Routine maintenance ensures that your car is always in tip-top shape, but that doesn’t stop you from being involved in a car accident or becoming a victim of theft. That’s why you need comprehensive car insurance too, so you’re covered for those life events that you can’t plan for.
Below are 10 tips that will enable you to catch problems before they occur, saving you a large amount of potential hassle and money.
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Check your oil
Check your oil at least once a month. Wait until the car has been stationary for five minutes (so the engine is cool), open the bonnet and take your reading. Make sure the oil level is above the minimum mark and below the maximum mark and then top up accordingly. Take care that you are using the correct oil – check your handbook if you’re not sure which type to use. -
Top up your coolant
Pop the bonnet and check that your water levels have been topped up correctly. If your car runs out of water the engine could seize and you may even end up having to replace the whole engine, which would be a massive unforeseen expense. -
Check brake fluid
It’s important to see if your brake fluid is at the right level. However, don’t change it yourself – leave this to the professionals. Don’t open the container or touch it because if a bit of dirt gets in, this could damage your car’s intricate working system. -
Check your tyre pressure
This will extend the life of your tyres plus you’ll save up to 10% on petrol if your tyres are pumped up correctly. Under-inflated tyres on a car mean that your engine has to work harder and so you end up using more petrol. -
Measure your tyre tread depth
The minimum legal requirement is 1.6mm of tread depth. This is because worn-down tyres can skid which may result in a serious car accident. If you notice that your car is skidding more than usual, it could be because your tyres are nearing the end of their life, so you need to change them as soon as possible. -
Change windscreen wipers
Your windscreen wipers should be changed once or twice a year depending on how often you use them. You can even change these yourself to avoid garage labour costs. -
Check your brake lights
Faulty brake lights are one of the most common causes of car accidents. Check that they’re working regularly and you’ll save yourself a whole heap of trouble. -
Don’t avoid a service
You wouldn’t get into a plane that hadn’t been regularly checked by an engineer, so why do this with your car? It’s really important to have your engine regularly checked and have things like your brake pads changed. Brake pads can wear down and lose their stopping power, so it’s worth paying for a service. Regular servicing will also improve the long-term value of your car and will keep it fuel-efficient. -
Don't ignore dashboard signals
Warning signals are your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong, so ignore them at your peril. If the problem worsens - it may be even more expensive to fix. -
Look after the bodywork
Try and get any bodywork damage fixed right away or else rust can set in. Phone around and get quotes from several different panel beaters before making your decision. Depending on the car insurance coverage you have, some of these costs could be paid for by your insurer, but check what your excess is (and all other details) before you book your car in.
Hollard offers a range of options for car insurance, which will help you take the best care of your vehicle. Read more about getting covered for accidental damage or theft with our car insurance or get a pay-as-you-drive car insurance quote now.
Hollard Life Assurance Company (Reg. No. 1993/001405/06) is an authorised Financial Services Provider.
