Keeping Your Car in Shape Doesn’t Need a Garage

Looking after a car doesn’t have to mean crawling under it with spanners or paying through the nose at a workshop. There are plenty of basic maintenance tasks you can do yourself; safely, cheaply, and without voiding any warranty. A few minutes every month can prevent problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Think of it as housework for your car. Not glamorous, but essential. And oddly satisfying when you get the hang of it.

1. Checking Oil and Coolant Levels

Two of the simplest; and most important; things you can do. Check your engine oil every few weeks when the engine is cool and the car’s on level ground. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, dip again, and make sure the level sits between the two marks. Too low, and you risk engine damage; too high, and you could cause leaks.

Next, look at the coolant reservoir. The fluid should sit between the “min” and “max” lines. If it’s low, top up with the correct mixture of antifreeze and water; never plain tap water for long-term use.

2. Tyre Pressure and Tread

Tyres affect everything from fuel economy to braking distance, so keeping them in good shape is vital. You’ll find the correct pressures listed in your car manual or inside the driver’s door frame. Use a pressure gauge (or the one at your local petrol station) to check them monthly. Don’t forget the spare wheel if you have one.

While you’re there, check tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but most experts recommend replacing them before they get that low. An easy test? Slot a 20p coin into the tread. If you can see the coin’s outer border, it’s time for new tyres.

3. Replacing Wiper Blades

Wipers don’t last forever. If they smear, squeak or leave streaks, they’re past their best. You can buy replacements from any parts shop or supermarket. Fitting them usually takes two minutes; lift the arm, unclip the old blade, and snap the new one into place. Check your car manual if you’re unsure, as different models have slightly different fittings.

It’s a small job that makes a big difference on rainy days. Good visibility isn’t a luxury; it’s safety.

4. Topping Up Screenwash

One of the most forgotten tasks, yet the easiest. Open the bonnet, find the washer reservoir (usually marked with a blue cap or windscreen symbol), and fill it with premixed screenwash. Don’t use plain water; it freezes in winter and does little to clean off grime and salt. Keep a spare bottle in the boot for road trips.

5. Checking Lights and Indicators

Walk around your car once a week and test every light; headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights. You’ll often spot a blown bulb long before the police or your MOT tester does. Replacement bulbs are cheap and straightforward to fit. Most modern cars include step-by-step diagrams in the handbook.

If access looks tricky, some garages will replace bulbs while you wait for just a few pounds; far cheaper than risking a fine for driving with a light out.

6. Cleaning and Battery Care

Regular washing isn’t just about pride. Dirt, salt and bird droppings can damage paintwork over time. Give your car a rinse and wax now and then; your future self (and any future buyer) will thank you. While cleaning, peek under the bonnet: check that battery terminals are clean and free from white corrosion. If they’re dirty, gently brush them with an old toothbrush and a mix of baking soda and water; just be sure the ignition’s off first.

If your car’s stored for long periods, a smart charger can keep the battery topped up without overcharging it.

7. Reading Warning Lights Properly

Modern dashboards look like Christmas trees when something goes wrong. Don’t ignore those little lights; they’re your car’s way of talking to you. Keep the owner’s manual in the glovebox and get familiar with what the main symbols mean. Some warnings, like low washer fluid, can wait; others, such as oil pressure or brake alerts, need immediate attention.

The sooner you know what’s normal for your car, the less likely you’ll panic later.

8. Knowing When to Leave It to the Pros

There’s plenty you can handle yourself, but some jobs; like brake pads, suspension work or electrical faults; are best left to qualified mechanics. DIY maintenance should be about prevention and simple upkeep, not risky repairs. If in doubt, get advice from a trusted garage or an independent AA or RAC technician.

Useful UK Resources

• GOV.UK – Check MOT History
• Halfords – Car Maintenance Guides
• RAC – Basic Car Maintenance Advice