Regular maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and, as a bonus, can positively impact your rates when you figure out which car insurance to get by demonstrating reliability and minimising the chances of accidents caused by mechanical failures. Double win! Of course, not everything is in our control or capabilities, but the five essential tasks should be known by every driver regardless.
Checking and changing engine oil
The lifeblood of your vehicle. It provides essential lubrication for moving parts and prevents the engine from overheating. To ensure your engine stays healthy, oil should regularly be checked. Start by pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Then reinsert and remove it again to verify the oil level. If it’s below the minimum mark or looks dark and gritty, it’s time for a change.
To do that you will have to drain the old oil, which can be done by removing the drain plug, replacing the oil filter, and filling the engine with fresh oil according to the vehicle’s manual. Where to find parts for your specific model and brand can also be checked here. Ideally, you want to do this every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check it every few weeks, but especially before a longer journey.
The lifeblood of your vehicle. It provides essential lubrication for moving parts and prevents the engine from overheating. To ensure your engine stays healthy, oil should regularly be checked. Start by pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Then reinsert and remove it again to verify the oil level. If it’s below the minimum mark or looks dark and gritty, it’s time for a change.
To do that you will have to drain the old oil, which can be done by removing the drain plug, replacing the oil filter, and filling the engine with fresh oil according to the vehicle’s manual. Where to find parts for your specific model and brand can also be checked here. Ideally, you want to do this every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check it every few weeks, but especially before a longer journey.
Maintaining tyre health
Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres are essential for a lot of things – namely traction, fuel efficiency, and, well, safety. Flat or worn-out tyres can quickly lead to dangerous situations. Use a gauge to measure their pressure and compare it with the manufacturer’s recommended PSI – often found on a label inside the driver’s door.
To inspect tread wear, use the penny test or examine the tread wear indicators that some tyres have. Always keep an eye out for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment issues. Again, ideally, you want to do this every few weeks, with rotating the tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres are essential for a lot of things – namely traction, fuel efficiency, and, well, safety. Flat or worn-out tyres can quickly lead to dangerous situations. Use a gauge to measure their pressure and compare it with the manufacturer’s recommended PSI – often found on a label inside the driver’s door.
To inspect tread wear, use the penny test or examine the tread wear indicators that some tyres have. Always keep an eye out for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment issues. Again, ideally, you want to do this every few weeks, with rotating the tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
Clear visibility whilst driving is, of course, essential for safe driving. Over time, windscreen wiper blades become worn and less effective, leading to streaks and reduced vision. To replace them, lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen, press the release tab, and slide the old blade off. Slide a new blade into place the same way until you hear a click and gently lower the arm back onto the windscreen. Aim to replace them every 6 to 12 months – or earlier if streaking occurs.
Clear visibility whilst driving is, of course, essential for safe driving. Over time, windscreen wiper blades become worn and less effective, leading to streaks and reduced vision. To replace them, lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen, press the release tab, and slide the old blade off. Slide a new blade into place the same way until you hear a click and gently lower the arm back onto the windscreen. Aim to replace them every 6 to 12 months – or earlier if streaking occurs.
Testing and maintaining the battery
Your battery is your car’s heart – so it’s important to have it well-functioning. You can inspect the battery terminal for corrosion, which looks like a white, powdery substance. If necessary, clean them with a wire brush and a solution of baking soda or water. If you have it available, you can test the battery voltage using a multimeter, and ensure it reads between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. A healthy range for a fully charged battery. Make sure to check this every six month, or sooner if you notice slow cranking or dim lights.
Your battery is your car’s heart – so it’s important to have it well-functioning. You can inspect the battery terminal for corrosion, which looks like a white, powdery substance. If necessary, clean them with a wire brush and a solution of baking soda or water. If you have it available, you can test the battery voltage using a multimeter, and ensure it reads between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. A healthy range for a fully charged battery. Make sure to check this every six month, or sooner if you notice slow cranking or dim lights.
Replacing your air filters
Air filters prevent contaminants from entering the engine, ensuring efficient combustion. Dirty air filters can thus increase fuel consumption and emissions, whilst resulting in a poorer performance at the same time. To replace them, locate the filter housing (usually near the top or side of the engine bay), open it, remove the old one and simply place a new one inside. Ensure it fits snugly before closing the housing again. Usually, this needs to be done every 12,000 to 15,000 miles but might need to be done earlier depending on how often you drive on dusty roads.
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