General Tips

It is very easy today to ignore maintenance on your car except for the required servicing period. As the modern car is generally reliable, we just get in and drive to our location without thinking about the vehicle’s condition. However, things can go wrong and usually when it is most inconvenient. Preventative maintenance and checks can easily be performed periodically with little knowledge or tools.   

General

The following checks can be weekly or monthly depending on your frequency of commitment.

• Remove leaves and debris from under bonnet- waterways get blocked.
• Screen Wash – top-up with either a ready to use diluted solution or a concentrated solution that you mix with water.
• Oil – check the level if you have a dipstick or later vehicles have a dashboard display option to check the level.
• Engine Coolant – this is normally contained in a sealed & pressurised system and the level should not need topping up.

• Brake fluid level should not change as it is a sealed system. Some reservoirs are hidden from sight with only the filler cap visible. There should be warning on the dashboard if the fluid is low.
• Diesel vehicles requiring Adblue (a fuel additive for diesel that aids cleaner emissions), the dashboard will advise. Adblue can be purchased as car factor outlets and petrol stations. Check your vehicle handbook for the location of the filling point. 
• Note: if you ignore the ‘adblue mileage left’ warnings, the vehicle will refuse to drive (by design) if the Adblue tank is empty. 
• Warning lights on the dashboard should not be ignored. Check the vehicle’s handbook for an explanation if you do not recognise the warning light.

Bodywork

• Remove bird droppings asap as they are slightly acidic and will burn the paint and lacquer if left. Remove with soapy water.
• Wash your car if you have a spare hour on your hands – it’s good free exercise !
• Grease locks, door hinges & bonnet/bonnet catches.

Tyres & Wheels

• Check tyre pressures – invest in an electric tyre pump or air compressor, handy if you lose air due to a slow puncture or leaky wheel rims – more common on older vehicles when the rims sustain corrosion.
• Check wheel nuts periodically. Carry a wheel wrench in the boot. If you have a torque wrench check the nuts are at the correct torque settings. Check the handbook for settings. 
• Check the tyre’s tread depth. Ideally no less that 2mm depth across 75% of the tyre is required to keep safe and legal.
• Washing the wheels and using a hose on them will slow down corrosion from the dirt from the roads and brake dust.
• Carry a jack and spare wheel if the vehicle comes with them. Alternative methods include a compressed can of tyre sealant.

Mechanical

Do not rev up the engine when it’s cold. This can harm engine components. If the engine runs lumpy then either a service is due or the engine should have a diagnostic check. Drive smoothly for at least until the water is up to normal temperature around 90 degrees centigrade. 

Seasonal

Actions are mainly required for the winter season.

• For a frosty windscreen, use de-icer and a scraper to clear. Do not use hot water, this may crack the windscreen. 
• A windscreen cover could be used overnight to provide a clear screen in the morning.
• Hose the wheels & arches occasionally – remove winter salt from the roads that accumulates. This will speed up the rusting process if left.

Before Driving

• Check / clean your lights – remove ice or snow.
• Clear the windscreen inside and outside with an appropriate cloth.
• Check the wipers are not stuck to the windscreen. If they are, operating the wipers can damage the wiper motor or blow its fuse.

Setting off on a Long Journey

• Checking the tyre pressures unless you have a TPMS system.
• A bottle of drinking water in case you breakdown and are stranded for some time.
• Boot supplies – de-icer, ice scraper, torch, tyre pressure gauge, first aid kit, warning triangle, blanket, water, fuel can, high vis vest, old clothes, basic tool kit.

Help

If you are not practical or maintenance handy, your local Halfords offers various services. Their offers change throughout the year. A technician will check and action items such as:

• Air Pressure Check
• Screen Wash Top-Up
• Lights and Tyre Tread Examination
• Vehicle Wash 

Look after your car and it should look after you.