How to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly Through Proper Maintenance

Tyre condition: You should routinely check that the air pressure in your tyres fits the manufacturers’ recommended levels since over or underinflated tyres pose a safety risk and increase the car’s fuel consumption. Also, check that the tyres’ tread depth meets or exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. Driving on worn down tyres is dangerous and can affect the car’s steering and suspension.

Oil levels: Oil is the lifeblood of the car – it lubricates, cleans and cools the engine while you’re driving and generally keeps it in good condition. Letting the oil run low or empty will quickly cause damage to the engine, causing it to overheat, form carbon byproducts on critical parts, and suffer increased wear and tear. So it’s essential to check and refill your oil regularly – after every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on your chosen brand of oil. 

To check the oil, locate the oil dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it then pull it out again to check if the film of oil sits within acceptable levels. If the oil is low, top it up and perform the same steps as required. A quick safety tip: never check or change the oil when the engine is hot, wait for it to cool first.

Other fluids: There are other vital fluids that your car needs to function safely and smoothly, so whenever you check your oil, also make sure the brake, coolant and windscreen washer fluids are all within optimal levels. Ask a trusted mechanic how best to check and refill your model if you are unsure. 

Transmission and power steering fluids: As with the other fluid checks, consult a trusted mechanic for appropriate checking and refilling methods specific to your car.

Engine belts: Worn or loose belts can cause serious problems for the engine, particularly if they degrade and eventually snap. Look for worn or fraying sections and listen out for loud squeaking sounds coming from the engine while driving. If you spot an issue, have it addressed as quickly as possible.

Car battery: Your car battery will eventually wear down and need to be replaced but you can improve its longevity and reliability by cleaning it to avoid corrosion. Firstly, remove the battery terminals, then clean the posts. You can use Coca-Cola for this job but we recommend more professional cleaning products that are available at any local garage. Finally, rinse gently with a little water and dry with a clean rag.

All of the above: If it hasn’t had a service recently, give your car a full health check by completing all of the stages previously listed.

Windscreen wipers: Buying and replacing wiper blades yourself is easy and significantly cheaper than having a professional do it. Garages often offer “free installation” when selling wiper blades, which sounds like a good deal but usually requires you to buy the most expensive variety.

The process of attaching the blades yourself will differ slightly depending on what car you own, so consult the owner’s manual before starting. However, the basic procedure is easy to follow:

Keep the interior clean: It might seem trivial, but the interior of a car often makes the most significant impression on a prospective buyer, so make sure you keep things clean, tidy and properly functioning. Frequently take out the floor mats and vacuum them along with the interior upholstery, clear out the glove compartment, side pockets and cup holders, and finally ensure that any interior electronics are kept in good working order.

Keep your logbook up to date: In the UK, paper tax discs and driving license counterparts have been scrapped as their processes become digitised. The V5C ‘logbook’ system has also undergone some changes, as you no longer have to send your V5C off to the DVLA when you want to sell the car. Instead, you simply fill in the small V5C/2 slip – the ‘New keeper’s details’ form/section 10 of the logbook, which you give to the new owner. The rest of the relevant sections are filled out online to inform the DVLA of the change of ownership.

However, maintaining an accurate logbook that covers the vehicle’s record of past owners and service history is still important as it gives prospective buyers a reassuringly complete account of the car’s past. Any gaps in that history can put off buyers, who might think you have something to hide.

Stick to these checklists on time and you’ll make significant savings and enjoy a safer, cleaner car that will look much more appealing – and be much more in demand – when it’s time to sell.