Car Maintenance Tips & Tricks

By performing basic car maintenance, your vehicle remains more reliable, and you have to deal with fewer major mechanical repairs. Routine inspections catch minor issues before they turn into expensive problems, thereby saving you unnecessary trips to the garage. Regular car upkeep results in two major advantages: enhanced safety and lower expenses.

The Department for Transport states that five people die every day, with another 80 suffering serious injuries, because of road accidents in the UK (10-year average from 2014-2023). To prevent an accident from happening, you want to ensure that your car is running at its best. Car maintenance can keep the battery, drive belt and engine in good working condition and diminish the likelihood of a breakdown. 

Regular car maintenance also keeps key safety systems such as brakes, tyres and lights functioning properly, all of which are needed for a smooth drive. Well-maintained brakes help you stop quickly, while proper tyre pressure enhances traction, especially when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Functioning exterior lights are needed for visibility and communication with other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather.

Basic car maintenance is imperative for keeping your vehicle in good running condition and preventing unexpected issues on the road. With some quick checks, you have a better chance of catching upcoming problems before failure occurs. These basic car maintenance tasks take a short amount of time to complete but can make a big difference in maintaining the reliability, safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency by reducing the rolling resistance, and it extends the life of the tyre. Furthermore, tyre maintenance improves handling, making it safer to drive your car on the road. We recommend checking the tyre pressure every few weeks, especially before you head out on a long trip. Tyre pressure should always be checked and adjusted before driving when the tyres are cold.

Alongside the pressure, you must measure the tyre tread to ensure safety. A simple method that anyone can do is to use a 20p coin and insert it into the grooves. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, your tyre tread is measuring low. In the UK, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing the tyres once the tread falls below 3mm.

Checking the fluid levels is an essential basic car maintenance task you want to perform at least once a month. Engine oil lubricates the motor, giving it a longer life. Coolant prevents the engine from overheating and brake fluid ensures superior stopping power. Also, don’t overlook transmission fluid, washer fluid and power steering fluid. Top all of these off as needed to prevent breakdowns and avoid costly repairs. Keep in mind that not all fluids can be checked. For example, on some newer cars, the transmission doesn’t have a dipstick, requiring service from the dealer. Also, follow the maintenance schedule to find out when these fluids should be replaced.

To ensure safety on the road, check your vehicle lights (brake lights, headlights and indicators) every few weeks or before any long trip. These lights are necessary for visibility at night or in poor weather conditions. If you are caught driving with any of the lights out, you could end up with a hefty fine, so it’s not worth taking the risk. 

A quick inspection reveals a lot about the windscreen wipers. Most wipers last between six and 12 months, but the time varies depending on weather conditions and usage. When it’s time to replace them, you’ll hear a squeaking sound as they move or see smearing that inhibits visibility. The rubber blades can also crack and split.

Performing essential car checks before a long journey is something that should never be taken lightly. Begin by inspecting your tyre tread depth and pressure. Next, check all of the fluid levels, as outlined above. Additionally, examine all lights, including headlights, brake lights and indicators to guarantee visibility. These simple car checks before a long journey may only take a few minutes but can prevent disasters from occurring and ensure that you don’t end up as a roadside incident statistic.

Preparing your vehicle for winter conditions results in increased safety on hazardous roads. Start by checking the battery because cold weather reduces its power. If it’s starting to get weak, now is the time to replace it. You may even consider switching to winter tyres, which are known to improve grip on icy and snow-covered roads. Give the heater and defroster a quick try to guarantee cabin comfort and visibility. Don’t forget to check and top up your washer fluid, as it tends to run out quickly when salt spreaders are out on the roads. It’s a good idea to keep a spare bottle of washer fluid in the boot for emergencies. We have put together a full guide for seasonal driving with some great tips and checklists for each season. Finally, you want emergency supplies in the car for unexpected situations. We recommend having a first aid kit, torch, ice scraper, blanket, non-perishable food, bottled water, and extra washer fluid.

You can also implement some of our top tips for saving fuel that will help you save money on the drive.

While many people understand the importance of performing a car engine check, few consider the significance of washing the car regularly. Washing the vehicle isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; it also prevents road salt, dirt, and other contaminants from sitting on the paint where they can cause damage or rust. These defects can reduce resale value and shorten the car's lifespan. For enhanced protection, consider using Diamondbrite technology, available at Available Car. This advanced treatment creates a protective coating that helps safeguard your vehicle’s paintwork from environmental damage while maintaining its showroom shine. Take time to wash the car monthly, or whenever you’ve driven in harsh or poor weather conditions, and pair it with Diamondbrite for long-lasting results.

After examining the importance of following a car maintenance checklist, you are ready to browse our selection of quality used cars at AvailableCar. Every vehicle we sell undergoes a thorough multi-point mechanical check, so you know that they meet the highest safety and performance standards.

