How to Take Care of Your Car | 10 Car Maintenance Tips
A well-maintained car can last over 200,000 miles. But a neglected one may struggle to reach 100,000 miles. So if you’re asking yourself, “How to take care of your car?”, you’re on the right path.
Because regular care not only extends your car’s life but also helps avoid expensive repairs, pass the MOT, and retain your car’s value.
In this guide, we share 10 practical tips to help you maintain your vehicle, whether it is petrol, diesel or electric.
1. Check tyre pressure weekly
Maintaining tyre pressure is important, yet it’s one of the easiest ways to care for your car. And here is the important thing: you should know that underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect your car’s fuel efficiency and even make it hard to handle the car. This also compromises your safety.
You can check your car tyre pressure on your own simply using pressure gauges. Just remove the valve cap and attach the gauge by pressing it firmly onto the valve stem until the hissing sound stops.
Every car has its own recommended tyre pressure. There is a sticker on the inside of your driver’s door where you can check how much pressure your tyres need. That said, the recommended pressure for a passenger car is generally between 32 and 35 PSI, but it can vary by make and model.
2. Inspect tyre tread
Tyre tread provides a grip on the road. It helps your car handle more smoothly. It’s very important to check it regularly; otherwise, it will cause a road accident. In the UK, you must have at least 1.6 mm of tread.
You don’t need complex equipment. In fact, you can check with a 20p coin. Insert a coin in the tread of grooves, and if you see the outer band, then it’s time to replace the tyre. Also, look for any cracks, bulges, and uneven wear. These are signals of alignment issues or suspension problems that need a professional inspection.
3. Rotate tyres when needed
Tyre rotation is a common way to protect tyres from wear. Front tyres usually wear faster than rear ones, and it’s due to steering, braking and cornering forces.
Here, rotating means swapping tyres from front to back and sometimes diagonally so that they can wear more evenly. And many experts suggest rotating tyres every 6000 to 8000 miles or every six months.
This tyre rotation saves your money and also extends the tyres’ lifespan.
4. Check engine oil regularly
Engine oil is like a car’s blood. It helps the engine to run smoothly, and without the right level, parts can grind, overheat and wear faster. It will then result in costly repairs.
To check the engine oil, park your car on a level surface and wait for 10 minutes. Once the engine oil cools down, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then check the oil level. It should be between the “Min” and “Max” lines on the dipstick.
Now it’s time to assess the condition of the oil. If it’s amber or honey in colour, it means the oil is healthy. While darker oil means it’s old and time to change.
5. Monitor coolant levels
Engines run hot due to moving parts, and coolant helps keep them at the right temperature. It’s very important to keep an eye on coolant levels. The coolant tank is usually placed under the bonnet and is transparent.
Before opening the cap, you have to park the car on a level surface for 10 minutes and let the engine cool down.
To check the coolant level, you have to make sure that the coolant level is between the “Max” and “Min” markings. If you think it is low, add the correct type of antifreeze as specified in your handbook.
6. Understand MOT requirements
It’s important to understand the MOT requirements and start taking care of your car based on those requirements. It’s an annual legal test on every car over three years old. Without an MOT, your car is not eligible to be driven on UK roads.
The MOT is for safety purposes, which covers essentials like brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension and emissions. It doesn’t replace full service but highlights issues that could cause breakdowns and accidents if left untreated.
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7. Wash your car regularly
Washing your car isn’t just about looks. Dirt, bird droppings and road salt slowly damage paintwork. Left untreated, they lead to rust and expensive body repairs.
First, rinse the car to clear loose dirt. Then use a proper car shampoo with a soft sponge or mitt. Many experts recommend not using washing-up liquid because it strips away protective layers.
Once rinsed, dry the car with a microfibre cloth. Don’t forget the hidden areas like wheel arches, door sills and boot edges. These may trap salt and moisture that quietly eat into the metal.
For added protection, apply a coat of wax every few months. It gives the paint a shield and makes cleaning easier next time.
8. Replace spark plugs
Spark plugs are small but essential components of the engine. They play an important role in starting and running your car smoothly. Bad spark plugs affect engine performance and fuel economy.
Spark plug replacement intervals mostly vary depending on the material used. Copper plugs may need replacing after every 20,000 miles, while iridium or platinum plugs can last 60,000 miles or even longer.
Also, you need to replace spark plugs when your engine is misfiring, idling roughly, losing power and consuming more fuel than usual.
9. Check brake pads and discs
Brakes are the most important safety feature of your car. They gradually wear down with time, so you need to check them regularly.
You need to replace them if the pads get too thin (less than 3 mm) or if the disc doesn’t look smooth. With time, it gets deeply scored or cracked.
Another warning sign is that you will observe squealing and grinding noises, and also, the car will require a longer stopping distance.
10. Pay attention to warning lights
Pay close attention to those warning lights on your dashboard. They are not for decoration. In fact, they are the car’s way of speaking to you. Ignoring them can lead to a major breakdown.
Each light signifies the severity of warnings. Red lights indicate a serious and dangerous issue which requires immediate action, like engine oil pressure, engine temperature and braking system warnings. However, an amber light is less serious but still needs attention, such as less fuel or tyre pressure.
Still, if you are unsure about warning lights on the dashboard, use your car handbook, which explains everything, or you can also look them up online.
Special Tips for Electric and Hybrid Cars
Electric and hybrid cars also need regular care, although they have different maintenance requirements compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. However, they have fewer moving parts, so they often need less routine maintenance.
The most important part of EVs and hybrid cars is the battery, which needs extra care. For lithium-ion batteries, it is healthier not to fully charge to 100% and not to let them drop to 20%. It’s also important to avoid using public rapid chargers; instead, use a proper home charger. Otherwise, constant use can reduce long-term battery performance.
For hybrid cars, it’s important to inspect regenerative brakes and discs regularly. Because pads and discs are often used less, they can easily rust and seize.
Lastly, always update the software of your electric and hybrid car, which will improve safety, efficiency and range.
Final Thoughts: How to Take Care of Your Car
It’s important to maintain your car. Otherwise, neglect will cause a major breakdown. And you may also lose its resale value. These are simple checks which you can do by yourself, like tyres, oil, and coolant. Regular car maintenance also keeps your car up to MOT standards, roadworthy, and safe.
While electric cars don’t require oil checks, they do run longer when you take extra care of the battery.
For more information on car maintenance, explore our blogs section.
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