Ten vital car checks

Tyres

• Know the correct tyre pressures for your car and check them at least every two weeks using a good-quality gauge or garage air line.
• Check tyre tread and condition – look for cuts on sidewalls. If any one tyre needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture.
• Don't forget to check the spare as well.

Toolkit

• Check the handbook for the location of the basic toolkit for the car that should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools.
• Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely.
• If locking wheel nuts are fitted make sure that the toolkit includes the key or removal tool.

Engine oil

• Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey.
• Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals using oil of the correct specification.
• High oil consumption can indicate engine problems.

Water

• Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary – but only when the engine is cold.
• Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter.
• Antifreeze prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system as well as stopping the coolant freezing so is important all year round.

Wipers

• Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn.
• Replace them at least once a year for best performance.

Screenwash

• Check and top up regularly – it's a legal requirement that the system works.
• Use a good screenwash additive through summer and winter – water alone won't clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter.

Windscreen

• Check regularly for stone damage as this can impair vision or distract attention.
• Minor chips can grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist.

Our expert windscreen technicians can come to you wherever you are

Lights

• Check all lights weekly. Don't forget indicators, brake and fog lights.
• Clean lights regularly. In bad weather wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks.

Power steering

• Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service, and check it yourself once a month.
• Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in the car handbook.

Bodywork

• Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in.
• Many cars have extended bodywork warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer. Check that any previous owner has kept records up to date.

(1 November 2011)