By performing basic car maintenance, your vehicle remains more reliable, and you have to deal with fewer major mechanical repairs. Routine inspections catch minor issues before they turn into expensive problems, thereby saving you unnecessary trips to the garage. Regular car upkeep results in two major advantages: enhanced safety and lower expenses.

The Department for Transport states that five people die every day, with another 80 suffering serious injuries, because of road accidents in the UK (10-year average from 2014-2023). To prevent an accident from happening, you want to ensure that your car is running at its best. Car maintenance can keep the battery, drive belt and engine in good working condition and diminish the likelihood of a breakdown. 

Regular car maintenance also keeps key safety systems such as brakes, tyres and lights functioning properly, all of which are needed for a smooth drive. Well-maintained brakes help you stop quickly, while proper tyre pressure enhances traction, especially when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Functioning exterior lights are needed for visibility and communication with other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather.

Basic car maintenance is imperative for keeping your vehicle in good running condition and preventing unexpected issues on the road. With some quick checks, you have a better chance of catching upcoming problems before failure occurs. These basic car maintenance tasks take a short amount of time to complete but can make a big difference in maintaining the reliability, safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency by reducing the rolling resistance, and it extends the life of the tyre. Furthermore, tyre maintenance improves handling, making it safer to drive your car on the road. We recommend checking the tyre pressure every few weeks, especially before you head out on a long trip. Tyre pressure should always be checked and adjusted before driving when the tyres are cold.

Alongside the pressure, you must measure the tyre tread to ensure safety. A simple method that anyone can do is to use a 20p coin and insert it into the grooves. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, your tyre tread is measuring low. In the UK, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing the tyres once the tread falls below 3mm.

Checking the fluid levels is an essential basic car maintenance task you want to perform at least once a month. Engine oil lubricates the motor, giving it a longer life. Coolant prevents the engine from overheating and brake fluid ensures superior stopping power. Also, don’t overlook transmission fluid, washer fluid and power steering fluid. Top all of these off as needed to prevent breakdowns and avoid costly repairs. Keep in mind that not all fluids can be checked. For example, on some newer cars, the transmission doesn’t have a dipstick, requiring service from the dealer. Also, follow the maintenance schedule to find out when these fluids should be replaced.

To ensure safety on the road, check your vehicle lights (brake lights, headlights and indicators) every few weeks or before any long trip. These lights are necessary for visibility at night or in poor weather conditions. If you are caught driving with any of the lights out, you could end up with a hefty fine, so it’s not worth taking the risk. 

A quick inspection reveals a lot about the windscreen wipers. Most wipers last between six and 12 months, but the time varies depending on weather conditions and usage. When it’s time to replace them, you’ll hear a squeaking sound as they move or see smearing that inhibits visibility. The rubber blades can also crack and split.

Performing essential car checks before a long journey is something that should never be taken lightly. Begin by inspecting your tyre tread depth and pressure. Next, check all of the fluid levels, as outlined above. Additionally, examine all lights, including headlights, brake lights and indicators to guarantee visibility. These simple car checks before a long journey may only take a few minutes but can prevent disasters from occurring and ensure that you don’t end up as a roadside incident statistic.

Preparing your vehicle for winter conditions results in increased safety on hazardous roads. Start by checking the battery because cold weather reduces its power. If it’s starting to get weak, now is the time to replace it. You may even consider switching to winter tyres, which are known to improve grip on icy and snow-covered roads. Give the heater and defroster a quick try to guarantee cabin comfort and visibility. Don’t forget to check and top up your washer fluid, as it tends to run out quickly when salt spreaders are out on the roads. It’s a good idea to keep a spare bottle of washer fluid in the boot for emergencies. We have put together a full guide for seasonal driving with some great tips and checklists for each season. Finally, you want emergency supplies in the car for unexpected situations. We recommend having a first aid kit, torch, ice scraper, blanket, non-perishable food, bottled water, and extra washer fluid.

You can also implement some of our top tips for saving fuel that will help you save money on the drive.

While many people understand the importance of performing a car engine check, few consider the significance of washing the car regularly. Washing the vehicle isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; it also prevents road salt, dirt, and other contaminants from sitting on the paint where they can cause damage or rust. These defects can reduce resale value and shorten the car's lifespan. For enhanced protection, consider using Diamondbrite technology, available at Available Car. This advanced treatment creates a protective coating that helps safeguard your vehicle’s paintwork from environmental damage while maintaining its showroom shine. Take time to wash the car monthly, or whenever you’ve driven in harsh or poor weather conditions, and pair it with Diamondbrite for long-lasting results.

After examining the importance of following a car maintenance checklist, you are ready to browse our selection of quality used cars at AvailableCar. Every vehicle we sell undergoes a thorough multi-point mechanical check, so you know that they meet the highest safety and performance standards.