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Unexpected mechanic bills are something we all want to avoid, which is why it is important to keep your vehicle well-maintained. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a new Ford car or you’ve been driving the same vehicle for years - keeping it in top condition with some basic car maintenancemeans you will be less likely to break down and incur further repair costs.
The RAC found that just 19% of people check to see if their cars are ‘road ready’ before making a trip, 50% of drivers stated they sometimes check their cars before setting off, while a whopping 30% said they never perform any checks.
So, what what kind of maintenance should be done on a car to ensure it remains in the best possible condition? This guide will highlight some of the top tips for car maintenance, from checks on tyres and lights to batteries and air filters.
When it comes
to basic maintenance on a car, remembering the key checks can help keep your
vehicle safe, reliable and running efficiently.
Remember your car maintenance checklist with the acronym FORCES. FORCES stands for Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screenwash, and lays the foundations for your vehicle checks.
Be sure to check you have enough fuel for your journey and try to fill your tank before it is completely empty. If you have an electric vehicle, check you have enough charge in your EV battery.
It may sound simple, but forgetting to check your fuel level can easily catch you out. Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey to avoid unnecessary delays.
If you drive a petrol car and are wondering about the difference between E5 and E10 fuel, this guide will to answer your most pressing questions.
Not having enough oil in your vehicle can lead to irreparable damage to your engine, so it is important to check that your oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on your dipstick and top up when necessary. Be sure to refer to your vehicle’s handbook to ensure you use the right oil.
Tyres must be checked regularly for general wear and tear, tread depth and any bulges or splits. When it comes to tread depth, the minimum tread level is 1.6mm, although during winter it is recommended to have at least 3mm of tread to help with grip.
You
can check your tyre tread depth by using a tread depth gauge or by checking the
tread wear indicators. These are small raised bars built into the tread grooves;
when the tread is level with these indicators, the tyre has reached the legal limit
and should be replaced).
You should also check you have the correct air pressure in your tyres, as poorly inflated tyres can not only cause accidents but will also lead to poorer fuel economy.
Coolant is a liquid that circulates through your vehicle's engine to regulate its temperature. It prevents the engine from overheating in hot weather and from freezing in cold weather.
Your vehicle's coolant system is sealed and shouldn’t need to be topped up, however, you notice that the level is low, it could be due to a leak somewhere in the system. If this happens, you should get it looked at by a professional mechanic.
Book a service with Foray Motor Group
There are plenty of electrics to check on your vehicle, from lights to your battery – and they must be checked regularly to ensure everything is working correctly.
When it comes to checking your lights, it’s easiest to check the lights with a second person who can walk around the vehicle as you press the brakes, change from sidelights to headlights and turn the indicators on and off. Replace any faulty bulbs as soon as possible to ensure you are safe and road-legal.
Driving your car regularly helps keep the battery charged. A drive of around 30 minutes every couple of weeks should be sufficient to maintain the battery's charge.
Having your battery checked can help your car run more smoothly. When your battery is tested, it's worth asking for the charging system and battery drain to be checked too, as this provides a more complete picture of your vehicle's electrical system.
Using a good-quality screenwash is important throughout the year. In winter, your windscreen can quickly become covered in grit, salt and road grime. A good screenwash-to-water ratio helps remove these deposits and prevents the screenwash from freezing in colder temperatures.
During the warmer months, screenwash helps clear away squashed insects, dust and pollen, keeping your windscreen clean and your visibility clear.
Check your screenwash level regularly and top it up when necessary to ensure you always have a clear view of the road.
Regular maintenance on a car doesn't stop with the basics. These additional checks can help prevent unnecessary wear, improve performance and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Your vehicle's brakes are one of its most important safety features, so it's essential to keep them properly maintained.
Listen for any squeaking, squealing or grinding noises when you brake. This could mean that your brake pads are wearing out and should be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Check the brake fluid level regularly and ensure it remains between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. If the level is low, refer to your vehicle handbook for specific guidance on the correct type of brake fluid and how to top it up.
Brake fluid is usually replaced every two years during your car service. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can affect braking performance. Replacing old brake fluid helps ensure your braking system continues to operate safely and effectively.
Check your windscreen wiper blades regularly for signs of wear, damage or debris. Worn, cracked or hardened rubber won't clean your windscreen effectively and can leave smears that reduce visibility.
If the blades are damaged or no longer clear the windscreen properly, replace them to help maintain a clear view of the road in all weather conditions.
A clogged or damaged air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. The air filter is usually inspected and replaced as part of a routine car service. However, you can also check it yourself as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Refer to your vehicle's handbook for further information about your air filter.
Try to keep things clean and tidy on the inside of your vehicle and in your boot. Unnecessary weight can contribute to poor fuel consumption, whilst loose objects can become a safety hazard, blocking pedals or becoming projectiles during sudden braking.
As well as keeping your car clean on the inside, it's important to maintain the exterior too. Make sure your headlights, brake lights and number plates are clean so you can be seen on the roads. Also, check your bodywork for any damage that may hinder car performance.
Whilst simple car maintenance should be carried out throughout the year, car maintenance in winter is especially important.
Checking your tyres have sufficient tread will help maintain grip in snowy, icy or wet conditions. Windscreen fluid helps remove salt and grime from your windscreen and enables your wipers to work more effectively. Lights need to be working properly for visibility in darker evenings, rain and fog. It’s also important to check your battery, coolant levels and brakes, as colder temperatures can put additional strain on your vehicle.
Taking time to undertake some car maintenance for winter can help keep you safe and reduce the risk of unexpected issues during colder, darker months.
If you have an electric vehicle, there are specific maintenance checks to carry out. Take a look at our EV Maintenance Top Tips for more information.
A car maintenance record is a log of all the repairs, checks and services carried out on your vehicle. Keeping a record helps you stay on top of upcoming maintenance, track your vehicle’s history and can be useful if you decide to sell your car in the future.
You can keep your records on paper, in a spreadsheet or using a vehicle maintenance app - choose the method that works best for you. It’s also a good idea to keep receipts, invoices and service paperwork together in one place.
When updating your maintenance record, include:
Car maintenance schedules provide a helpful timeline of when to check, replace and service key parts of your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle handbook for specific guidelines.
It’s also important to undertake a series of checks before you head off on long car journeys.
We hope these car maintenance tips have been useful and help you keep your vehicle safe, reliable and running smoothly.
If you’re looking to to upgrade to your existing vehicle, we have a wide range of new cars and used cars for sale across our dealerships.
Browse our latest stock or pop into your local dealership to find the right vehicle for you.
