Basic car maintenance checks
Weekly checks: the FLOWER routine
- Fuel. enough for your journey
- Lights. all working correctly
- Oil. check level monthly
- Water. coolant and screenwash
- Electrics. all switches working
- Rubber. tyres in good condition
Checking oil
- Park on level ground
- Wait for engine to cool
- Remove dipstick and wipe clean
- Reinsert fully and remove again
- Oil level should be between min and max marks
- Top up if needed with the correct oil type
Checking tyre pressure
- Find the correct pressure (door frame or manual)
- Check when tyres are cold
- Use a reliable pressure gauge
- Adjust at petrol station air pump
- Don't forget the spare
Changing a wiper blade
- Lift wiper arm away from windscreen
- Press release tab on blade
- Slide old blade off
- Attach new blade until it clicks
- Lower arm gently
When to get professional help
- Warning lights on dashboard
- Unusual noises or vibrations
- Poor braking performance
- Steering problems
- Fluid leaks
maintenancecar careDIY
About the author
David Okonkwo
David is a DVSA-approved driving instructor with 14 years of experience across East London. He holds an advanced driving certificate and specialises in motorway and dual carriageway training.