Car Care Tips
Breakdowns happen to other people - never me. We all believe this - until it happens, and then you can guarantee that it will be at the most awkward, inopportune moment. You'll be on the way to a job interview or first date, with small children in the back of the car asking 'are we there yet?'. If you don't have breakdown cover arranged then it could turn into a very costly experience. To be on the safe side take a look at all the breakdown policies reviewed here on PetrolPrices.com.
It's not all doom and gloom though, the good news is that most breakdowns are entirely avoidable and there are several simple steps that you can take in order to protect against this most frustrating of events. Below we have compiled some useful tips on how to maintain your car so that you avoid breaking down.
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Tyres
Checking the pressure and tread of your tyres is vitally important. Tyres which are under-inflated, even by the slightest degree, can overheat, whilst over-inflated tyres can lead to similarly damaging problems on the road. Before taking any action, you should have a close look at your vehicle handbook to find out the specific recommended tyre pressure for your car (take into account any large items which are currently being carried in your vehicle since this will affect the pressure levels). After finding out the ideal pressure, check it with a tyre pressure gauge. This should be done when the tyres are completely cold. If necessary, inflate the tyres to the recommended level, making sure that you are using a low pressure.
If you are looking to get new tyres for your vehicle, it can often be cheaper to shop around online as well as in garages. BlackCircles.com offers savings of up to 45% and they will also hel you find a local garage where you can get them fitted for free.
If you fail to take notice of the tread of your tyres, you could run into trouble with the law. The minimum depth of tread on your tyres should always be 1.6 millimetres. This tread must be maintained throughout the tyre’s circumference in the central three-quarters of the tyre. If you fail to maintain this tread, you could pick up three penalty points and a large fine. In fact, you will be fined for each tyre which breaks the law.
Some people do not have access to wear indicators but this is not a real issue. You can use a ten pence coin to test the tread. Simply position the coin in the tread and ensure that the edge of the coin is completely covered.
Fuel
In order to pass an MOT, your car will need to have a secure fuel cap. If you notice any leaks or think that your fuel cap is not fitting properly, check your car in to the local garage. Running out of fuel on the way to the airport is a mistake which is sadly all too easy to make. It is easy not to keep an eye on your fuel gauge and, before you know it, the warning light has come on and there may not be a petrol station nearby. This can be a particularly serious problem whilst travelling on the motorway if you don't know where the next services are.
Never let your petrol levels run low and never rely upon your fuel gauge to alert you in time, since the warning light can sometimes come on too late.
Another common cause of breakdown is putting the wrong kind of fuel in your car. This is an easy mistake to make but one which is entirely avoidable. Putting the wrong fuel in your car will not only cause you to break down but may also cause permanent damage to your vehicle. To help you remember which fuel to put in, stick the appropriate coloured label on your fuel cap. For instance, if your car needs unleaded fuel, place a green sticker on your fuel cap.
Find out where you can get the cheapest fuel in your area, with PetrolPrices.com.
Brakes
During an MOT, your brakes will undergo vigorous tests. Their condition and performance will be taken into account, as will their efficiency. If you do not test your brakes, you could end up suffering from a complete braking system failure, which could lead to serious injury or death on the road. To protect the efficiency of the braking system, the optimum friction pad depth must be maintained and this can be done by regularly changing your brake pads. You can check your brake pads by peering through the openings on the exterior of the wheel assembly. Make sure that you view the pad from above and assess the depth visually. If it is under a quarter of an inch, think about taking action in the near future. Screeching sounds when you apply the brakes will also alert to the fact that you need to change the pads.
If your brakes do not feel sensitive when pressure is applied on the braking pedal, take your car to the local garage. You may think that your brake pedal is functioning successfully but we all notice the difference in sensitivity when our car returns from a service.
With regards to checking the brake discs, you will need to have a close look at the visible disc. This disc should be shiny all over and there should not be any irregular patches. Faint lines are not really an issue, since they only indicate minor wear. However, any seriously irregular patches or deep grooves indicate that action needs to be taken, and quickly. Remember that if you need to get your discs replaced, you should always get them replaced in pairs.
