in turn will make your fuel go further. This is known as driving with ‘mechanical sympathy’ – don’t extend the engine above or below its operating range, treat the clutch with respect and avoid changing gears too hastily.
Over time your car’s oil and air filters can become clogged, so it’s important to renew them frequently. Check out your car’s handbook manual for advice on filter cleaning and changing.
The air filter prevents insects, dust, particles or debris from reaching the engine and ensures a good mixture of air and fuel to support performance.
The oil filter maintains continuous oil flow and removes any unwanted particles so that the motor oil can do its job efficiently.
Essentially, filters are vital for the smooth-running and general wellbeing of your vehicle, so it’s important to keep them in good working order.
Using your air conditioning, even in winter, is an essential part of car maintenance that could save you money on repair work further down the line.
If your air-con system doesn’t get used for long periods of time, the circulation can suffer. The system is filled with a refrigerant and oil, so the liquid needs to keep flowing to keep the components of the system lubricated.
Alongside this, using the air-con in winter is also a great way to demist the windows and it can act as a dehumidifier.
Finally, one of the most effective ways to add to your car’s lifespan is by sticking to a regular routine schedule. Make a list of essential inspections that you stick to, to help you identify any problems before they turn into a much more expensive bill later down the line.
We recommend checking these where possible, alongside our other tips:
- Fuel
- Screen wash
- Electrics
- Spark plug
- Brakes
- Interiors & exteriors
Top tip: If you want to find out how to clean your car’s interior, check out this handy blog.
And those are our top 8 car maintenance tips! Now you know how to look after your car, to keep it in the best condition possible between services. If you want to know more about the services we offer, check out this page. If you need help from a professional, find your nearest Eurorepar centre or book a service or MOT online.
