How to Take Care of Your Car To Working Smoothly

Most of us don’t give car checks much thought until something goes wrong. But a few minutes spent looking under the bonnet or walking around your car could save you a long wait for recovery on the side of the motorway.

Surveys on driver habits don’t paint a great picture. Only about one in five people say they always check their car before a trip. Just over half say they sometimes do. And almost a third admit they never bother at all. That last group may sound casual, but it’s also the group most likely to end up stranded with a preventable breakdown.

Taking five minutes every few weeks—especially before long journeys or an MOT—to run through some simple checks is a small investment. You’re not only protecting your wallet, you’re also reducing the risk of being stuck in the rain waiting for a tow truck.

To make it easy, there’s a simple acronym: FORCES—Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, and Screen wash.

1. Fuel

Yes, it’s obvious, but people still run out—usually on cold winter mornings when they really don’t want to. A quick glance at your gauge before setting off is all it takes. If you’re nervous about running low, especially on longer journeys, plan your stops ahead of time.

2. Oil

One in three cars checked on the roadside are running with dangerously low oil levels. That’s not just a stat—it’s a potential engine disaster waiting to happen. Grab the dipstick, make sure the oil sits between the minimum and maximum markers, and top up if it’s low. Unsure which oil to buy? Your handbook or even the sticker inside your bonnet will usually tell you.

3. Rubber

By “rubber,” they mean both tyres and wiper blades. Tyres should have at least 1.6mm tread, though many mechanics suggest 3mm in winter for extra grip on icy roads. Watch for bulges, cracks, or anything that looks off. As for wiper blades, they don’t last forever. If they’re streaking or squeaking, it’s time to swap them. A small trick in winter: put a piece of cardboard between your blades and the windscreen overnight to stop them freezing stuck.

4. Coolant

Coolant keeps your engine from overheating in summer and from freezing solid in winter. The system is usually sealed, so you shouldn’t need to top it up often—but “shouldn’t” doesn’t mean “never.” Check when the engine’s cold, and only add the type recommended in your handbook.

5. Electrics

Modern cars rely on electrics for everything; lights, heaters, even steering in some cases. Walk around and make sure every bulb works, including the number plate light (yes, you can get fined for that). Batteries are another common weak spot. If your car struggles to start, or the battery’s more than four years old, it may be time for a replacement. And instead of slapping petroleum jelly on the terminals (as old-school advice suggests), ask a mechanic about proper protective sprays; they work better in the long run.

6. Screen wash

A dirty windscreen is more than annoying—it’s dangerous. Screen wash cuts through salt, grit, bugs, and pollen better than plain water, and it won’t freeze in winter. Top it up whenever it looks low.

A few extra checks worth adding

Beyond the FORCES basics, there are a handful of other things that, if ignored, can quietly eat away at your car’s health:

·        Air filter – Change it every 12,000 miles or once a year. A clogged filter makes your engine work harder and drink more fuel.

·        Spark plugs (for petrol engines) – These usually last about 30,000 miles. If they fail, you’ll know—your engine will stutter or feel sluggish.

·        Brakes – Brake fluid is corrosive and should be replaced at intervals listed in your handbook. If you’re not confident handling it, let a professional do it.

·        Air conditioning – If your A/C blows lukewarm on a hot day, it may need a re-gas. That’s not a DIY job; it requires specialist equipment.

·        Interior and exterior – Keeping things clean isn’t just cosmetic. An empty footwell means no bottles rolling under your pedals, and clean lights mean you’re actually visible on foggy nights.

A quick thought

Nobody loves spending their weekend poking around under the bonnet. But think of these checks like brushing your teeth; five minutes of prevention now saves you from an expensive trip to the dentist later. Or in this case, the mechanic.

For car buyers looking for a solid ride with zero trouble, check our used cars in Milton Keynes. We check every vehicle we sell thoroughly to make sure it serves the full purpose it is built for.

Source and Images: RAC UK