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Simple maintenance tasks are easy to neglect in the hurry of our everyday lives, allowing them to build up and become overwhelming. There are a handful of maintenance tasks that can be done quickly in the morning, on a lunch break or when you have a spare 15 minutes; these can have a huge impact on the longevity of a vehicle.
If maintaining the quality of your car is a priority, upgrading your car accessories or investing in the right car care can make a noticeable difference.
Replace Windscreen Wiper Blades
Time needed: 5-10 minutes
It is recommended to change your wiper blades every twelve months to maintain proper function and protect your windscreen. Signs that they need replacing include streaks on the glass or a regular squeaking noise. They are affordable to replace, costing as little as £6 per blade if you fit them yourself.
Before you begin, place a folded towel on your windscreen directly underneath the wiper arm. If the metal arm snaps down without a blade attached, the towel prevents it from cracking your windscreen. Once you have the correct blade for your car make and model, gently lift the current wiper blades away from the windscreen and unclip the old blade. You may need to research your specific vehicle if you are struggling.
Once removed, you can attach the new blades using the same method and place them back down on the windscreen. Make sure to test them before you head out on the road.
Check And Inflate Tyres
Time needed: 5-10 minutes
Correctly-inflated tyres will affect your driving and fuel consumption, so don’t neglect to check them regularly. Always check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold (before driving, or at least two hours after your last trip) for an accurate reading. Remove the valve cap from the tyre you are checking and push the pressure gauge on until the hissing stops. Check the reading against the recommended PSI for your vehicle.
If you need to inflate the tyre, attach the hose fitting to the same valve and turn it on until it has reached the correct PSI or stops automatically. Remove the hose and put the valve cap back on. Repeat this for all four tyres.
Top Up Screen Wash
Time needed: 5 minutes
Dust and dirt can quickly build up on your windscreen while you’re driving and affect visibility, so it’s important that you are prepared. Ensuring your screen wash is topped up regularly will help reduce the risk of getting stuck on the road without the ability to clean your windscreen.
Open the bonnet and unscrew the cap for the screen wash chamber, which is usually marked with an illustration of a screen being sprayed with water. The chamber is see-through, so you can easily see the levels of the fluid. Top it up with screen wash fluid as needed; some screen wash will need to be diluted with water, so check this beforehand.
Clean Windscreen Glass
Time needed: 10 minutes
As well as the windscreen, the windows and wing mirrors can collect dirt and reduce visibility while driving. It’s important to clean the glass regularly, as well as use screen wash, ahead of any journey.
Using a car-specific window and glass cleaner, spray all the visible glass on the exterior of your vehicle, including the windscreens, windows, wing mirrors and headlamps. A microfibre cloth will help buff the cleaner into the glass and leave everything sparkling. On the interior, don’t forget your rear-view mirror.
These quick maintenance jobs can improve the day-to-day running of your vehicle when carried out regularly. When you have the time to perform more detailed car maintenance tasks, our guide to valeting your car will help bring the sparkle back to any vehicle.