Many may shy away from car maintenance but ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order by completing regular checks can save you money in the long run.

Tools

Having the right tools are all important when it comes to car maintenance – below are the basics that no car owner should be without.

• Screwdrivers
• Tyre Pressure Gauge
• Spanners
• Pliers

Basic Checks

You should perform basic checks on your car regularly to ensure it remains in good working order and that any problems can be identified early to avoid further damage or complications.

Shock Absorbers

You can perform a simple test to see if your shock absorbers are working efficiently by pushing down on each corner of the car and then release. If in working order the corner of the car will come back to its normal position very quickly yet if the car bounces then it is likely that the shock absorbers will need to be replaced.

Engine

You should get used to the sound of a healthy engine – if at any point your engine sounds in poor condition or if you can hear a blowing type sound you should have it checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Windscreens

You should check your windscreen regularly for damage or cracks – even small cracks can escalate quickly if not dealt with. If at any point you experience damage that obscures the drivers view in any way, you will need to have it repaired immediately.

Tyres

It is dangerous and illegal to drive on tyres which are unsafe – make sure you check the pressure and tread of your tyres regularly – see our section on Car Tyres for further information.

Brakes

The brakes should be checked regularly to ensure they are in full working order as they are vitally important when ensuring the safety of passengers, pedestrians and other road users alike. Look out for brake fluid on the floor or carpets of your car as this could indicate a leak and if your point of bite changes significantly you will probably need to have your brakes adjusted. If you suspect a problem with your brakes you should avoid using the car completely until it can be serviced by a trained mechanic.

Oil

Checking - You should check the level of your oil once every two weeks – preferably when the car is cold. You can check the level of your oil by pulling out the dipstick and removing the oil on it – you should then return the dipstick to the oil and see the current level – it should be within the allowed limits.

Changing – To top up your oil it is crucial to have the right type as the putting the wrong type of oil into your vehicle could permanently damage your engine. To top up oil remove the cap and pour in a small amount of oil – remember to recheck with the dipstick and avoid overfilling.