Do I need to check my car for maintenance issues every week?
Most owner's manuals suggest a maintenance schedule, but there’s a difference between scheduled maintenance and monitoring the health of your vehicle.
Skipping regular checks can be a false economy. Bus and haulage companies mandate a weekly checklist, and with good reason.
Windscreen
Wipers perish after a year or so, even if you haven’t used them extensively, so check they still clear your windscreen. Washer fluid is a legal requirement so it's important to check the level. Using proper additives will remove road grease and prevent freezing in winter. Also, look for any chips and cracks.
Lights
Check that all your lights are working. If you need to change a bulb, never touch the glass with the naked hand because invisible grease from human skin can make them fail before the end of their lifespan. Poor beam alignment is the reason for a significant percentage of MOT failures. It is quite difficult to check but you can get help from the qualified fitters at Protyre.
Battery
Brush any corrosion off your terminals and look for any cracking, heating or stiffening in your cables. We don’t recommend home-charging batteries except in an emergency because many chargers are poor quality. You can get free battery checks at motoring shops and Protyre garages. Unless the vehicle has been unused for a while, a low battery suggests it may require replacement or you may have an issue with your alternator.
Did you know?
Protyre offer free battery checks at many of our garages. Why not get in touch with your local Protyre garage and book your vehicle in?
Brakes and fluids
Let your engine oil settle before checking its level. It should be a shade of brown with no visible particles. When checking transmission fluid level, the engine should be running or have recently run. Brakes and power steering also depend on fluids. Protyre garages will check them for free.
Radiator coolant
In summer, your main concern is likely to be low levels. Before winter you will need to ensure that the system contains sufficient antifreeze.
Tyres
Look for tears, cracking and any foreign objects every week. You will need to rotate them by moving the vehicle in order to check the entire tread surface. It is just as important to check the inner sidewalls as the outer ones. Monitoring your tyre wear will help you budget for your next replacement set. If they’re wearing too quickly we can recommend more durable options (for example, Falken Ziex Ecoruns and Falken Euroall Seasons offer a good balance of durability, grip and price).
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
Regular car maintenance should definitely include weekly tyre pressure checks. This isn’t only for safety, soft tyres reduce your fuel economy and damage the sidewalls whilst under- or over-inflation accelerates wear, reducing tyre life. If you spot uneven wear, ask Protyre for wheel alignment and suspension checks.
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Filters
Your cabin air filters should be good for a year or more but check them more often. They are very easy to change. The engine air filter needs checking occasionally because it degrades performance when dirty.
Underside checks
Is your exhaust pipe dragging along the ground? While you’re checking the exterior, pressure wash mud from under your wheel arches because this protects your bodywork from corrosion.
If you are in any doubt, the friendly team at your local Protyre garage will be happy to offer free checks and expert advice.