Top Car Maintenance Tips

Safe Motoring Advice

oil-check-car

For many of us a car is a big investment and you expect it to stand the test of time and any minor wear and tear you can throw its way. However, we all know this sometimes doesn’t go to plan as the small niggles and problems with cars can add up. Explore our blog as we review out top maintenance tips to keep your car in good condition.

Check Oil Levels

It is important that you maintain the correct oil level in your car. Without enough oil, the mechanical parts of the car’s engine will brush off each other and this can lead to serious damage being done to the internals of your car. By simply consulting your owner’s manual you can locate your cars dipstick which is used to check oil levels.

Replace Air Filter

Many issues with cars can arise from clogged air filters which can seriously affect engine performance, because it stops air getting into your engine. The air filter in a car should be replaced every year or every 12,000 miles if you tend to do a lot of mileage. It can be a very simple 10-minute task for most cars these days so you don’t have to worry about paying a visit to your mechanic.

Tyres

Mechanics often recommend rotating tyres every 7,000 mile to lengthen the life of the tyres. It is important to align tyres correctly for effective steering. If tyres are not aligned, you may find it difficult to control your car.

Check Your Brakes

Brakes - they simply sound like one of the most important parts of your car, so why wouldn’t you give them the proper maintenance they need? If the brakes don’t work properly they can damage your rotors, brake pads, brake fluids and brake pedal. And repairs to these parts don’t come cheap. Usually this would be checked when your car gets serviced but you can do it at home if you suspect something unusual. If you feel the need to check the brakes yourself you will need to inspect the brake pads and brake fluid reservoir. This will involve removing the tyres to get under the car if you suspect a leak to your brake fluids.

Drive Better

Your driving style does impact the condition of your car. If you accelerate fast, brake hard, take corners sharply and hard shift your gears you will wear your car out faster and damage will be more likely to occur. So start paying attention to your driving and make sure that you do not find yourself accelerating or braking too hard. It’s safer to drive this way and you’ll find yourself saving on fuel costs too.

If you are looking for car insurance, call us on 01 400 3400 or get a Quick Quote on this page in less than 5 minutes.