In this week’s edition of Top 5 Tuesdays, we’re bringing you 5 essential car maintenance tips to minimise wear and tear – protecting your automotive investment for years to come!
Car wear and tear
While any car that’s driven regularly is going to develop some signs of wear and tear, you can minimise its impact with some simple TLC. Our easy car maintenance tips will ensure your car stays safe on the roads, keeps its showroom shine and retains its resale value.
Tyre pressure
Under or over inflated tyres can be a major danger on the roads – having an impact on the grip and handling of your car, and potentially resulting in a blow out. Check your tyres at least once a month, ensuring they’re inflated to the pressure specified by your car’s manufacturer – this information can be found in your car’s maintenance manual, printed on a sticker inside the door sill or on the back of the fuel filler cap.
By keeping your tyres at the correct pressure, you’ll benefit from better handling, improved fuel economy and reduced tyre wear – saving you serious cash at the petrol pump and the garage,
Oil levels
Checking your oil is easy, and could save you a fortune in costly repairs. Engines use oil to lubricate their moving parts, and low oil could cause increased friction and overheating – resulting in catastrophic engine damage. As engines run, they burn oil – causing levels to go down over time. While the garage will usually change your oil as part of your car’s regular servicing, it’s still important to check it regularly – especially on older cars, which usually burn more oil or may have sprung a leak.
Park your car on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down before checking your oil. Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, pull it out of its tube and clean the end with a tissue or cloth. Slowly insert the dipstick all the way back in, then pull it out again. Your oil level should be between the high and low markings on the dipstick, usually denoted by grooves, holes or notches in the metal stick.
Paint protection
Chips and scratches in paintwork can significantly devalue your car and, if left unchecked, can result in rust developing on your car’s bodywork.
Protect your paintwork from small chips and environmental damage by ensuring you wash and wax your car regularly. By buffing a protective layer of wax over your car’s paintwork, you create a shield against the elements – keeping your paint job in tip-top shape for longer.
Engine coolant
Overheating is one of the leading causes of breakdowns, and engine coolant leaks are often to blame. Too much heat can seriously damage an engine block, leading to costly repairs. Avoid a meltdown by regularly checking your engine’s coolant levels.
To check your coolant level, firstly, ensure your engine is cold and your car is parked on a level surface. After that, open the bonnet and locate the engine coolant reservoir – refer to your car’s manual if you’re unsure. This clear plastic reservoir will have minimum and maximum level markings on the side. If your coolant level is below minimum, make sure you top it up with the correct antifreeze before your next journey.
Keep your windscreen clear
Keeping your windscreen clean and streak free is essential for good visibility on the roads. Whether it’s rain or bright sunshine, varying environmental conditions can significantly restrict your view of the road.
Ensure yours stays clear by keeping your washer fluid topped up. Use a good quality washer fluid to ensure a streak-free finish. Checking and replacing wiper blades should also be part of your regular maintenance, and replacements can usually be bought from your local garage or car hardware store.
So there you have it, 5 essential car maintenance musts to keep you on the road and out of trouble. With a regular maintenance routine, you could significantly reduce your running costs and repair bills – as well as improving the performance and resale value of your car.
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