One of the keys to staying safe on the road is keeping your car in good working order. There are a few basic car maintenance tips that anyone can do in this regard.
1. Keep your tyres properly inflated
There is a recommended inflation level for all tyres. Make sure yours are correct. If you’re not sure what the level is then have a look online or ask someone at a garage. Underinflated or overinflated tyres don’t perform as well as they should. On top of this, underinflated tyres make your vehicle use more fuel to drive and so they actually cost you money.
2. Keep your windscreen washer water full
A dirty windscreen can be a distraction so keep this full so that you’ve always got fluid to clean it in the event that it gets dirty. Your car manual will tell you where it’s located but if you’re not sure then pop the bonnet of your vehicle and you should be able to find it. If in doubt ask someone the next time you’re at your local garage.
3. Clean your car
The simple act of keeping your vehicle’s bodywork clean will help prolong its life and reduce the risk of rust setting in. And that also includes waxing.
And we’re not just talking about keeping it clean on the outside, old burger wrappers and other rubbish on the floor of your car can cause damage and reduce the resale value of your vehicle. And if an empty drink bottle happened to roll under the driver’s seat and get stuck under the brake when you need to stop in a hurry…well that wouldn’t be a good thing to have happen!
4. Drive with care
Drive sensibly and your car’s engine will certainly appreciate it. You’re also less likely to be involved in an accident. Fast acceleration uses more fuel so you’ll also reduce fuel consumption which will save you money in the long run.
5. A stitch in time saves nine
This old saying is definitely true when it comes to cars. A relatively small and inexpensive problem left unchecked can become a major problem. Take rust for example, a small speck of rust left unattended to will continue to grow over time, sometimes unseen, and can result in costly repairs. So if you notice a problem with your car then investigate it at the earliest opportunity, don’t leave it for another day as you could end up regretting it.
6. Change your oil and filter
If you don’t know how to do this then there’s no way around it so you’ll have to pay a garage to do it. It can help to prolong the life of your vehicle in the long run.
7. But wait, there’s more!
These tips (and more here) are really just the basics for those who aren’t ready to delve into things any deeper. On their own they don’t constitute a full car maintenance program and so unless you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and take things further, we suggest you get a regular service at your local garage.