Buying your First Car? Basic Maintenance Tasks you Need to Know

So, you just passed your driving test at the first attempt and your parents have agreed to get you a second-hand car! A big congrats are in order, welcome to the world of car ownership!

Here are some of the maintenance tasks that must be carried out according to the vehicle mileage.

• Engine oil replacement – Most car makers recommend changing the engine oil every 5,000 miles; drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, then put the recommended grade of oil up to the required level. Of course, you should always monitor vehicle performance and should you notice something out of the ordinary, take your car to the skilled car mechanic in Southport and let the professionals take a look.
• Check all belts for tension/wear – The average engine has many belts that power peripherals and they need to be regularly inspected for wear and tension. The timing belt is a critical component and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check engine coolant level – Check the level and top up as necessary.
• Check brake and power steering fluid levels – Top up as required. Here are a few tips to save money when driving.
• Air filter – Either clean or replace the engine air filter, depending on you make and model.
• Check gearbox oil – This should not require topping up and for information on replacement, check the owner’s manual.
• Tyres – The tyres are obviously important and pay close attention to tread depth; any less than 3mm is considered unsafe, always replace tyres in pairs or all four. Check that the tyres are inflated to the recommended PSI and inspect each wheel, looking for bulges and tears in the tyre wall.

Owner’s Manual

These are typically online these days and this manuscript contains all the information you need for vehicle maintenance. The rear section is for service information and when a garage works on a car, they enter the information in this section, along with a stamp for authenticity. When selling a used car, if you have ‘full service history’ you can ask top dollar and this handbook should accompany the car throughout its lifetime.

Source a manufacturer approved garage

Whatever the make of your car, make sure you have it serviced at a garage that is approved by the manufacturer. The mechanics are certified to work on your model and your warranty is not impacted when authorised personnel work on the car.

Follow the service recommendations

Car maintenance is not time based, rather it depends on mileage. Every 5,000 miles is standard, while specific components should be replaced at a certain mileage. A water pump, for example, should last 50,000 miles and is automatically replaced by the mechanic when it reaches that stage and if a mechanic makes a recommendation, you should follow their advice.

If your car is regularly serviced, it will always be ready for use and more importantly, the car is safe and in good working order.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.