Lights
During an MOT, your lights will be thoroughly checked for their general condition, performance, and the colour will also be checked. The aim of the headlamps will also be monitored in order to make sure it obeys legal requirements. If you do not check your lights, you could be putting yourself at risk during the hours of darkness or in conditions which result in poor visibility. Poorly functioning lights could also endanger the lives of others on the road. If your lights are not in good condition, you may be pulled over by the police whilst driving: the last thing anyone wants, particularly on the way to the airport.
To check the condition of your indicator lights, switch on the ignition, apply the hazard lights and then visually check the indicators. The indicators should flash between thirty and ninety times per minute. With regards to the brake lights, simply press down on the brake pedal and either take advantage of reflections in windows, or enlist the help of a friend to check the performance of these lights. No other lights should be visible at the same time as the brake lights, even dim glows. At the same time as this, put your car into reverse and check that the reverse light is working properly.
To check the headlights and tail lights, turn on the ignition and switch the lights on. Walk around the car and perform simple visual checks on these lights. The headlights should be equally bright and the beams should point towards the left and slightly down. At the same time, check the main beam by switching it on and off. To check your fog lights, stay in the vehicle and operate the relevant switch. Make sure that the warning light comes on at the correct time.
You should also make sure that the exterior light covers are not cracked or showing any signs of weakness.
Windscreen
An MOT will check the condition of your windscreen and will also assess the driver’s visibility. Chips or cracks, even minor ones, will lead to the vehicle failing the MOT. The wipers and washers will also be checked for their condition and performance.
If you suffer a chip on the windscreen and do not get it repaired quickly, it could result in a large crack. If this happens on the motorway when you are travelling to the airport at high speeds, your safety and the safety of other road-users could be seriously compromised. Damage to the windscreen of any kind can also impact upon the performance of your airbags.
If your washers and wipers are not working effectively, you could be putting yourself in serious danger if the weather turns bad suddenly or you need to remove something from your windscreen in a hurry. You should therefore check the condition of your wipers on a regular basis. Make sure there are no cracks or sections which may split, and replace them if you suspect even the slightest bit of damage. Always make sure that your washer container is topped up to the relevant level. If your container is a bottle, open the top and make sure it is full. Many washer containers do not have the bottle part visible. In these instances, you will need to lift the cap out and check the tube for the current fluid level.
Oil
Put simply, oil is the equivalent of blood to the engine of your car, insofar as it is essential in keeping it running. If you run low on oil, friction in the engine will increase and overheating and serious breakdowns can occur within a short space of time. You should check your oil levels frequently and, thankfully, this process could not be easier. Simply use the dipstick and make sure oil levels never drop below the minimum mark. Many dipsticks have two lines and the area in the middle of the space in-between these lines represents the optimum oil levels. Ensure that your car is parked on a level surface when performing this check and try to make sure that the engine is relatively warm (but not too hot).
Bear in mind when topping up your oil that putting too much in can also cause damage to your car. High pressure can develop from too much oil, and damaging leaks can also occur, leading to serious engine wear.
Water
Having low water levels in your car battery can cause severe problems. Fortunately, checking water levels in the battery is simple. Open up your bonnet and remove the battery cap. There should be a vent cap, which can be removed, at the top of the battery. If water levels look as though they are running low, even by the slightest amount, simply add distilled water (never use tap water) to the battery. The water level should reach the cell inspection hole. Make sure that you do not overfill the battery, since this could cause problems with the battery acid.
Battery
Flat batteries can cause travellers nightmares. There’s perhaps only one thing worse than the car breaking down on the way to the airport and that’s being stuck in the car whilst it is still on the drive as you repeatedly try and fail to turn the engine on. To protect against flat batteries, take your vehicle on a relatively long journey at least once every week. Alternatively, charge your battery overnight once every two weeks to protect against frustrating situations.
To check the voltage of your battery, use a voltmeter. These can be purchased from large hardware stores. The voltmeter should be getting readings of 12 volts or more.
You should also be aware of problems with your alternator. Poorly functioning alternators could stop your battery from charging properly. There are tell-tale signs to look out for which point to alternator problems, including flickering battery warning lights on the dashboard and slow moving windscreen wipers.
