Essential Car Maintenance Tips
My car is very important to me, it is the only way I can get out and as such, I always try and make sure I am on top of its maintenance.
Though my Dad does like teasing me about the time I decided to drive from mine to his with the oil light on.
However, don’t worry, as my car got him back by just spilling out any oil he put in on his driveway.
While most of us at some point in our driving lives are going to have some “whoops” moments, it is well worth making sure you get into a pattern with some car maintenance tips.
So today I’ve put together some essential things you should check up on, from time to time.
Car Servicing
I’m looking at getting a new car at the moment and one thing I’ve been asked is if I have a service history of the car.
I actually have never driven enough miles in the year for it to need a yearly service.
However, for my own piece of mind, I have decided to have it done. After all the professionals know what they are doing and can quickly spot any issues.
It also doesn’t cost a huge amount, so I would say no matter your mileage, look at having your car serviced once a year.
Tyre Pressure Checks
Your tyres are an integral part of your car and need to be looked after carefully.
While you can easily check the pressure at a local petrol station, or using home kits. I personally found that popping my car over to my usual garage was a much better bet.
Especially after I recently got two different readings at the petrol station on the same tyres. Within minutes of each other! Yup, I bet my face was a picture of confusion when that happened.
MOT Testing
After a car is 3 years old, it needs an MOT test.
They are really simple to book, for instance, you can book your car’s MOT in Stirling from Fife Autocentre website in minutes.
MOTs will check that your car is completely road legal. Giving you the chance to fix any issues and allowing you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
So there you have some tips to hopefully get you off on the right foot when it comes to car maintenance.
However, what about you, what would be your top tip to a new driver for taking care of their car?
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I can’t even begin to tell you how bad I am at car maintenance. My car has needed an oil change for a hot minute and I haven’t checked the tire pressure in ages, although I do know that it’s not to low as my car does have a digital tire pressure checker built-in.
Ohh now that’s a useful thing to have built in – definitely takes off some worrying!
This is a great reminder. My Dad was the same way. He used to call me on cold winter mornings to ask me if I’d checked my antifreeze lately.
I’ve caught my Dad checking all sorts on mine when I’ve popped over to visit haha! I’m very thankful that he does though.
We as a family spend many hours on the road driving from one place to another, so this is a good reminder to ensure our car is in check
Most definitely, it keeps you safe as well!
It’s really important to make sure you take good care of your car and check everything that needs to be checked from time to time. I think this is a good reminder for all car owners out there. It’s a huge investment after all.
It really is and it’s a dangerous thing if it isn’t looked after as well.
Maintenance on your vehicle is so very important. There are so many things to keep in mind to keep it running smoothly.
It really is – we all need to look after our cars and vehicles.
With today’s high tech sensors in cars a lot of people don’t check tire pressure anymore unless a warning message shows up on the dashboard. It is still important to check tire pressure the old fashioned way with a handheld gauge to make sure that you are not just going by car manufacturer’s safety standards but are also keeping the recommended psi for fuel mileage and wear and tear from the tire maker. You may not get a sensor warning if the tire is slightly under pressure but this could cost you money in lower fuel economy and needing to buy new tires sooner.
Hands up my car is so old I don’t have that ease haha! Mines all do it by hand or it isn’t done.
I just got a new (to me) car about 6 months ago, and I’m being super diligent about keeping up with its maintenance. In fact, this reminds me that I’m due for an oil change! My last car was 14 years old, and it’s still running. Barely, but it gets from point a to b!
My cars 14 years old and still going – it’s amazing! I’m looking to change it now as I really need to go to an automatic as I’m struggling to drive manual now with the pain it causes.
I do bits when I can. I hate adding air to the tyres though – I tend to get hubby to do it although I know how.
I get Ash to as well haha! He’s much better at it than me.
Those are some great tips. I didn’t even know some of them until now.
Glad to have helped you with some new tips then.
I am so bad with checking my cars tyre pressures which I know is so bad. I do have a service plan though as it means I don’t have to pay out extra for it x
That’s good – having a plan for it would definitely help ease the burden of having to pay all the time.
I’m the worst about car maintenance. Is it bad that my husband handles all of that for us?
No not at all! As long as it’s being looked after 😉
My husband does all our maintenance and is strict about staying up on all our vehicles, ATV’s and RV
Sounds like he is really on the ball with it all 🙂
You should check your tires every time you’re leaving. I have had a nail in mine twice in the last 6 months.
Wow that’s really scary for it to have happened so often!
I used to not know anything related to car maintenance. I just know how to drive! Recently I have finished a book about car services (plus tips) and it really helped to teach me the basics. I suggest new drivers to read it, too. It’s entitled “Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide” by Patrice Banks.
OK I might have to look into that book – I’m all for learning a little more *just in case*
I passed my driving test a year ago and I am still clueless about cars! I know only the basics like checking the oil and screenwash 🙂
Ekk! It takes a while – I couldn’t do a lot of things – like change a wheel as well I physically couldn’t for one, but it comes over time 🙂
This is my first time hearing about MOT. I love all of your tips though. My biggest suggestion would be to keep good service records.
Service records are a must aren’t they – definitely something to keep close.
Good to know! I always try to keep my car in tip top shape. I recently went to get the oil changed. It’s paid off, so I need it to last as long as it can.
I’ve been really lucky with my car so far and I really hope it will keep going for a while.
I don’t have a car, but these are things I should really brush up on to prep myself for when I do. Thanks for all the tips!
Good luck on getting an awesome car one day! I can’t remember how I managed without before!
Very important to keep up on your vehicle(s). Great tips you shared! Makes perfect economical sense.
It really is – they are such an important thing you need to make sure they are in good condition.
Great reminders! My husband is in the mechanic industry and always says that keeping up on routine maintenance can really extend the life of your vehicle.
I bet it is great to have someone who knows a little more than normal about the ins and outs of cars!
The top tip I have for someone just getting a car is don’t ignore what needs to be done on it. If you ignore getting an oil change done your car is not going to make it. If you ignore the tires being rotated you’re going to run your car down much quicker.
Most definitely – you can do so much more damage by just ignoring the little things.
I think everyone needs to know about basic car maintenance tips. Knowing how to check tire pressure, oil and other fluids, and the like are important for anyone.
Most definitely – it is worrying that people don’t. I was lucky my driving instructor took time to tell me about the essentials.
We have a great mechanic and my husband takes care of things in general for our cars. I know cars need to be regularly checked and tires should be filled.
Oh that is awesome, always good when you have a great mechanic to help.
Keeping ones car in good condition is important. Cars don’t come cheap. Getting them checked every three months.
Most definitely! They are so expensive aren’t they!
Check oil, water, other fluids monthly as a minimum.
Most definitely that is wonderful advice, you need to keep on top of them.