Regular Car Maintenance

Having the ability to maintain your car, makes these little things count and will allow you to put your head at rest, keeping you ahead of the game and keeping your bank balance in check. The regularity of these checks is not just essential to make your car safe to drive, but will also extend the lifespan of your vehicle. As these checks take a few minutes, they can be tackled on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Weekly:

• Tire Pressure: They should be checked once a week minimum to boost safety and fuel efficiency. The vehicle handbook should inform you of the correct way to check the air pressure for your tires. The pressure can also be checked at your local service station or invest in a simple air pressure gauge that fits in your glove box.
• Tire Condition: The depth of tread on the tyres is an important factor in your vehicle’s safety. The best option is to purchase an easy-to-use tread depth gauge to help you monitor their condition.
• Brake Fluid and Coolant Levels: Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap to inspect the level, and if necessary top it up. Remember that very low brake fluid could indicate a bigger problem with your braking system, so it’s probably best to get the car to a mechanic. You should also check the engine coolant periodically, as running low on coolant can lead to serious engine problems.

Every 2 Weeks:

• Oil Checks: Once the car has cooled down, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Replace the dipstick and remove it again, this time checking the oil level. If the level is low, more oil should be added before the car is driven again. The oil should be changed every 5000 kilometers or every three months.
• Windscreen Wipers: The wiper blades clean your windscreen smoothly and improve your driving visibility. If the wipers dirty the screen while in use, try cleaning the blades to remove excess dirt and debris. They may need to be changed entirely, something you should aim to do at least once a year. Also use this opportunity to ensure the wiper fluid is working and top up the water level if needed.
• Headlights: Inspect all of your lights – headlights, high beams, brakes – to ensure they are working in order and none of the bulbs have blown.

Annually:

• Book a Full Service: A professional service will ensure the engine is working correctly, no problems with the brakes and the car is safe to drive. This should be done as often as your car manufacturer recommends. A good guide is to book a service every year, but older cars will require more frequent servicing