There is a common feeling that cars have now become too mechanically complicated to work on unless you are a qualified technician. Since carmakers started putting covers over the engine and undertrays beneath it people often feel intimidated forgetting that under the cover there’s everything the internal combustion engine has always had. And with the AA saying that half of the 3.4 million call-outs it attends annually are caused by poor maintenance maybe we should all take a little more interest in what’s under the hood.
Drivers who can’t afford regular servicing or those who simply want to attempt it themselves as a hobby, shouldn’t be put off. A year is considered the maximum time your car should go without a service, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. If early signs of damage are spotted and taken care of before they worsen then you will save the inconvenience of a breakdown. A well-maintained car is also more efficient, so not only will you spot problems early you’ll also save money on fuel.
The AA’s patrolman of the year, Keith Miller: “The fundamentals of looking after an internal combustion engine haven’t changed over the years, so it’s actually a bit of a myth that you can’t service a modern car yourself,” he says.
Things to check when servicing a car
- Change your oil
- Replace your filters
- Change spark plugs
- Check your brake fluid
- Check your tyres
- Check brake pads for wear
- Check lights and wipers for correct operation
If you love working on your car then check out our 8 ways to upgrade your car blog from earlier this year.
You’ll also find loads of automotive upgrade products in our online shop.