Essential car maintenance checks are important to keep you and the passengers in your vehicle safe on the roads and to ensure your vehicle complies with legal regulations. Cars do need regular care and attention, whether you drive a lot or your car is seldom used. In our latest article, we highlight five essential car maintenance checks, most of which are simple and quick to carry out. We also add a few more that are a little more complicated, which we at K&M Tyres would be pleased to help you with.
- Oil
- Tyres
- Lights
- Windscreen
- Battery
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Check the level of oil in your car
Your oil level should be within the minimum and the maximum. Check the level with the engine switched off and when the engine is cool. If you need to top up, make sure that you use the correct oil. Our sister garage K&M Citroen is a Castrol Service Centre. We will check your oil level for FREE.
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Check the tread depth and tyre pressure
Your safety is very dependent on the tyres on your vehicle and checking tyres is high on the list of essential car maintenance checks. Depth of tread is really important, particularly if you are driving in wet or icy conditions. Also, if you are stopped by the police and one or more of your tyres is below this, you could receive a fine and points on your licence. You can check this with a tread depth gauge or do the 20p test. Place the coin in the tyre groove and check if the outer band of the coin is visible or not. If it is visible, your tyre is more then likely illegal.
Under inflated tyres can be extremely dangerous
All tyres must have the correct pressure otherwise your steering may be unpredictable and the tyre/s may lose traction on the road surface. Under inflated tyres again can be dangerous in wet conditions and if you are driving at high speeds. The correct pressure for tyres can be found in the vehicle manual, on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or when opening the fuel cap. Use a digital tyre pressure gauge to check pressures and have a pump to put air into the tyres if required.
- Tyre tread depth – minimum 1.6mm
- Tyre pressure
- Condition of the tyres
- Spare wheel or puncture repair kit
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Check all lights including indicators
Nothing could be simpler than checking your lights and indicators, although it will be quicker if you can get someone to help you. If you find yourself friendless, you can park near to a garage door and check the reflections to ensure everything is working.
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Check your windscreen, condition of wiper blades and screen wash
Legally your vehicle must have a screen wash system that works as well as windscreen wipers that are fully operational. Check screen wash is topped up regularly and check the condition of your wiper blades.
- Screen wash levels
- Condition of wiper blades
- Condition of windscreen
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Neglect checking your battery at your peril
When checking the battery, ensure the terminals are clean and tight. Make sure your car starts and if it struggles to start it may be time to get your local garage to check the battery. Battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns at any time of year and so this comes high up on the list of essential car maintenance checks. Most batteries are guaranteed for three to five years.
Air conditioning, brakes, spark plugs and air filters
- Air conditioning – is it working efficiently? If not, it may need regassing.
- Brakes – check the brake fluid level. This needs changing at certain mileage intervals and is part of the service.
- Spark plugs (petrol engines) – you will need the right tools for replacement.
- Engine air filter – should be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
These are a little more complicated so you may need your local garage to check these for you. However, they still fall into the category of essential car maintenance checks. And don’t forget to listen to your car. If something doesn’t sound right, don’t ignore it and think it will go away. By taking action, you could avoid a breakdown and a large bill.
How can K&M Tyres help you with your essential car maintenance checks?
It’s surprising how few people do carry out checks on their vehicles. We understand that you can be pushed for time, but if you are embarking on a long journey, make sure you carry out the checks in this article. By carrying out regular checks on your vehicle, you are undertaking preventive maintenance, which can save you money on future repairs. If you do the five checks that we have highlighted regularly, it will ensure that your car stays in tiptop condition. Call us on 01892 653131 to book your vehicle in for a FREE oil level check and tyre check.