Car care: 8 essential tips for looking after your vehicle

Regular maintenance is an important part of safe and responsible car ownership. Owners should stay on top of servicing and repairs to ensure their car is safe for them themselves, their passengers and other road users.

Diligent maintenance can also reel smaller issues in before they become huge and costly, ultimately saving owners money in the long run. We've put a list of tips and tricks together to help keep your car healthy and running optimally. By doing easy things like checking the oil, windscreen wipers and tyre pressure you'll feel more confident while driving.

We've put a list of tips and tricks together to help keep your car healthy and running optimally. By doing easy things like checking the oil, windscreen wipers and tyre pressure, feel more confident while driving

1. Check your radiator and cooling system

Caution: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Let it cool for a few hours to avoid injury.

A quick check of the radiator coolant is as easy as looking at the level in the plastic overflow bottle of most cars. The coolant level should be in between the high and low markings.

Once the engine has cooled, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator, too. If the level is low, top it up with coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or call the NRMA Motoring Advice team for assistance on 13 11 22.

If your car is regularly losing coolant, there may be a leak somewhere that could be a sign of a bigger problem which needs professional assessment. White smoke coming from the exhaust pipe can also be a sign that coolant is leaking into the engine itself.

With the bonnet open, inspect hoses and pipes - such as those leading to and from the radiator and heater. This is also a good time to check fuel lines and any pipes associated with the power steering or brakes. Stains could indicate a leak, and any soft, kinked, swollen or cracked hoses should be replaced by a reputable mechanic.

2. Check your engine oil regularly

It's important to check your engine oil at least once a month. Problems with your oil can be easily missed if you leave it too long and can cause expensive damage to your engine. Here's how to do it:

1. Park your car on level ground

2. Start the engine, let it run for a short time, then turn it off

3. While the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean cloth or paper towel, and reinsert the dipstick. Make sure the dipstick is fully inserted, otherwise you'll get a false reading

4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be in between the low and high markings. If the level is low, top up your oil, but first check the owner’s manual for the correct oil specification. Don’t start the engine if there isn’t any oil on the dipstick! An engine with no oil can seize and be extremely expensive to fix

3. Check your tyres 

Checking your tyre pressure and general condition can help extend their use and makes your car safer overall. Don't forget to also check the spare if you have one!

Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres and may make your car less safe to drive. The correct tyre pressure for your car is located on the tyre placard, which is usually found inside one of the front door sills. If you can’t find this, check the owner’s manual. It’s handy to carry your own tyre pressure gauge in your car because service station gauges are not always accurate.

It's also important to check the tread of all your car tyres. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm on any part of the tyre surface. Tyres have tread depth indicators in the grooves between the tread. When the tread is worn to be level with an indicator, it is time for a new tyre. Also check for abnormal wear which could indicate an alignment issue.

Pro tip: if you have a full-sized spare, you can extend the life of all your tyres by rotating them every so often. Using the spare every so often also helps keep it in better condition – a spare left in the boot for years can dry out, making a blow out more likely.

4. Checking car battery condition

Caution: Your battery is potentially dangerous, so don't check it near a naked flame or a lit cigarette. Batteries produce an explosive gas when they charge, and the fluid inside is corrosive, so avoid any contact with your eyes, skin, clothing and painted surfaces.

Checking your battery every so often can save you from the inconvenience of an unexpected flat. You can regularly take a look and by doing so, increase its lifespan.

If your battery has caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is deep enough that the plates within are fully immersed. Some batteries without removable caps have an indicator on the outside of the case to let you quickly check battery health. If the battery’s level is low, top it up with distilled water (rather than tap water) but don’t overfill it. Replace the caps and check that the clamps are tight on the battery terminals. The top of the battery should be clean and dry and the terminals should be free of corrosion, which can be in the form of a white or bluish substance.

If your car is taking longer than usual to start, or if you know your battery hasn't been changed in a long time, it may be worth investing in a battery charger. You can then charge your car battery to keep it working well for longer.

If you have a flat car battery or you're worried about the performance, you can always call the NRMA. We have mobile battery specialists who can help you diagnose, charge or replace your battery.

5. Transmission and power steering fluids

Low transmission and power steering fluid could indicate a bigger problem with your car, such as a leak, so you should be aware of how to check them. The right way to check your power steering and transmission fluid level differs between makes and models – you can find out how in the owner’s manual.

If there is a problem, you should take you car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and fix as quickly as possible. 

6. Maintain your windscreen wipers and washer fluid

Ensuring your windscreen wipers are working at their best and having plenty of washer fluid is essential for clear vision while driving.

Washer fluid

Fill your washer bottle with clean water and the right amount of windscreen-washer additive. Don't use household detergents as they can damage your paintwork and wiper blades. 

Windscreen wipers

You will need to replace your windscreen wiper blades if they are not cleaning your windscreen properly or are split or perished.

7. Checking your headlights, taillights and indicators

Working lights are not only important for yours and others safety, it's also the law. Test your indicators and headlights often, including the high beams – your car’s reflection in a glass shopfront or on a wall can be useful if you don’t have someone to help you test the reverse and brake lights.

Replace blown globes with the correct type – you can read this on the globe itself, check the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic or spare-parts store. Replacement globes and other car care and maintenance items are generally available at motoring stores such as Repco, where NRMA Members receive a discount. 

8. Keep an eye out for warnings

Besides the dashboard warning lights, there are other signs your car may need some maintenance. You can always call the NRMA Motoring Advice team if you're unsure.

You will need to visit a mechanic as soon as possible if:

• A dashboard warning light remains on
• You feel any unusual vibrations
• The temperature gauge reads hot
• You hear any unusual car noises
• The oil pressure gauge reads low
• The car has a tendency to wander or steer to one side
• You experience any abnormalities when braking

You should also take your car to a mechanic if it:

• Uses more fuel or oil than usual
• Is difficult to start
• Runs roughly
• Leaves oil or coolant on the driveway
• Has a smoky exhaust

Note: This is a guide only. The manufacturer's specific recommendations take precedence and you should still have your car regularly serviced by a qualified technician. 

Images: Getty Images