Clean Inside & Out
A simple one to start with, it is a good idea to give the car a thorough clean both inside and out from time to time and especially if you have recently purchased it second-hand from somewhere like AA Cars. You will want to make it feel like your own and the best way to do this is with a deep clean and by adding your own personal touches.
You could pay to have the car detailed, but it is actually really simple to do yourself and can be quite rewarding when you step back and see the car sparkling back at you. Be sure to pay extra attention to the windshield and the headlights.
Tire Pressure
It is important that your tyres are kept at the correct pressure to keep you even on the roads, plus it can also help to reduce running costs as deflated tires will affect your MPG. Look in your manual to see what they should be inflated to and check them every other time you fill up at the petrol station.
Checking the Tires
In addition to checking that the pressure is right, you should also check each individual tire for signs of damage. Much like an old pair of shoes, a damaged tire can cause all kinds of problems that could be costly to repair. Look for bulges, cuts and tears or excessive wear and get the car checked out by a mechanic if they are in poor condition as there could be other issues to address.
Oil Level
Motor oil is used to lubricate all of the moving parts in the vehicle so it is highly important and without it at the right level the car will break down. This should be checked every time that you fill up and there are lots of helpful guides for doing this online.
Engine Coolant
The engine coolant will stop the engine from overheating, so you always check this regularly and especially if you are setting off on a long journey. The vehicle handbook will tell you how to do this.
These are the main car maintenance tasks that you need to carry out on a semi-regular basis. They are all easy enough to do and are important as they will keep the car running smoothly and should stop any major problems from occurring.
