1. OIL FOR ENGINES

Without a doubt, this is the most crucial car care check, and it should be performed on a regular basis. To minimize needless engine wear and overheating problems, check the oil level every other time you fill up with gas. Remember, the oil warning light isn't a reminder to top up; it's a warning that your oil level is too low, so check your oil before it appears!

COOLANT 2

Coolant is created by combining antifreeze and water and serves three purposes. The first is to prevent boiling; because antifreeze boils at a greater temperature than water, mixing Cheap MOT Worthing together prevents the coolant from becoming a gas. What makes something a positive thing? Because gas isn't very excellent at transporting heat, it's useless for keeping an engine cool.

The second primary role of coolant is to keep the engine, water pipes, and radiator from freezing in the cold. This lower freezing point is also a benefit of the antifreeze, which freezes at considerably lower temperatures than water, typically in the -25° to -60° range.

The third key role of coolant is to protect the cooling system against corrosion, which is accomplished through the chemicals added to the antifreeze. The cooling system includes a pump that circulates the coolant, preventing it from freezing due to anti-corrosion qualities of the coolant.

The major takeaway here is that if you're topping up your cooling system, don't just use regular old water!

3. FLUID BRAKES

Brakes operate by slowing an automobile down by using frictional materials, which generate a tremendous quantity of heat. As a result, braking fluid must withstand some severe temperatures without converting to a gas. The brake fluid level will naturally decrease over time as the brakes wear, so you should include it in your routine under-the-hood checks. Brake fluid collects moisture from the air over time, reducing the boiling point of the fluid. This reduces the effectiveness of the brakes and can result in a mushy feel from the brake pedal, which is why brake fluid should be changed every two to three years.

FLUID POWER STEERING

Depending on the type of power steering in your vehicle, it may operate with hydraulic fluid. The level of power steering fluid should not drop much, so if you have to fill it off on a frequent basis, the system should be inspected for leaks. More cars are now equipped with electric power assisted steering (EPAS), which is more fuel efficient. There is no fluid to check in vehicles equipped with this type of power steering system.

SCREEN WASHING

Okay, so running out of screen wash won't cause a breakdown, but if you've ever run out in the middle of winter, you know how inconvenient it is to be unable to wash away the muck and salt. Fortunately, topping up couldn't be easier; simply mix up some screen wash from a concentrate or buy it ready mixed and pour it in till full.

However, there are two critical points to note. To begin, never make a screen wash using washing up liquid because the salt and detergents will damage the paint. Second, don't scrimp and just use water. Worst-case scenario: the washer bottle, as well as any of the pipelines that supply the washer jets, could crack. The worst-case scenario is that you can't clean your screen since the machine is completely stuck. To avoid this, screen wash contains a weak antifreeze.

WIPER BLADES 6

As previously said, worn wiper blades will not cause the automobile to stall, but they are still important. Old, perished, or cracked wiper blades are useless for cleaning away rain or road spray. They also screech every time they try to clear the screen, which is reason enough to get rid of them and replace them.

7. BULBS

It's useful to be able to see where you're going in the dark, and it's equally crucial that other drivers are warned when you're slowing down or changing lanes. Headlights, brake lights, and indicators should all be checked on a regular basis, and tail lights and sidelights should be added to that list. Of course, if your automobile is more than three years old, it will be picked up at a MOT, but you will be charged a retest for something as basic as this. Drivers of automobiles under three years old should also check their lighting on a regular basis because the only persons who will do it for you in between service are the cops!

DEPTH OF TYRE TREAD

New tyres have an 8mm tread depth, while the minimum permitted tread depth is 1.6mm throughout three-quarters of the width. However, when the tread is lowered to 1.6mm, the tyre's ability to disperse water is severely impaired. So much so that stopping the automobile can take up to 50% longer. The best advise is to replace them when the tread reaches 3mm.

Looking for the wear indicator that sits in the grooves of the tyre allows for a rapid visual inspection of tread depth. When the indication reaches the minimum tread depth, the tyre should be replaced immediately. Driving with tread less than 1.6mm is a MOT failure and will result in 3 points on your license if discovered.

TYRE PRESSURES 9

Not only would pumping up the tyres save you money, but it will also ensure that the tyre is performing as effectively as possible to keep you safe. Remember, the only thing keeping the automobile on the road and dealing with the forces of breaking, accelerating, and cornering are the tyres.

Low tyre pressures put more strain on the engine, squandering fuel and hastening tyre degradation. It is also important to remember that if you intend to carry a high weight, you should adjust the tyre pressures proportionately (the correct pressures are specified in the car manual). Finally, remember to replenish the spare! When you load the weight of the automobile onto it, it may appear inflated but collapse like a pancake.

TEN. CLEANING

A good clean will protect your paintwork and prevent corrosion or rust, especially in the winter when road salt and grit make the bodywork work overtime. Always wipe up bird poop as soon as possible since it can burn through the paint and leave stains that cannot be washed or polished off.

The inside is more up to personal preference; some people don't mind it being a pigsty, but you might want to clean up your act if your buddies start refusing lifts! The essential thing is not to let it deteriorate to the point that it cannot be salvaged when it comes time to sell.