Basic Car Maintenance Checks

Learning to drive is an expensive business, and it’s not easy fitting in lessons, theory tests and practice around your day-to-day work. So when you pass your test, driving out on your own can be daunting. Young people fork out millions ever year because they don’t observe basic maintenance checks. Read on to see which safety checks should always be observed by young drivers.

Depending on how much your drive, engine oil levels may need to be checked at least once a week. Always make sure your engine is cold and on level ground in order to get an accurate reading. When re-filling your oil, remove the cap (usually on the top of the engine) and keep topping it up bit by bit until your gauge tells you the engine is full.Tire pressure is one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance checks by young drivers. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as your tires are essentially what allows your car grip the road. Tire pumps are relatively inexpensive and you can buy them at most garages and service station. First, find out the correct tire pressure required for your tires, which will be in your car’s handbook, then locate the valve, attach the air pump and check the pressure reading until it is level.

Often called ‘antifreeze’, engine coolant absorbs all the heat generated by the engine, and your car manual will usually tell you how often your vehicle needs to be refilled. Frequent servicing is required to ensure that the coolant is not too concentrated and that it’s not leaking out into the car’s radiator and causing damage.

One of the most important maintenance checks to perform is checking for brake fluid. It’s simple to do and could ultimately save your life. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir, clean the top of it properly and ensure it is sitting high in the cap (within half an inch). Then, top up as required. It’s also a good idea to have your brake system bled every two years to protect the hydraulic components.

Always check your windshield wipers for any trapped dirt or damages. Pull the arm up, unlock (the unlock switch should be very visible), remove the blade and insert a new one, which should click into place. It’s as simple as that.

One problem area that can be hard to spot is chips in your windshield. Even the tiniest crack can cause future problems and require a full replacement. By repairing small chips and cracks, you can avoid having to replace the entire windshield.