What Every Driver Needs to Know About Car Maintenance

Let’s face it: if you are a driver, your reliance on your vehicle will likely be high. Despite this, only 22% of motorists say they spend time considering car maintenance every month. The reality is that no matter what type of car you own, each will require attention and care to keep it in good working order.

If you are one of the 68% of people who admit their cars are essential for daily activities, you must maintain them regularly to keep your trust motor running smoothly. In this article, we will share our top advice for drivers regarding maintaining a car. From meeting legal requirements to looking after the bodywork, we will cover all essential activities drivers must plan into their routines.

What Car Maintenance Items Do Car Owners Need to Be Aware Of?

Whether you are a new driver or experienced in owning a vehicle, there are often maintenance needs that most people fail to consider. Whilst you may get away with missing out on some items for a short period, your vehicle does require maintenance support to keep it working as intended. These maintenance needs we are sharing below can be conducted through a mix of professional assistance and activities you can do at home.

MOT Testing

Let’s start with possibly the most important element of car maintenance: an MOT test. As a legal requirement implemented by the UK government, MOT testing is essential to check if a car is safe on the roads.

An annual MOT test is required once a car reaches three years of age. This must be conducted by a registered mechanic and is logged on the government’s database. During an MOT, advisories of required work and any notices of failures are offered. If a car fails its MOT, the driver has ten working days to fix the issue before the car can be used on the road again.

​Preparing for an MOT test requires considering what the garage will be testing for and

conducting each of the maintenance measures we will share in this article. If a car is in good condition, with factors including tyre condition and electrical performance in working order, it will pass the MOT. Click the link to learn more about choosing the right garage for MOT work and repairs.

Fuel, Oil, Coolant and Screenwash Checks

You would not be alone if you were guilty of only checking these vitals before heading off on a long car ride. For many, these items pop into the mind when travelling. However, the reality is that each element must be constantly maintained to reduce the chance of breaking down.

Fuel should always be topped up with the correct type. Regularly letting your car low can start to impact the performance of the engine. Oil and coolant levels must always be checked at least once a month. This is vital for keeping an engine running and ensuring steering and turning can be safely actioned. Finally, screenwash levels must always be high, as this is essential for clearing any visual obstructions whilst driving.

Electrical Features Such as Headlights

Did you know that if your vehicle is without two working headlights, an instant £100 fine can be issued? Headlamps and other car electrics are vital safety features that must be checked regularly.

Visually, electrical features can be checked either with the help of someone else or by using a car reflection. For items that cannot be seen, using diagnostics is a great way of highlight any errors.

Tyres

Although good quality tyres should last you a minimum of 20,000 miles, road conditions can often mean they require maintenance before this timeframe. Most modern cars will issue you a warning light if pressures change, but that shouldn’t be solely relied upon.

Drivers should check the condition of the rubber, air pressure and any signs of damage to alloy/wheel fixtures to ensure steering is maintained. If you notice the car is not moving as well, or if you have a reason for concern, such as hitting one of the UK’s many potholes, a check should always be carried out. This should be done at least once a month.

Annual Car Servicing

There are many elements of car maintenance which the everyday driver will not be able to carry out themselves. This is why car servicing is a great option. Although not a legal requirement, it offers drivers a way to keep vehicles in better condition which means they are more likely to pass an MOT and experience less everyday problems.

​Keeping a car running through regular servicing can be considered annually, with smaller and larger services on offer depending on the age of the car.

Brake Performance

If your brakes are proving to be less reactive or making squeaking noises when being used, it’s like that the pads or fluid need looking at. Whilst most brakes are intended to last around 30,000 miles, excessive usage or being too heavy footed can cause them to need maintenance before that time.

Car Exterior Checks

Lastly, you may think that scratches and chips are only superficial things, but they can lead to signs of rust, which makes bodywork maintenance important. If the paintwork is missing and the framework shows, it’s best to use a sealant and visit a bodywork garage. The slightest bit of missing paint can lead to expensive damage. Furthermore, bodywork damage can cause other aspects of the vehicle to deteriorate, leading to potentially irreparable issues.

Benefits of Consistent Car Maintenance

Looking after your vehicle is about more than just having a trusty car available to get you from A to B. The other advantages of spending time, and some money, on car maintenance are as follows:

Retained Value

​Investing enough in its care is the key to maximising your car’s value. Cars, of course, lose value over time, but this will be lessened if the vehicle is in good working order. When it comes to selling your beloved vehicle, the next owner will want a reliable motor, and you will want the best money for it, making maintenance a win-win scenario for everyone.

Better Performance

Properly maintained cars will run better; it’s as simple as that. You can never predict when issues will arise, but when they do, you will know they are not a result of something you could have easily prevented. Everything from the power, when you accelerate to the stopping distance you have, can result from targeted care.

Legal Compliance

Even though passing an MOT is the only legal compliance a car must pass, it must be in good working order to avoid getting in trouble with the authorities. Motorists are responsible for keeping their vehicles safe for other road users and pedestrians. If you fail to maintain a car and it is deemed unsafe, you risk not being covered by insurance, which could result in a very expensive mistake.

How Can Byron Wynn Autos Assist With Car Maintenance

You should now feel more clued up on how to manage car maintenance daily, monthly and annually. From MOT testing to signs of damage, each part of the maintenance process contributes to keeping your car on the road. Knowing what car servicing needs you can expect in the coming year means a more practical approach is guaranteed.

As motoring experts, we can help car owners look after their precious vehicles. Our workshop is a hub of activity every day as we support drivers in keeping vars in great condition. Offering everything from clutch replacements to servicing, our team can be relied on for preventative and solution-based maintenance. We also offer other assistance, such as with finding a new car.

To stop worrying about your car’s health, follow the steps outlined in this article. Also, contact us if you find yourself needing any professional assistance. Car maintenance is simple once you are armed with the right information.