![]() ![]() Lots of people don’t know what the dashboard warning lights mean. Chips can sometimes turn into cracks which can require a replacement rather than repair. While you’re at it, scan your windscreen for chips and, if you find any, get them repaired as soon as possible. Put your windscreen wipers to the testĬheck they are in good condition, with no tears or holes. ![]() ![]() That’s why it’s a good shout to have someone stand outside the car while you test your lights and indicators and confirm if they all work properly, including your fog lights. It’s easy to lose sight of how well your car lights are working. It’s a good idea to do this on your driveway or somewhere without traffic, so you can give your brakes a go safely. Test the handbrake and footbrake to ensure they work properly. While you’ve got that cloth handy, if your car has a reversing camera, you may also want to give the lens a quick clean. Otherwise, you may need to give them a quick wipe. Start the engine in a well-ventilated space to check for leaks and listen for any unusual noises or smoke.īefore every journey, ensure they are clearly visible from the driver’s view. It’s important to ensure your car’s horn is functioning and clearly audible, in case you need to warn other drivers or pedestrians of any potential dangers. Who doesn’t love sounding their horn? Here’s a legitimate opportunity to give it a blast to check it still works and is loud enough. ![]() Check your car manual to make sure you stay on top of your car’s coolant needs. Your car needs it all year round to keep the engine at the right temperature. Top up your cooling system liquidĭespite its name, coolant – a mixture of antifreeze and water – isn’t just for winter. Every car is different, so check your car’s manual and your mileage to avoid leaving it until it’s too late. Check if your car is due a serviceĪ service is typically recommended every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes sooner. Also, the red battery light in the instrument display may flicker when you’re driving or take longer than usual to go out after you’ve started the engine. Keep your battery in checkĪim to change your car’s battery every three years, if possible, as a flat or faulty battery is a common cause of vehicle breakdowns.Īccording to Green Flag, warning signs of battery failure include the engine turning over more slowly than usual when you start it. Too much oil can cause damage, too, so don’t just pour a whole bottle in. If you’re low on oil, you risk breaking down or causing damage to your car’s engine. Top up your engine oilĮnsure your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car's dipstick. Tyres must be the right type and size for your model, with at least the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm – trying the 20p test is a quick and simple way of checking if your tread is above the legal limit. Overly low or high tyre pressures can change how your car drives and how your tyres wear out, sometimes shortening their lifespan. Keep an eye on your tyresĬheck your tyre pressures and increase them if necessary. You may not realise that it’s actually illegal to not have fluid in a vehicle's screen washer bottle, so it’s always a good idea to keep it in check. Make sure it’s topped up, especially in the winter and before long journeys. So why not roll up your sleeves and have a go at our simple but essential maintenance tips? And remember, your car’s manual is your friend - it will walk you through how to maintain your specific model and tell you when certain things need doing. Following a few simple steps might even help you reduce those service bills and keep your car legal and roadworthy. Servicing your car regularly is essential, but there’s plenty you can do to maintain your vehicle in between its trips to the garage. ![]()
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