Car maintenance: essential skills every driver should know

Want to keep your car running smoothly? Try putting these four car maintenance tasks on your to-do list

If your car has broken down before, you probably know how frustrating it can be. But luckily, taking a little time to maintain your car will help improve its reliability in the long run, reducing the risk of future malfunctions.

Cars can be complex. Certain tasks – such as engines or brake system repairs, for example – should always be left to professional mechanics. But there are plenty of everyday maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Here are four areas to focus on.

Maintaining your tyres

A good place to start is by checking your tyres. Lauren Lanfranchi, sales director of Brakes Motor Company, has 24 years of experience within the motor industry. She says: “Tyres are the point of contact between your car and the road, so it’s important to keep them in good shape.”

To do so, Lauren recommends regularly checking the pressure and overall condition of your tyres.

Monitor tyre pressure

Here are the key steps to checking your tyre pressure and adding more air if needed:

• Look up your car’s recommended tyre pressures. You’ll find this information in the car handbook, or on a sticker on the vehicle itself (inside the door frame or fuel cap flap, for example). If you need help, contact your local dealership.
• When the tyres are cool, remove the dust caps from the tyre valves. These are located on the inside of the wheel rim.
• Attach a tyre inflator to each valve in turn and set it to the desired pressure. Note that rear tyres and front tyres should often be inflated to different pressures. You may also need to adjust the pressure if you are carrying a heavy load.
• Once the tyre reaches the right pressure, the inflator will generally stop automatically. Remove it and screw the dust cap back into place.

Assess tyre condition

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm, but the AA advises you should aim to replace them when it gets below 3mm and before it goes under 2mm.

“Use a tread depth gauge to measure the inner and outer edges of the tyre, and the middle,” Lauren says. “While you’re inspecting your tyres, check for any slits or bulges, or to see if they are going flat. If in doubt, ask a garage or tyre specialist to look.”

Monitor your brakes

While only trained technicians should work on brakes, Lauren says you can monitor their performance to spot any potential problems.

“Listen for grinding or squeaking when braking,” she says. “Pay particular attention to any decline in braking efficiency. If anything seems untoward, visit a mechanic as soon as possible.”

Look after your car battery’s health

If you keep it in good condition, a car battery should last between three and five years. Here are the best ways to keep it in good condition for longer.

Keep it moving

Driving your car regularly will help keep the battery charged. Lauren advises her customers to go for a drive at least weekly. This also helps prevent brakes from seizing up.

Signs of a battery going flat include dim lights, sluggish starting and problems with electrical components.

Take the strain off your battery

There are ways you can help preserve your battery’s charge. Make sure all interior and exterior lights are switched off when you leave your car and avoid using the stereo when the engine isn’t running.

Have a charger or jumps leads in case of an emergency

If you have a flat battery, a charger can enable you to repower it. Carefully follow the instructions for use and keep an eye on it throughout the charging process.

You may also find it handy to travel with a set of jump leads in case of emergency. These can provide an immediate fix, allowing you to take enough power from another vehicle’s battery to get your car’s engine started.

Keep your windscreen in good condition

Ensuring a clear field of vision is essential when driving. Small cracks can affect visibility and can also develop into bigger faults over time.

Fill up with windscreen wash

The best way to maintain visibility through your windscreen is also one of the easiest jobs to do at home: top up with windscreen wash. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Locate the screen wash reservoir in the engine bay – a plastic container with a blue clip-on lid featuring a windscreen icon
• Mix screen wash from concentrate or use a pre-mixed screen wash to fill the tank to the maximum marker
• If you find it too heavy to fill the whole tank at once, top up more frequently using a small jug

Replace worn wiper blades

Worn-out windscreen wiper blades can leave streaks that impair your view. You can replace these yourself but it can be a fiddly job – so you may prefer your garage to do it for you. 

Check for cracks in your windscreen

Keep an eye out for chips or cracks in your windscreen. Any damage larger than 10mm could lead to an MOT failure.

If you do notice a fault, contact a professional. They will either offer a repair (with the use of specialist resin) or a full windscreen replacement. While policies vary, car insurance can often cover this work.

When to call in the experts

Other essential maintenance tasks include the topping up of oil and coolant levels and replacing faulty light bulbs. While it can be tempting to have a go yourself, Lauren says that you should only carry them out if you are comfortable doing so. Getting it wrong can result in damage to your vehicle. If you're in doubt, consult a trained technician.

Your car maintenance checklist

There’s plenty you can do to keep your car in good shape. Here’s a quick car maintenance checklist:

• Tyres: check condition, including tread depth and pressure, on a regular basis
• Brakes: listen for unusual noises and ask your garage to investigate any performance changes
• Battery: ensure the lights are switched off when you exit the vehicle
• Windscreen: regularly top up windscreen wash, repair or replace the windscreen if you spot any significant damage, and replace worn-out wiper blades as soon as possible
• Warning lights: always keep a close eye on your dashboard indicators and seek help from a qualified mechanic if necessary
• For everything else – unless you’re confident with car maintenance, it’s best to call in the experts