KNOW YOUR CAR MAINTENANCE.

Whether you are a new driver or you have been out for number of years, practising proper maintenance on your car goes a long way toward keeping you safe and avoiding costly repair bills. The best thing is that you do not have to be a trained mechanic to cover routine maintenance. Just about anyone can do it.

Here are five things that every driver should know about car maintenance:

TYRES

Your car tyres will give you years of reliable service as long as you take care of them. You should, on a regular basis, do the following:

• Inspect tyres for cracks, bulges and wear.
• Check and maintain air pressure.
• Maintain a spare tyre or other emergency backup.

Every driver should also learn how to change tyres and what to do in the event of a blowout. These are basic skills that are very easy to learn.

FLUIDS

Your car requires a number of fluids in order to work properly. If fluid levels are not maintained, it could cause a lot of expensive problems. Be sure to routinely check the levels of the following:

• Motor oil.
• Transmission fluid.
• Engine coolant.
• Brake fluid.

It is important to have your motor oil changed according to the maintenance schedule established by the manufacturer of your car. It is easy to learn if you want to do it yourself. If not, paying a garage is pretty affordable.

BRAKES

As the brakes on your car begin to wear, you should notice that they feel different. They might not be as responsive, they may feel sluggish or soft, or you may even feel a vibration or grinding sensation when you press the brake pedal. If your brakes still feel normal after 10,000 miles, have them checked by a professional anyway.

LIGHTS

Most of us give little thought to our tail and brake lights because we do not see them when we drive. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to check to make sure they are still working every few months. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you. If one of your lights is indeed out, it should be very simple to replace.

WIPER BLADES

Lastly, many drivers do not realise they need new wiper blades until they are in the middle of a storm. Do not wait that long. Check your blades on a regular basis by using a garden hose. At the first signs of wear, be sure to replace them right away.

Proper routine maintenance will make driving safer and more enjoyable. Do not neglect it, or you could be risking more serious problems down the road.