Basic Car Maintenace
It is essential that you make your own regular checks of your vehicle - these can help to alert you of any problems which may arise and help keep your car running as it should. It is recommended that you do the following checks on a regular basis and before you set off on a long journey.
- Tyres - pressure, tread, cuts on side walls and the spare.
- Engine Oil - dipstick, high oil consumption could mean you have engine problems.
- Water - coolant and antifreeze.
- Wipers - blades can become worn and smear.
- Screen wash - top up on a regular basis and use screen wash.
- Windscreen - any damage could distract you or impair your vision.
- Lights - including fog lights, indicators and making sure they are clean.
- Power Steering - check fluid reservoir referring to manufacturers hand book.
- Bodywork - repair any damage to prevent rust.
- Tool kit - should at least include jack and wheel removal tools.
There are plenty of websites offering advice and giving instructions on how to carry out the checks along with more detailed car maintenance information. The importance of knowing such information was highlighted in 2003 with the introduction show and tell questions in the new driving tests.
If you are a fairly competent mechanic, you may be able to carry out minor maintenance yourself, or you may be a complete novice and not know your dipstick from your gear stick. Which ever category you fall into chances are at some point you will need to buy tools, parts and accessories for your car.
- Tools, what you buy will depend up on the extent of your knowledge - the BBC motoring site provides a list of basic tools that you will need to carry out maintenance on your car.
- Parts, there are various online stores for you to buy car parts from; you will be able to look for general parts as well as more specialist parts on the internet.
- Accessories, there are loads of accessories for your car including fluffy dice, roof racks, baby seats and in car entertainment systems. Again there are plenty of motoring sites out there which have not only carried out functionality tests but will also point you the right direction for where to buy.
Resources
BBC Motoring
Telegraph Motoring
Times Online Motoring
The AA - Child Safety
Classic Cars Magazine
Dr Dipstick