Cooling System
Cooling systems are extremely important, and, if they are not functioning properly, overheating can lead to breakdowns within a very short space of time. With regards to the cooling system, there are several things which need to be checked on a regular basis. Firstly, you should check the thermostat. Turn the engine on and touch the upper radiator hose. If the hose fails to warm up, it means that the thermostat is not opening properly. Alternatively, you could remove the thermostat and place it in boiling water, at which point, it should open.
Secondly, make sure that your radiator coolant levels are sufficient. Wait until your car engine is cold and open the radiator cap very carefully. Check the fluid level, which should ideally reach the top of the radiator. Make sure you replace the cap properly after this check and also check this area of the cooling system for leaks or cracks.
Finally, old or leaking hoses can cause overheating and serious damage to your car. Once again, wait until the engine is cold and squeeze the upper and lower hoses with your fingers. If they feel at all brittle, or show any cracks or general wear and tear, they will need to be replaced as soon as possible. After this, check the clamps, which will be located at both ends of the hoses. If there is any dampness at all, tighten the clamps, or simply replace them at the local garage.
Clutch
It is also important to check the fluid levels in your clutch reservoir. Cars with hydraulic clutches can be checked in the following way. Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir by removing the cap and ensuring that the fluid level is towards the top. If it is not, simply add more brake fluid. Make sure the cap is screwed back on tightly after the check. If you find that the fluid level is low on a regular basis, check your car into a garage and ask them to look for a leak, which may be causing this problem. If leaks and fluid levels are left unchecked, the clutch pedal can be rendered completely useless.
Steering
In order to keep your steering system running smoothly, you will need to check the power steering fluid levels. This fluid is located in a reservoir near the power steering belt. These reservoirs are often transparent, so fluid levels can be easily checked visually. However, others have dipsticks which can be used. If the levels are running low, top up the fluid using a funnel. If levels are low on a regular basis, ask a mechanic to check for leaks.
If you leave this problem unchecked, you could experience problems with steering, which can potentially put you in very dangerous situations whilst on the road, as the vehicle is placed beyond your control.
Emergency Kits
Even if you take every precaution to avoid breakdowns, you should always carry an emergency kit with you in the car at all times. This kit can be used in breakdown situations and will also be useful if you are unfortunate enough to become involved in an accident. This kit should include:
- Water
- Food
- Blankets
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Maps
- Emergency Triangle
- Flares (make sure you know exactly how to use these in a safe manner)
Additional items which should be carried during summer months include:
- Sun cream
- Additional water
- Portable battery-operated fans
Additional items which should be carried during winter months include:
- Shovel
- De-icer
- Anti-freeze
- Extra blankets
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Tow rope
Last but not least, you should always carry your mobile phone with you and, if possible, an in-car charger for this phone.
Keep your Bodywork Looking Beautiful
There are two easy ways to save money, by maintaining your car: Firstly, by avoiding hefty repair costs and maintaining the mechanical parts of your car. Secondly, to maximise the resale value of your car, by keeping the bodywork in good condition.
Although you may not think it will increase the value of your car, a buyer can tell the difference between a well maintained, and a neglected car which could cost you a sale in the future.
To help you take good care of your car, we have put together some useful information on taking care of your bodywork.
Washing your car
Park your car next to your house, get a hose, bucket and sponge ready and get cleaning.
- Wash the dirt from your car with a hose, including the wheels and windscreens.
- Get a bucket and sponge, fill with warm water and add car shampoo. Wash your car thoroughly, starting with the windows and then working from the top down. Wash the wheels last, to avoid spreading dirt from the tyres to the paintwork. (*Do not use household detergents such as washing up liquid, these are corrosive and may damage the paintwork.)
- Rinse off the shampoo with your hose again, from the top down.
- Dry the car with an old towel to avoid water marks.
- For the final touch, and to protect your paintwork, apply wax to your car in straight lines. Then using a buffer cloth in a circular motion polish the paintwork for a lasting shine. (*Avoid putting wax or polish on in hot sunlight, it causes it to dry out quickly, and can run the paintwork.)
For an easy application wax, with a protective gloss, use Valentines Concours Carnauba Wax.