Nobody wants to break down on a journey, but cars are complex machines and there is a lot that can go wrong. One way that you can reduce the chance of encountering car trouble and prevent costly repairs is by keeping up with regular car maintenance. There are a few maintenance tasks that you can easily do yourself that will help to keep your car in tip-top condition and prevent any issues from arising. Keep reading to find out what the main maintenance checks should be.
Tyre Pressure & Tread Depth
Motorists should always pay close attention to their tyres as these are constantly wearing down and have a big impact on the vehicle’s safety, performance and efficiency. You should check the tyre pressure on a regular basis and always before a long journey and top up if required – you can find out what the correct pressure is in your owner’s manual or on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. Additionally, you should check the tread depth with the 20p test – 1.3mm is the legal minimum but it is recommended that you change once you are below 3mm. Consider changing to Bridgestone tyres as these are known for their durability and will last a long time.
Fluid Checks
The car requires various fluids that keep it running smoothly and you should check these on a regular basis and top up as and when required. The main fluids to check include:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Wiper fluid
- Power steering fluid
Check Your Lights
You also want to check that all of your lights are working and it is important to check this periodically as you will not want to discover that a light is out when you are driving, especially in low visibility. This will include your headlights, fog lights, brake lights and reversing lights. You might need someone else to help you to check that all of your lights are working properly.
Test Your Brakes
You certainly do not want to be driving around if you are having any problems with your brakes. This is why you should check your brake pads on a regular basis and get these replaced if they are worn. You should also pay close attention to the performance of your brakes while driving and be wary of any strange noises or changes in their performance.
These are a few of the main maintenance checks that every motorist should be doing on a regular basis. Performing these tasks will help to keep your car in the best condition, reduce the chance of breaking down and prolong the life of your vehicle. These are simple and easy checks that could make a big difference and will hopefully prevent you from encountering any issues while on the road.
