5 Things You Need To Know About Car Maintenance

Here is a surprising fact: the main reason for car breakdowns in the UK is battery failure, accounting for 20% of faults.

So what can you do? If you maintain your car on a regular basis, you can extend its lifespan, reduce repair work, and improve your safety behind the wheel.

We’ve compiled some useful tips on how to check and maintain your car to help keep it in tip-top shape.

1. Checking Your Car Battery

Your car battery is particularly vulnerable to failure in the wintertime. However, there are other reasons your battery can fail, including:

• A faulty battery
• Issues with the car charging system
• Faulty components
• A light being left on
• Leaving your car unused for a while
• Making lots of short journeys
• Corrosion
• High levels of heat

Begin by inspecting the battery’s terminals and cables, ensure they are attached securely and check for any corrosion. Check the fluid level every few months to see if your battery has removable caps.

You can test if your battery needs replacing by starting your car at night with your headlights switched on. If they are overly dim, put your car in neutral and rev the engine. Should your headlights get brighter as you press your accelerator, that’s an indication that your battery is failing. Don’t delay replacing your battery if you experience any of these issues, as you’ll only increase the likelihood of your car not starting and having to call a breakdown provider.

 2. Engine Oil

Your engine oil is vital to keeping your car running well. It works like a lubricant that both coats and cleans the moving parts of your engine. Failing to have the correct level of oil in your car can cause:

• Increased friction
• Engine overheating
• Dirt build-up

Inspect your engine oil every month using your oil dipstick. If the oil is below the minimum level, top it up. To find out the correct oil type, refer to your car handbook. If you have to top up more frequently than usual, you might have a leak and need to take it to a garage to look at. For further information on checking your oil levels, watch the video below.

3. Tyre Tread

Did you know? The minimum legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If your tyre tread exceeds the legal limit, you’re at risk of:

• Reduced road grip
• An increase in stopping distance
• Aquaplaning in wet conditions
• Nails and other sharp items causing a puncture

It’s vital to check the tread depth of all your tyres monthly. You can measure this using a tyre tread gauge to know when it’s time to replace any. This will also reduce the chances of having to call a breakdown service.

4. Engine Coolant

Car engines create a great deal of energy by burning diesel or petrol. If your car runs out of engine coolant, it can overheat extremely quickly, leading to mechanical breakdown and engine failure. Let’s take a look at the telltale signs:

• Your heater will stop working
• The heat gauge increases into a hot setting
• The engine light may come on, at which time the head/gaskets may already be damaged

You can prevent overheating by ensuring your car has the right level of coolant (a mixture of water and antifreeze). As a warning, never undo your coolant filler cap while your engine is hot, as you’ll risk scalding yourself. When cool, unscrew the cap using an old rag and check the minimum and maximum level marks. Your coolant level should be between the two marks with a cold engine. If the level is low, top it up using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. Ensure you don’t overfill, then refit the cap securely afterwards. Make this one of your monthly checks just to be on the safe side.

5. Lights

Did you know that 18.4% of all cars experienced problems with the lighting and signalling during an MOT test? This can be down to simple things like blown bulbs. You can prevent this from happening by asking a friend or family member to walk around your car whilst you check the following:

• Indicators
• Headlights
• Reverse lights
• Taillights
• Brake lights

If you’re driving your car and you have an indicator that isn’t working, this can mislead other road users or pedestrians, as they won’t know your road intentions, which could cause an accident. Should you find any blown bulbs, these will need replacing immediately. They are fairly cheap to buy, and you’ll be able to find out how to change them in your car handbook.

Car Insurance at Staveley Head

Taking care of your car doesn’t just keep you safe on the road—it can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. But no matter how much you prepare, unexpected issues can arise. That’s where we come in. As experts in car insurance, we’re here to ensure you’re covered for every twist and turn life throws your way. Whether you’re looking for breakdown coverage or a comprehensive policy tailored to your needs, we’re just a call away on 0800 081 5024.