RAC reveals 12 easy checks you need to do every week to keep your motor in top shape, including DIY job to beat hayfever
RAC has revealed 12 easy checks you need to do every week to keep your motor in top shape – including a little known DIY job to beat hayfever.
The car insurance giant has unveiled an easy-to-follow guide to ensure your car is “road-ready” before setting off on a trip.
According to RAC, a whopping 51 per cent of drivers admit they sometimes perform pre-trip checks.
And an alarming 30 per cent never doing so.
To tackle this, the car experts have urged car owners to spend a few minutes scrutinising key elements – including oil, coolant and tyres to drive hassle-free.
1. Fuel
Car pros recommend to not hit the road on an empty tank.
Instead, drivers need to ensure it is filled for the journey, especially during winter weather.
2. Oil
According to RAC, one in three vehicles have dangerously low oil levels.
They said: “Check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick and top up if necessary.
“If you don’t know which type of oil you need to use, refer to your owner’s handbook or speak to your local dealer.”
3. Rubber
You should regularly inspect tyres for wear, tears, and tread depth.
Drivers should aim for a minimum tread of 1.6mm and 3mm in the winter.
But you can verify the exact tyre pressure by using the car model’s handbook.
4. Coolant
RAC recommends to avoid engine woes by checking out coolant levels before any long trip.
They added: “Although it’s a sealed system and shouldn’t need to be topped up, you should always double check, especially before a long journey.”
5. Electrics
Have someone inspect your lights to ensure all are functional – including the number plate ones.
You should also check the battery terminals for cleanliness and tightness to ensure the engine starts smoothly.
Experts explained: “If your engine struggles to start when you turn the key, get the battery checked out at a garage.
“If your battery is over four years old it may be getting to the end of its life and could let you down.”
6. Screen wash
Car owners should always maintain adequate screen wash levels, especially during frosty weather.
It can help to ensure clear visibility all year round.
They said: “In winter snow and grit cause dirty windscreens, while in summer bugs and pollen can easily smear your view – so never put off checking your levels.”
7. Engine air filter
A blocked air filter can harm fuel efficiency and engine performance.
That’s why experts advise replacing it every 12 moths or 12,000 miles.
All you need to do to check or replace your air filter is remove it and note its orientation before inserting a new one and securing the box.
8. Spark plug
Replacing spark plugs is a crucial task to keep your engine for top performance.
Experts said they should be replaced every 30,000 miles as faulty ones can lead to engine misfire.
They advised drivers should ensure they have the necessary tools on board to replace them.
9. Brakes
Regular brake maintenance is essential to prevent costly repair bills or even a failure.
RAC experts said: “Start off by checking the brake fluid level and if low, top it up – check your vehicle handbook for the correct fluid specification.
“Be careful as brake fluid is corrosive, and if you feel unsure then get a professional to take a look at it.”
10. Air conditioning
Wether it’s scorching at 35 degrees or just above freezing, having a full working air conditioning is vital for your comfort and safety.
While you can visually inspect the pipework for any obvious issues most of AC systems require professional servicing.
If you notice your that aircon isn’t cooling like it should during hot summer days, it might need re-gassing.
11. Interiors
To avoid your car from being a “skip-on wheels” it’s essential to maintain a clean interior.
Drivers should regularly tidy up by clearing out footwells, wiping down your dashboard and storing only essential items in your boot.
A clean interior will not only keep your car tidy but also safe while driving – as rolling bottles under your pedals could pose a hazard.
12. Exteriors
Motoring pros said: “Keep the outside of your car with a regular wash.
“If you’re doing it by hand, focus on the headlights, brake lights and number plates as these help you see and be seen on the roads.”
Dirty windscreens can pose a safety risk as they can limit your view of the road but also result in a hefty fine.
Motor money-saving hacks
DON'T let insurance premiums and repairs catch you out.
The cost of buying a car is not just about meeting the asking price.
You also need to sort out insurance for your motor, which can rise to eyewatering annual amounts.
Models with economical engines usually become significantly cheaper to insure than performance models.
Certain brands can only be repaired at specialist shops, so consider that before buying your new motor.
Motors with excessive mileage are less fuel-efficient
Any time you buy a car, you should always consider resale value.
If you find a model that will sell well on the used car market, that is a better money-saving investment than a model that typically struggles to drum up buyers.
Along with the make and model, check the mileage if you’re trying to save money in the long term.
The experts say that the mileage is more than a number – it’s an indicator of the condition of a car.
Bright and bold cars lose value faster than other colours
While it may seem like a trivial choice, picking the perfect paint job for your car impacts the resale value and general maintenance.
Lime greens, burnt oranges and sunshine yellows might speak to your personal tastes, but they are notoriously difficult to sell on the used car market.
That’s because, as a more niche choice, it’s tricky to find willing buyers, forcing you to lower the asking price or wait longer for a suitable offer.
Buy the car that best suits your day-to-day – and bin off the extra features
To save as much money as possible on your purchase, you need to think specifically about how you’re actually going to be using the car rather than how you might use it.
For example, if you need a used car for commuting into a city centre office, you might be better off with a nippy three-door that costs £5,000 rather than a 4×4 on the market for £10,000.