Car ownership is freeing, and it allows drivers to see more of the world and get around quickly and efficiently.
However, with all of this freedom comes a lot of responsibility. As your vehicle will be driving on the road with other cars and could potentially cause harm if it doesn’t work properly, you need to make sure that it is well-maintained.
Also, a breakdown or even a minor crash could be exceptionally expensive, both with short-term costs to fix the vehicle and potential long-term insurance premium increases.
If your car is not kept in good condition, then this can sometimes invalidate your car insurance altogether, so it’s vital that you take the time to care for your vehicle.
Maintaining a car correctly means more than just keeping it clean. There are many checks that you should undertake at least once a year, if not more often, some of which we outline below.
Conduct A Tyre Pressure Check
Tyre pressure should be checked every few weeks, particularly if you drive regularly and travel over uneven terrain. With a home pressure gauge, you can easily check your tyre pressure and work out if it is at the manufacturer’s recommended pounds per square inch (PSI).
If it’s too low or your tyres are overinflated, then it’s an easy fix. Most service stations have a tyre pressure gauge and air to inflate your tyres with on the forecourt, so you can quickly and easily get your tyres up to scratch and ensure that your car runs smoothly.
Check The Battery Charge
It’s important that you check your car’s battery and that it is charging correctly and holding its charge. A multimeter can help you to see how much electricity is stored in your battery and how effective it is at running your car. If you notice signs that your battery is wearing out, such as dim lights, slow starting, or the battery case looks misshapen when you check it, then it might be time to replace your car’s battery.
Like every battery, car batteries need replacing every few years, and you should choose a high-quality part. Companies like Battery Group stock a range of quality batteries from world-renowned manufacturers, such as these Bosch batteries, so you can find the right part for your vehicle and get it running like new again.
You can also keep it topped up with a battery trickle charger.
Fill Up The Washer Fluid
As you drive, your car’s windshield can get dirty and covered in small pieces of grime. This can affect your visibility, which is why cars have a reservoir of screenwash under the front bonnet.
When your windscreen gets dirty, you can use this windscreen washing fluid, in conjunction with your wipers, to clean your windscreen as you drive. Every few months, you should check the screenwash fluid levels and add more as required so that you know that you always have some when you need to clean your windscreen.
Dip The Tank
Another fluid that you need to check regularly is the oil in your engine. Your car uses this oil to lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly. If you run low on oil, then your engine could malfunction or break entirely. As the engine is the epicentre of the car, you need to make sure that it always has a good supply of oil.
To check the oil level in your car, you can use a dipstick to see how much oil is left, and top it up if you need to. Too much oil can also damage the engine and stop your car from working properly, so if in doubt, seek professional advice when you’re checking your engine oil levels.
Look At Your Lights
It might sound remarkably simple, but you should check your car’s lights every few months. If your light bulbs blow or they get dim and need replacing, then you need to do this as soon as possible to ensure that you’re always safe when you’re driving in the dark or low visibility areas, such as foggy roads.
To check your lights, simply turn the engine on and put the lights on, either the front headlights or the rear ones. Then walk out of the car and see if the lights are working and bright. If they’re not, then you should consider replacing the bulbs or seeing if the car’s battery is working correctly, as mentioned previously.
Get Your Car Serviced
The checks listed in this article are important parts of car maintenance, but you also need to get your car serviced by a professional at least once a year. It might seem expensive, but a professional can have tools and expert diagnostic solutions to review every aspect of your car.
An expert mechanic can check your car’s internal workings and offer you advice and support to ensure that your vehicle continues to run safely and give you the best possible performance when you’re out on the road. While some of the checks above can be undertaken at your annual service, it can save you time and ensure that your car always runs well if you also do them yourself.
