Cars can be complicated, but even if you’re a mechanical beginner there’s plenty you can do to make sure that your car remains, safe, legal and reliable. You can also help prevent any nasty surprises when it comes to the annual MOT.
We’ve put together a list of checks you can do in a matter of minutes as part of a regular routine. It means you'll be able to quickly spot anything that isn’t normal, so that you can trace any fault and get it fixed.
If your car has an engine cover, only the items coloured yellow can be touched by a non-mechanic.
Check your oil level
You should always check your oil every couple of weeks and before long journeys. Before you start, make sure the engine is cold and the car is parked on level ground. Then, check your oil level. On most vehicles there are two marks on the gauge. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marking. The owner's manual will explain what type of oil you should use and how much you’ll need to add. Don’t be in a hurry, just add a little at a time and return after five to ten minutes to check the level. Large oil loss could suggest an engine problem.
Does the engine coolant need topping up?
Some cars have sealed cooling systems, which don't require regular attention, but it's always worth checking the water level, as you don’t want to overheat. Only ever check when the engine is cold and use a cloth to remove the radiator cap. Refer to the manual, but usually the water must be visible and covering the level mark.
Don’t run out of screen wash
Screen wash is a legal requirement, so while you’re under the bonnet it’s a good idea to check that both the front and rear windscreen washer bottles are topped up.
Dirty windscreen? Check your wipers.
Windscreen wiper blades must not be perished or frayed. Clean the edge of the blade with a cloth dipped in screen wash. If your wipers are over a year old or they smear the windscreen when in use, then they need to be replaced.
Pump up your tyres
Take pressure readings when the tyres are cool, otherwise the pressure increases and gives a false reading. If you overfill, release air by pressing loosely against the valve. Look at the car’s handbook for the definitive information on tyre pressures front and rear, and variations when there are just two passengers as opposed to five. You’ll also likely find this information on sticker at the edge of the driver-side door.
Check the condition of your tyres
Look out for wear, cuts in the tread or sidewalls, bulges in the sidewalls and stones or foreign objects trapped in the tread grooves, which should be removed. There’s also a legal requirement that the grooved tread on your tyres must be at least 1.6mm deep., although most experts recommend 3mm (roughly the same depth as the border on a 20p coin) as the ideal tread depth. And if your car has a spare, don’t forget to check that too.
Lights should all be working
You should check all your lights before every trip. You can either ask a friend or family member to do the honours by giving you a thumbs up (or down) from the outside or, if you haven’t got any assistants handy, then the reflection from a window can provide an instant check.
Clean inside and out
Something you ought to do at least every few weeks or months. It’s important windows are clean and your lights aren’t being blocked by a build-up of grime. And you can’t have rubbish filling the footwell, potentially preventing the driver from using the pedals.
