10 Important Basic Car Checks

Ten simple car maintenance checks for safe, worry-free motoring
TYRES
1. Know the correct tire pressures for your car and check them at least every two weeks using a good-quality gauge or garage air line.
2. Check tire tread and condition look for cuts on sidewalls. If any of the tire needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture.
3. Don't forget to check the spare tire.

TOOLKIT
1. Check the handbook for the location of the basic toolkit for the car that should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools.

2. Familiarize yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely.
3. If locking wheel nuts are fitted make sure that the toolkit includes the key or removal tool.

ENGINE OIL
1. Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey.
2. Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals using oil of the correct specification.
3. High oil consumption can indicate engine problems.

WATER
1. Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary but only when the engine is cold.
2. Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter.
3. Antifreeze prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system as well as stopping the coolant freezing so is important all year round.

WIPES
1. Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn.
2. Replace them at least once a year for best performance.

SCREENWASH
1. Check and top up regularly it's a legal requirement that the system works.
2. Use a good screenwash additive through summer and winter water alone won't clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter.

WINDSCREEN
1. Check regularly for stone damage as this can impair vision or distract attention.
2. Minor chips can grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist.

LIGHTS
1. Check all lights weekly. Don't forget indicators, brake and fog lights.
2. Clean lights regularly. In bad weather wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks.

POWER STEERING
1. Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service, and check it yourself once a month.
2. Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in the car handbook.

BODY WORK
1. Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in.

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