MAINTENANCE >> >

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If you own a car but don’t look after it you could literally find yourself in a whole heap of crap - think Global-Warming on a hatchback scale. Maintaining the condition of your car will reduce the risk of huge garage bills and you won’t find yourself giving a lift to your mates in a death trap.

As well as giving you a sense of achievement, taking care of your own car can also help to save you a lot of money. There are plenty of books on how to maintain your vehicle, as well as evening classes to help you to learn. However, it is always worth employing a professional for the more advanced work.

>> Basic car maintenance

There are a few aspects of car maintenance that you really should know. Things such as engine oil, tyres and brakes need to be checked regularly. Therefore it will be easier for you to learn how to check these yourself. All you need is the right tools and a bit of spare time.

> Tyres

Tyres are the only contact your car has with the road, unless you’re driving over speed bumps with lowered suspension or a hump-back bridge at eighty. So it’s vital that these are in top condition.

By law, the tread should be at least 1.6mm deep and there must be no damage to the tyre either. The penalty for a faulty tyre can be as much as £2,500 and 3 penalty points on your licence and as there are four on your car that could be as much as 12 points and a ten grand fine!

Your tyres also need to contain the correct pressure. This varies for each car, so look in your owner’s manual for details. Incorrectly inflated tyres cause irregular wear and also increase fuel consumption, costing you money. And as you can inflate them at most petrol stations for free, you’re daft not to keep them up to scratch.

It is recommended that you check your tyres every two weeks, and before every long journey to make sure they’re sound.

>> Engine

• Check the oil level and colour regularly. If it is dirty or sludgy then this could indicate that it needs to be changed (oil should be checked at least every fortnight).
• The coolant should be the colour of anti-freeze.
• Check no oil is leaking from the engine.
• Check the oil light goes off as soon as the vehicle starts.
• Check for blue or black smoke coming out of the back when revving the engine.
• Watch for signs of overheating on the temperature gauges.

If there are problems with the above then get this checked out with a reputable mechanic.

>>>Brakes

Not something you can easily fix yourself, but you can keep an eye on their effectiveness.

If your handbrake takes more than a few clicks before it will hold your car then the cable or rear calliper/drums need checking out at an authorised service centre.

As for your footbrake, check this by pumping it until the pressure builds up and the pedal becomes rigid. Then hold your foot on the pedal and feel for any loss in pressure. If the pedal gives way, there is a leak in the system. Also if there is a great deal of movement in the pedal when you brake then they need adjusting.

• The brake pedal should feel solid and never sink to the floor.
• Make sure that the car does not veer when the brakes are applied.
• The car should not judder once the brakes are applied.

Brakes should be tested at least once a month. If there are problems with your brakes then get this checked out with a reputable mechanic.

>> >Lights

Most young drivers are on the road at night, so don’t be dim, ensure your lights are in good working order. Get a mate to take a look while you turn on your lights, brake lights, reverse lights and indicators to make sure that they’re working.

• Make sure that your lights are clean and that the bulbs are not broken.
• Ensure that the lenses are not cracked and that there is not water inside.

>> >Steering

• Turn the steering wheel while a friend watches the front wheels. There should be no delay between the steering wheel and tyres turning.

If there are problems with your steering then get this checked out with a reputable mechanic.

> >>Suspension

• Push down the corners of the car and let go. If the shock absorbers are working it should rebound just past the level position then go back to normal.
• Check for fluid leaking from the shock absorbers (check inside the wheel arch at the cylinder inside the coil spring). Any fluid on the outside is a warning sign they are faulty.

If there are problems with your suspension then get this checked out with a reputable mechanic.

>> Transmission

• The clutch should operate smoothly and the gears should engage easily.
• If the gear-change stiffens at higher revs then this could mean that the clutch is worn.

If there are problems with the transmission then get this checked out with a reputable mechanic.

>> Oil

Your engine can be seriously damaged if you fail to keep it topped up with oil, so check the level at least once a fortnight using the dipstick (that’s the thin metal rod under your bonnet, not your brother). This should be done when the engine is cold and the car is on a level surface.

>>>> Water

Again, it is advisable to check your water levels at least every fortnight. This includes the water in your windscreen washer as well.

>> SERVICING

It is advisable to get your car serviced every year. This can be done in conjunction with your MOT. Prices will range depending on the vehicle you have and the mechanic you use, but there are things you need to consider when considering a service.

• Make sure you get your car serviced regularly.
• Costs can vary a great deal so get a few quotes before choosing where you are going to go.
• If you use an independent garage, ensure it is VAT-registered and make sure the parts and fluids used are genuine manufacturer products. Get receipts and part serial numbers to prove this.
• In between services keep fluids topped up and by carrying out regular checks, mentioned above.