Buying a used car is universally acknowledged as an exciting experience, although it can be daunting. Of course, the opportunity to enjoy a different car than the one you’ve grown used to is thrilling, especially if you’ve chosen to upgrade from your previous model. However, ensuring your vehicle remains healthy and in a safe state of repair in the years that follow that is extremely important to ensure you’re safe on the road. Read on for a clear, practical guide to extending the life of your used car care, with tips and advice on everything you need to do to care for your used car and keep it in top condition for many years to come.
Whilst we always hope for smooth travels and can do a lot of checks ourselves to keep our cars healthy, it’s wise to be prepared for any eventuality. Vehicle parts can fail, so having an extended car warranty in place will give you the peace of mind you need.
Fuel
Before you begin a journey, especially a long journey, always ensure your car has enough fuel to reach your destination and get back home again. If in doubt, visit your nearest fuel station before beginning your journey, or locate a fuel station on your route that you can safely reach and stop off at to refuel.
Experts recommend always keeping your fuel tank at least a quarter full; otherwise, sediment can build up in your fuel tank and the fuel pump can overheat. Regularly check your fuel system for leaks and monitor your MPG on a regular basis. There may be a problem with your car if there are any signs of fumes or dampness, or any sudden drop in fuel efficiency. In this case, your concerns should be addressed immediately.
If you’re concerned about running out on longer journeys or in unfamiliar areas, read through RAC’s guide to saving fuel.
Engine Oil
It is crucial to keep your engine oil topped up to protect the interior of your engine and help with transferring excess heat away from the engine. The aim is to keep your engine functioning smoothly. Scarily, around 30% of UK drivers’ engine oil levels are dangerously low. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage and can cause a breakdown if it is not given the proper attention in a timely manner. This is why it’s so important to regularly check your engine oil level and top it up where necessary to ensure it is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick.
Tyres
Driving over rough or sharp objects hiding on the road can damage your tyres. Tyres with splits, bulges, or tears can be extremely dangerous to drive with. Regularly check your tyres for any abnormalities and replace your tyres when the tread wears low to avoid these risks
Maintaining a safe tread depth on your tyres of at least 1.6mm, or 3mm in winter, is critical to retain good traction and grip on your tyres. Without a good tread on your tyres, your car could struggle to break and your risk of aquaplaning increases hugely.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant maintains an ideal temperature for your engine, ensuring it operates efficiently. Incorrect coolant levels can lead to a frozen engine or to your engine overheating. It’s essential to inspect it before long trips or road journeys, even though you won’t need to check this as frequently as other vehicle components.
Electrics
From headlights to the battery to air conditioning, your car is equipped with essential electrical systems. Each of these components is crucial for your safety on the road. To ensure these systems are functioning properly, there are several checks you can perform at home.
For instance, have someone walk around your vehicle to confirm that all the lights are working, including checking if the brake lights illuminate when you press the brake pedal. You should also inspect your battery terminals to ensure they’re clean and secure; any corrosion can be removed with hot water. It’s best to consult a professional mechanic if you notice any problems with your battery.
Screen Wash
Under the bonnet, you’ll find your screen wash tank, typically marked by a large blue plastic cap with a windscreen symbol on top. Keeping on top of your screen wash regularly is simple and very important to ensure you are always able to clean your windscreen in the event of a visual obstruction obscuring your vision. You can opt for screen wash concentrate that you mix yourself or a ready-to-use formula; this is more user-friendly, but also a more expensive option.