How to Maintain you Car to Ensure it’s Best Performance *

If you’re anything like us, we don’t tend to use our car too much as we commute to work via London Transport so the car only gets outings of a weekend. With the car sitting in its parking space for around 75% of the week, we have to make sure that when we do take it out, especially on long drives, that it’s in tip top condition as we don’t want to be calling road side repair!

I’ve put together a little list that we check over before those long drives, so you’re able to do the same.

Keep your Fluids Topped Up

The fluids in your car are like its blood, and failing to replenish them may end up in a costly disaster! You should really check your engine oil once a fortnight, if you’re an avid driver, or before long drives like we do, by opening the bonnet and removing the dipstick. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers. If you’re driving a petrol car, the oil should be light yellowy-brown colour and if it’s dark and dirty, it should be replaced.

Other areas to check include the cars coolant which should be kept topped up with 50% water and 50% antifreeze. You should also keep your windscreen washer tank filled as you use a lot of water cleaning your windows when you’re our driving. It’s highly recommended to use a shop bought washer fluid as the likes of washing-up liquid could damage paintwork.

Check Tyre Pressure Regularly

If you don’t have decent tyres filled to the right pressure then you’re going to be in trouble! You can check the pressure by using the air filter at your local petrol garage and ensure that it has the correct pressure for all tyres. Our car is around 30psi all round but do check what yours is meant to be in your manual. Having tyres with too little, or too much pressure can lead to tyre blow outs which aren’t nice!

Check your Air Conditioning

‘Use it or lose it’ is a phrase that should be applied to using your air conditioning, as your air-con system will leak refrigerant gas over time, particularly if they aren’t used regularly, like our car! It’s a bit of a swings and roundabout situation as leaving your air-con off may save fuel, but you could end up with a bill for re-gassing instead so it ends up costing you more! Calmac Tyres Autocentre air conditioning service in Northampton can be booked online if you’re looking to have your air-con checked.

Check your Battery

If your car is often left sitting like ours, it’s good to keep an eye on its battery. You don’t want to be about to head out on a trip and your car won’t start. Your car will have a ‘Check Engine’ light on its dashboard so make yourself familiar with what that looks like.

Hopefully, these tips will help you from making any roadside call outs!