10 Tips For Home Car Maintenance

By Anna Chrisholm

Regular home car maintenance can increase a vehicle’s life and reduce costly repair bills. Unfortunately, most car owners are intimidated by car maintenance and don’t know the best ways to take care of their vehicle. Here are 10 easy tips to keep a car in the best shape possible for the average car owner.

Tip #1: Maintain Oil Levels and Get Oil Changed On Time
One of the easiest tips for home car maintenance is to check oil levels on a monthly basis. Some studies show that about 30% of cars on the run today have too little oil and most car owners ignore the red warning light on the dashboard. A vehicle that runs low on motor oil can cause the engine to wear quickly, reducing the life of the car and resulting in very expensive repairs. In the worst cases, continually running an engine with low oil will ruin the engine completely.

To check the car’s oil level, park on a flat surface and allow the engine to remain cold for at least five minutes. Next, open the bonnet and find the dipstick. It’s usually brightly coloured. Slowly pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a paper towel. Look for the minimum and maximum markings and push the stick back into the tube and pull it out once more. You should be able to clearly see where the oil meets the markers. The level should be above minimum but below maximum. If the oil level is very close to or below minimum, open the engine filler cap. Add a small amount of oil and wait for two minutes before checking the level with the dipstick. Repeat this step until the oil level is near maximum but not above.

Tip #2: Check the Coolant Level
Checking the coolant levels of the car is very easy but should always be done while the engine is cold. Simply check the coolant level in the reservoir tank, ensuring the level is between minimum and maximum. If the level is below minimum, add enough coolant to bring it to the maximum level. If this reservoir tank is empty, however, you’ll need to check the level of coolant in the radiator. If the level of coolant is not near the top of the radiator, fill it with undiluted coolant to the filler opening and also add coolant to reservoir tank. Remember, some vehicles made before a certain year do not have a reservoir tank for coolant. In these cases, simply check the radiator.

Tip #3: Check brake fluid
It’s important to check the brake fluid of the vehicle, although changing it should always be left to a professional. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every two years as the fluid absorbs water over time, reducing the effectiveness. Low levels of brake fluid are also dangerous as this can cause the brake’s to fail completely. To check the fluid level, find the brake master cylinder. On new vehicles, this cylinder is transparent so it isn’t necessary to open it to find the fill line. Older cars require you to take off the top to check the brake fluid levels, however. The fluid levels should always be at the full line to ensure proper brake functions.

Tip #4: Get Regular Maintenance
It’s important to follow your car’s recommended maintenance guidelines to lengthen the car’s life and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Have the car checked regularly by a qualified mechanic so you are always aware of its current state. These regular maintenance checks can tell you, for example, when it’s almost time to change the break pads or adjust the fluid levels.

Tip #5: Check the Tyre Pressure
Maintaining proper tyre pressure can increase the life of the tyres and save on fuel. Under inflated tyres are also inclined to overheat, posing a real safety hazard. It’s estimated that 6% of fatal car accidents in the United Kingdom are caused in part by under inflated tyres. To determine the proper tyre pressure for your car, check the owner’s manual or the inside of the car, where it is often marked. Next, use a gauge to find your tyre’s current pressure level. Using a digital air dispenser, set the correct PSI pressure and attach the air hose to the tyre’s tube. The machine will automatically inflate the tyre to the correct PSI and beep when it is finished. Be sure to check the tyre pressure regularly, at least two or three times monthly.

Tip #6: Check the Tyre Tread Depth
Legally, the minimum requirement for tread depth is 1.6mm. In the UK, the fine for driving with defective tyres is a fine of £2,500 in addition to a 3 point penalty endorsement per tyre. Fortunately, checking tread depth is very easy because all tyres have small bars moulded into the tread. These bars, called tread wear indicator bars, are located in the tread grooves. If the tyre is so worn that the indicator bars are now flush with the tread ribs, it’s time to replace the tyres as soon as possible.

Tip #7: Don’t Skip Services
Always have the engine checked and brake pads replaced on time to prevent safety concerns or excessive damage to the car. Brake pads become worn over time and gradually lose their stopping power, making the car dangerous in bad conditions. Air filters should also be changed every 6,000 miles. Regular recommended services like these improve the car’s value, increase its life and make the vehicle safe to drive.

Tip #8: Don’t Ignore Dashboard Warnings
Many motorists make the mistake of ignoring important dashboard warning lights. These warnings alert you to possible problems with the car that will only get worse if left alone. Some lights, for example, warn of dangerously low tyre pressure while others tell you when the motor oil is low enough that engine damage is likely. If you are unsure about what the lights mean, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified technician.

Tip #9: Change Windscreen Wipers Regularly
The windscreen wipers on your vehicle should be changed annually at least, depending on how often they are used. The wiper blades are very easy to change yourself and do not require a mechanic. When the blades begin to scratch the glass, come apart or become ineffective, check your owner’s manual to find out how to remove them. Most blades have a simple latch system. Take the old blade to the shop or measure the blade length to find the correct replacement size to purchase. The new wiper blade packaging should have clear instructions showing how to install the new blades on your car.

Tip #10: Don’t Delay Body Work Repairs
Lastly, don’t let body damage remain on the vehicle without repair. Damage to the car’s body will quickly rust and become a very difficult and expensive project. A simple scratch or dent, on the other hand, can be fixed for a fairly low price if it’s done soon before the paint begins to flake. If possible, always address these issues as soon as possible.

These tips will ensure your car is in top working order for as long as possible. It will also help to maintain the value if you ever wish to sell. In addition to these home car maintenance tips, don’t forget to compare car insurance quotes online to make sure you’re getting the best rate possible. Check www.carinsurancecomparison.co.uk for up-to-date, accurate insurance quotes for your vehicle.