10 Basic Car Care And Maintenance Tips

Find out our top 10 basic and essential car care and maintenance tips that you need to regularly complete in order to keep your car performing and looking as good as new, brought to you by the car experts at Schmicko.

Your car is one of the biggest investments you will make and you want to keep it in the best possible condition so that it can serve you for a long time and never lose its characteristic looks and performance. To help, here are our top ten basic car care and maintenance tips.

1. Get paint protection

Consider investing in paint protection for your car - this will give it an extra pop of colour and ensure it's better protected against the natural elements. It will also add shine to your car while reducing the chance of scratches and UV or chemical damage. Learn more about paint protection from the experts at Schmicko here.

2. Check tyres

Regularly check your tyre pressures and increase them if necessary, following the guidance provided with your car. Tyre pressures that are too high or low can make driving dangerous and wear your tyres out prematurely.

3. Check engine oil

Make sure you check if your oil level is between the minimum and maximum levels on your car’s dipstick. Not enough oil can result in breakdowns or engine damage, but so can too much oil, so don’t go overboard.

4. Top up windscreen wash

It’s illegal to not have your screen washer bottle filled, so make sure you top it up with windscreen fluid whenever needed.

5. Top up coolant

Your car needs enough coolant at all times to ensure that the engine is at the right temperature and does not break down. Check the coolant levels and top up as necessary according to your car’s specifications.

6. Check your exhaust

You should always aim to ensure that your exhaust is functioning normally. You can check this by starting the engine in a well-ventilated area and checking for unusual noises, smoke or leaks.

7. Test your brakes

Likewise, you should test your breaks in a safe area such as on your driveway to ensure they are functioning as they should.

8. Test lights

Test all of your lights and indicators so that dead bulbs don’t go unnoticed. Have someone stand outside of the car and report back to you while you test all of the lights.

9. Look at the windscreen

Have a close look at your windscreen from the outside and inside to check for any small chips. If you spot any, get them repaired as soon as possible so that they do not turn into dangerous and expensive cracks.

10. Visit the car wash

Keep on top of everyday dirt and grime that could affect your car’s performance if left unattended by regularly visiting the car wash. Of course, you can wash your car at home but a thorough car wash can cover all features and give it a longer-lasting shine.