Car maintenance is now far easier than it used to be, not to mention far less labour intensive. Modern vehicles tell you what they need, and when, and advances in technology mean that parts and consumables last much longer than in the past.
That said, there are few items on your vehicle that should be check at least annually, to ensure you get the best from them.
Tyres
Your level of tyre wear will depend enormously on the type of motoring you do. Regardless of how often you wear through your tyres, it is a good idea every 4-6 months (at a minimum) to check the tyre inflation. If you drive on tyres that aren’t optimally inflated, you will reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, cause them to wear unevenly and use more petrol than you need to.
Similarly, have your tyres rotated annually to maximise their lifespan. Front and rear tyres wear at different rates, so ask your local tyre shop when is a good time to swap them around.
Wipers
At the beginning of summer and winter, it is a good idea to replace your wiper blades – in the summer the harsh temperatures will damage the blades and they do more work in the winter. If at any time your wiper blades become noisy on the windscreen, it may be time to change them.
If in doubt…
If at any time you notice a difference in your brakes – be they spongy, noisy or less efficient, get them check immediately. No excuses.
Should your 'check engine’ light come on, first check your petrol cap. If it is not tightly closed, it can affect your engine’s ventilation system and ignite this light.
When your car is serviced, ensure the air filter is checked. As with tyres, your air filter will work differently, based on your usual driving conditions, but a poorly ventilated engine can spell trouble.
Use the correct octane fuel for your vehicle – a higher octane rating will not necessarily give your car better performance. It will however increase oil company’s profits!
- 10 years ago