How to Look After Your Car
You probably can't imagine life without your car but it won't look after itself!
It's up to you to ensure your car is looked after and that doesn't mean giving it a once over once a year! From checks, to oil changes, cleaning and MOTs there is a lot to think about
Daily
Pay attention to any unusual noises or change in how your car feels', and do not ignore warning lights. It may be something as simple as a loose connection but don't assume, they are warning lights for a reason! Addressing problems as they occur will save a lot of hassle, money and time in the long run.
Weekly
Although a garage will normally check oil and water levels as part of regular service, checking and topping up the oil in your car should be part of your weekly routine. You don't want the oil pressure light to come on as at that point damage may be irreversible! If the dipstick shows your oil is low, i.e below the maximum mark, ensure you fill up the tank with the correct engine oil. To find out what engine oil you should be using visit
Castrol.com and enter your registration number into the handy tool.
It is also important to check your tyres on a weekly basis, as well as checking for punctures or any signs of uneven wear you should make sure front and rear tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure. If you aren't lucky enough to have a tyre pressure monitoring system integrated into your car, you can buy a tyre pressure gauge or use an air compressor that you'll find at most petrol stations. Driving with over or under inflated tyres will not only reduce the tyres life span and increase fuel consumption by as much as 10% but it can affect the cars handling and braking. Check your cars handbook to find out the correct tyre pressure for your car, as front and rear tyres may differ.
Washing your car might not seem like a top priority but a weekly clean will ensure your car retains its value for longer. Everything from bugs, to pollen, birds' poo and the salt, used on the road when it snows, can corrode the paint so a weekly wash with soap and water is urged.
Every Three Months
Whilst it is necessary to wash your car on a regular basis, waxing is recommended less often. Waxing will bring out a showroom shine in even the oldest cars, but it is not only for aesthetic reasons. Wax is designed to protect the paintwork from being scratched and, as it preserves oils in the paint, helps prevent rust. If you are frequently exposed to extreme conditions like heavy rain, snow or dirt a wax every three months is recommended. A bead test' will determine if the wax needs to be reapplied. Splash a small amount of water onto your vehicle, if it doesn't bead' then a wax is required.
Although a yearly service will include an oil and oil filter change, experts suggest that if you drive more than 7,500 miles a year in normal conditions' or 3,000 miles a year under severe conditions, i.e. frequently make short trips, drive in stop-and-go city traffic or at sustained highway speeds during hot weather your oil and filter will need to be changed every three months. Over time the motor oil you have been topping up weekly will become dirty and if not changed can accelerate wear.
Yearly
A yearly MOT is a legal requirement; it ensures your car meets strict road safety standards. The bodyand vehicle structure, fuel system, exhaust system, seat belts, seats, doors, mirrors, brakes tyres, lights, bonnet, wipers and washers, windscreen, horn and steering and suspension are all checked to ensure they are of satisfactory condition and operate correctly. A car will fail an MOT test if any of the previous are faulty or sub-standard.
An MOT certificate does not necessarily mean your car is mechanically sound though, as it does not cover the engine, clutch or gearbox. Once a year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, your car will require a full service at a garage. This generally includes changing oil and oil filter, brake and power steering fluid, topping up windscreen wash, replacing spark plugs and air filter, as well as checking wheel alignment and cam belt. Innovative diagnostic equipment is often used for
Miniservicing, during the service the mechanic will be able to identify any problems, or any potential problems, which under your instruction can be fixed.
How to Look After Your Car
By: sara wright
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