Regular vehicle maintenance checks
Every week
- Check that your windscreen and bodywork is free from cracks, chips or damage
- Check your electrics – turn on all your lights and walk around the car to make sure they are all working
- Keep your tyres inflated – check the pressures and ensure your tread stays within legal limits, even when parked
Every 2 weeks
- Keep the battery in condition by starting the engine. Keep it running for around 30 minutes to let the battery charge up, but make sure you do this in an open space, not a garage as the fumes can be toxic
- It’s a good idea to top the fuel tank, it helps to stop moisture from getting in and stops the pipes and seals from drying out too much
- Check your coolant, oil and screen wash levels
- If you have a diesel, try to take it for a drive (within government guidelines)
- Release the parking brake from time-to-time and move the vehicle back and forward to reduce the risk of breaks seizing up
Even with these steps, if you haven't driven your car in a while, it’s possible you could find that your battery or tyres are flat when you next come to use it.