Dec 14, 2020
Keeping your car in proper running order requires you to put in the time and effort, and the best thing is that you don’t need to be mechanically minded to keep your vehicle in good condition. The biggest hurdle you can come across will be being aware of what needs to be done and how often it needs to be done. If you keep your car in good condition, you’ll be in a better position when it comes to reselling.
Another huge benefit that comes with regularly checking your car and carrying out regular maintenance is that can ultimately avoid those expensive repairs down the line.
Check your tyre tread depth
There’s no denying that your car’s tyres are extremely important and inspecting them frequently is essential to keeping both you and other road users safe. One thing you want to keep on top of is tyre tread depth which is the measurement between the top of the tread rubber and the area of the tyre that comes into contact with the road.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have a minimum tyre tread of 1.6mm and if you go below this legal limit, it can result in a hefty fine and even some penalty points on your licence. You need to ensure your car has sufficient tread depth to allow your car to grip the road, especially when you’re driving in wet conditions. If you don’t have sufficient tread, you are putting yourself at risk because the chances of having an accident are significantly increased.
To check your tread depth yourself, you can use the 20p coin test - put the 20p coin into your tyre groove and see if the outer band of the coin is visible or not. If you can see the band, the tyre is below the legal limit and needs to be swapped out for a new tyre.
Check engine oil levels
Carrying out regular engine oil level checks are also extremely important to keep your car in good condition, having your oil levels topped up regularly will ensure your car runs smoothly. Checking engine oil levels is a quick and easy process, simply keep your engine switched off and let it cool. Open your bonnet and check for the dipstick and once you’ve spotted it pull out and wipe off any excess oil.
Push the dipstick back into the tube once it’s been cleaned of any excess oil and pull out again to see where the oil has stuck to. Dipsticks have markings on them to help tell you if the levels are too low and if this is the case you then need to top up.
Check the condition of your wipers and level of screenwash
In the UK it is a law that you have a working screenwash system and wipers. Your windscreen can get dirty very easily, especially during the winter months with salt and dirt build up on the road. It is essential that you can clear your windows with ease to ensure your view isn’t obstructed as this will put you and other road users at risk.
Check your screenwash levels regularly and always try to use a high-quality screenwash so that during the winter months it doesn’t freeze over. Windscreen wipers shouldn’t be leaving any streaks on the window when you use them and if they do, you’ll need to replace them.
You also want to get into the habit of checking your windscreen for any damage and if there is, you should get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent any further cracks appearing.
Check your tyre pressure regularly
When carrying out checks on tread depth, you always want to check your tyre pressure as well. If your tyres don’t have the correct tyre pressure you run the risk of losing control of the car. Handling can become unpredictable when your tyres are both overinflated or underinflated. To check what the correct pressure is for your tyres, look in your owner’s manual as it will state the PSI number your tyres need to be inflated to.
Are your car’s lights in full working order?
You don’t need us to remind you that your car’s lights are crucial for your safety and you should check your headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reverse light regularly. It’s quick and easy to do and can often be done with the help of a friend or family member or use a reflective surface such as a window.
The above checks are very easy for you to carry out at home and will help keep your car in great condition. If you are concerned about any potential issues with your car, use MyCarNeedsA.com today to gather quotes from local mechanics in your area, saving you both time and money. Get your quotes today!
