Simple Ways to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
Maintaining Your Car: Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly
Maintaining your car is essential to keep it in good condition and ensure its longevity. Regular maintenance not only helps to prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs but also improves the safety and performance of your vehicle. Here are some tips to help you maintain your car and keep it running smoothly.
Brakes
Check your brake discs for signs of uneven wear and keep an eye on how much wear is left on the brake pads. Any strange noises from your brakes are usually a sign of worn pads. A spongy brake pedal could mean worn pads or discs, low brake fluid or air in the system.
Oil
Check your car’s oil regularly by first warming your car up, then turn it off, open the bonnet, allow the oil to settle, and then remove the dipstick.
Clean it with a paper towel or cloth and re-insert into the engine then remove to check your oil level.
There will be a minimum and maximum level and ideally, you want your oil to be in the middle or slightly above. But don’t overfill as this can be as damaging as too little oil in your engine.
Windscreen
Chips or cracks on your windscreen can mean an MOT fail but if caught early they can be repaired before the crack starts to spread.
Windscreen Wipers and Washer levels
If your windscreen wipers are leaving water behind or smears check them for signs of wear, tears or rips and replace them.
Also, keep your windscreen washer reservoir level topped up with a mixture of water and cleaning additive that has an anti-freeze agent.
Lights
A faulty headlight will provide poor visibility and can be dangerous to oncoming traffic as you may be mistaken for a motorbike and it will also draw the attention of the Police.
Carry out a regular visual inspection of all the lights – side lights first, then dipped headlights, main headlights and fog lights. Turn on your hazard lights to check the indicators and use a reflection or ask a friend to press the brake pedal so you can check they are working.
Battery
A healthy battery is essential, and during winter it is put under a lot of pressure. The tell-tale signs of a battery becoming weak is when you turn the key and the turnover is laboured or your lights look dim and your wipers move slowly. Although this can also be a sign of a faulty alternator.
Car Cleaning
Keeping your car clean is not only good for the bodywork but will maximise your resale value. Car care kits can be picked up cheaply but invest in a good quality car shampoo and wax or polish. It’s a good idea to have two buckets, one for hot water and shampoo and the other for clean water.
You might also like our blog on making sure you have the right car seats in your car, or how to change a tyre safely in less than 15 minutes.
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- vehicle recovery,
- collision investigation,
- organising repairs,
- providing a replacement vehicle,
- liaising with insurance companies and
- legal and medical
And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.
Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is regular car maintenance important?
Regular maintenance helps keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient. It can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, improve road safety, extend vehicle lifespan, and help prevent expensive repair bills.
- How often should I inspect my vehicle?
It’s a good idea to carry out basic checks every few weeks and before any long journey. Regular inspections can help identify small issues before they become major problems.
- Why should I check my brake system regularly?
Brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety systems. Worn brake pads, damaged discs, low brake fluid, or unusual noises should be investigated as soon as possible.
- What warning signs could indicate a brake problem?
Watch out for:
- Squealing or grinding noises
- A spongy brake pedal
- Increased stopping distances
- Vibrations when braking
- Warning lights on the dashboard
- How often should I check my engine oil?
Engine oil should be checked regularly, particularly before long journeys. Always consult your vehicle handbook for recommended maintenance intervals.
- What happens if my oil level is too low?
Low oil levels can increase engine wear and potentially lead to costly engine damage if not addressed promptly.
