The new year is the perfect time to get your car looking and feeling its best.

From cleaning tips to car maintenance advice, the suggestions in this blog will help you further your vehicle’s lifespan in style.

Elevate your driving experience by taking care of your car today.

 

Clean Your Car

As we all spend so much time in our cars throughout the year, it can be easy to forget to take the time to give them a proper clean.

Whether you clean your car by hand or take it through a car wash, your car deserves a makeover.

Remove the rubbish lying in your backseat or taking up space in the boot.

If you have one, you can use a hoover to get rid of all the dust and grit that has accumulated over time.

Give the windshield and windows a good clean. Make sure that you get the dirt and debris off of your wheels and tyres, too.

By using the right tools and cleaning supplies, you can get your car feeling its absolute best in no time.

 

Protect Your Interiors

There are a number of ways to keep your car interior looking its best.

Investing in seat covers can keep your car seats in good condition - whether they are leather or upholstery - and protect them from stains and tears.

A steering wheel cover can protect from sun damage and scratches, to keep the dashboard looking its best.

Adding an air freshener after a good clean can keep your car smelling fresh and brand new.

 

Maintain Your Car's Battery 

If you tend not to use your car for long periods of time, then the battery may go flat.

You can use a trickle charger to top up the battery if you are planning on leaving it in a garage for a while.

If your battery does go flat, then you will have to jump start the car.

This will put extra strain on the battery and could do damage to the engine management system.

Increased wear and tear you can avoid by maintaining your car’s battery on a regular basis.

Take care of your car’s battery by driving your car every week – this is especially important in the winter months.

You may need to book a battery repair if your headlights are dim, the engine doesn’t start, or the car backfires.

 

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General Repair

 

Change Your Filters

As time goes on, your car’s oil filters and air filters can easily become clogged.

You can prolong the lifespan of your car’s air filter by washing it. Refer to your vehicle handbook for more advice on how to clean your air filter.

Remember, cheap, poor-quality filters could cause damage to your engine – so it is best to invest in the right filters for your car.

Be sure to have your oil and air filters replaced when needed.

 

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Oil & Filter Change

 

Top Up Fluids

Make sure that you check your engine oil and car lubricants every two weeks.

You can do this by opening the bonnet – with your car parked on level ground – and removing the dipstick.

Give it a wipe with a rag and then dip it in.

When it comes out, the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers – and be a light yellow or brown colour if you have a petrol engine.

You should have dark or dirty oil replaced.

Diesel engine oil accumulates soot, so dark oil is not a worry in a diesel car.

You should also check the screen wash, and your coolant reservoir regularly – which is topped up with 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze.

Do not use washing up liquid – it contains certain additives that will cause damage to your vehicle’s paintwork.

 

Inspect Your Tyres

To ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive, it is essential that you check your car’s tyres each week.

Both under-inflated and over-inflated tyres pose various safety risks.

Not to mention that improperly inflated tyres can also lead to an increase in fuel consumption.

Invest in quality tyres, check tyre pressure and ensure that your wheels are properly aligned.

Be sure to put air in your tyres when needed.

You should invest in new tyres if your tyre tread is less than 3mm or you notice any cracks, grouges or damage in your current tyres.

 

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Tyres

 

Adjust Your Driving Style

Do you have an aggressive driving style?

Then you could be doing unnecessary damage to your vehicle’s vital components without realising.

Bad habits like riding the clutch and braking harshly can have a serious impact on your vehicle’s health and performance.

Driving sensibly can reduce wear and tear and help your fuel go further.

Be sure to use the steering wheel, gearbox and pedals smoothly to keep your car looking and feeling its best in 2024.

 

Have Your Car Serviced Regularly

Regular car servicing is the key to a long vehicle lifespan.

Most modern cars have dashboard warning lights which can tell you when your vehicle requires maintenance.

Make sure that you budget for a full car service every year, so that you can stave off any unnecessary repair costs.

 

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Full Service

 

Check Your MOT

Your car’s MOT expiry date can easily sneak up on you.

With our free MOT checker, you can easily see when your MOT is due simply by entering your postcode.

It is illegal to drive your car without a valid MOT – so don’t get caught out!

 

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MOT

 

We hope you use these tips to get your car looking and feeling its best this year.