Essential car maintenance checks you should be doing regularly

We rely so heavily on our cars for commuting, the school run, family commitments, day trips and holidays, but with life being relentlessly busy, it can be easy to forget the basic checks needed to keep your car running reliably for all its uses. In fact, research carried out by Kwik Fit in 2020 found that only 39% of drivers asked check their tread depth before a long journey! 

Ensuring your car is well maintained is not only part of keeping your car on the road and in a safe condition as a responsible car owner, but it also keeps you on the right side of the law too! 

Here is a checklist of 5 essential car maintenance checks you should be doing every few weeks, around your car and under the bonnet… 

Oil 

Dangerously low oil levels can cause some pretty catastrophic engine problems, so using your car’s dipstick to ensure that the level is between minimum and maximum is a habit you need to get into. Make sure your engine is off and cool when you open the bonnet up and get acquainted with your oil levels! 

Tyres

The main thing to look at here is your tread depth, which should be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Keep an eye out for bulges, splits, and uneven wear too, all of which would need attention from a repair centre. There’s also tyre pressures to check; something easily topped up at most fuel stations. 

Coolant 

We’re willing to bet that an overheating car is the last thing you need right now, so make your coolant part of your car maintenance routine. As it’s a sealed system under the bonnet, top-ups should be few and far between, but always double-check; particularly if you’ve got a lot of driving coming up. 

Lights

You may need to rope in a partner, friend or family member for this one, as to ensure all your bulbs are working, one person needs to operate each function from inside the car, and another needs to confirm whether the corresponding light works. This includes front and rear indicators, brake and reversing lights, headlights (side, dipped and main beam), and fog lights. 

Screenwash 

Bugs, pollen, and bird droppings can all affect visibility out of your windscreen - not to mention dirt and dust from the roads. Not being able to see the road ahead clearly is a hazard as well as an annoyance, so regularly check to make sure there’s enough screenwash there for when you need it. 

Your vehicle’s handbook is your best friend when it comes to these checks, as it will have all the information you need to keep your vehicle running as it should.