Top Tips to Take Care of Your Car If You Don’t Drive Often

From cutting out a commute to putting a car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road:

Keep your car covered
If your home has a garage or a carport, consider parking your car inside to protect it from the elements and inclement weather. If your home doesn’t have a garage or carport and you have to park outside, consider buying a weatherproof and UV resistant car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from accidental scrapes and protect its interior from UV damage.

Take your car for a spin twice a month.
On average, a car can sit unused for up to a month without the battery draining. To avoid finding a dead battery when it’s finally time to hit the road, take it for a 20- to 30-minute drive at least twice a month. This will also allow fluids and oil to circulate and keep your car’s critical systems lubricated.

Keep the gas tank full
While it may seem like a waste to buy gas for a car you aren’t driving regularly, you’ll be glad you filled your tank, as moisture can build up in an empty gas tank as the weather changes, which can lead to damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule
If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle off the road for more than three months at a time, change the oil before putting it in long-term storage. If you’re still driving your vehicle occasionally but you aren’t driving it enough to hit the mileage interval for an oil change, check your owner’s manual to see how long you can wait before getting an oil change.

Check your tire pressure before driving
Your car’s tires can slowly lose pressure, especially if it sits for an extended period. Before driving your car again, check each tire’s air pressure and — if it’s lower than the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure level, which is measured in pounds per square inch — inflate each tire to the correct level.

Regularly check for pests
A sitting vehicle is the perfect home for pests like rodents and insects. To prevent these unwanted tenants from moving into your vehicle, regularly inspect inside your car’s trunk and cabin for unwanted visitors. While inspecting your vehicle, also be sure to check under the hood, as wasps and bees can squeeze in and start building a hive.

Keep your car insured
Cancelling your car insurance policy may seem like an easy way to save money if you’re not driving your vehicle often, but it’s illegal to drive your car at all without coverage — and if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Luckily, you can update your car insurance coverage to reflect the fact that you’re not driving as much as you used to, which could result in a lower premium.

CARS

Tips for Driving on the Highway for the First Time

Driving on the highway for the first time can be nerve racking, which is why it’s common for new drivers to only navigate local roads until they gain enough real-world experience to venture onto the interstate. Once a new driver is ready to take on a highway, being fully prepared can help a beginner make a smooth and safe transition from local roads to the interstate.

Here are some highway driving tips that new drivers should consider before driving on the highway for the first time.

1. Pick the right time to start driving on the highway
If you’re planning your first highway drive, you want to pick the right time and place. Consider starting off on a highway that isn’t too busy, or during a time of day when less drivers are on the road. You also want to drive on a bright, clear day without any rain, snow or fog that could decrease visibility.

2. Start off driving in the right lane
When you’re driving on the highway for the first time, you should only drive in the right lane. Young drivers really have no business heading into the left lane, which is intended for passing. “Staying in the right lane will help them interact with traffic coming onto the freeway, and they’ll maintain their speed easier there,” says Maria A. Wojtczak, who owns and operates DrivingMBA, a driver’s-ed business in Arizona.

3. Leave enough space to change lanes
Establishing proper speed and distance remains key to managing a lane change on an interstate. Drivers should leave four to six seconds-worth of space between their car and the vehicle in front of them as they maneuver. You should also routinely check the rear-view, side-view mirror and blind spot before switching over. More space means you have more time to avoid a collision or react to debris on the highway.

4. Use turn signals when merging and changing lanes
Young drivers must get in the habit of using their blinkers constantly, even if they believe their intentions are obvious. “Blinkers are the only way we have to communicate with other drivers,” says Chris Duquin, owner of Stevens Driving School, which has several locations in the state of New York. “It’s amazing how often drivers cause problems by not using them on highways.”

5. Keep a wide viewpoint
Newer drivers tend to stare at what’s right in front of them. But highway speeds and unpredictability demand a wider viewpoint. “They need to look closely in front of their vehicle, but also farther down the road and into the rear-view,” Duquin says. “Good drivers continuously adjust their observation points.”

6. Keep your cool while driving
Learning to drive on the highway is about more than proper driving—it’s also about making sure a young driver’s maturity level is up to the task. “They must understand never to take anything personally, especially on a highway,” says Michael Soubirous, a retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant who now writes a local newspaper column in Riverside, Calif., called “On the Road.” “If someone cuts you off, let it go. You never know the mental state of the other party and maybe they simply made a mistake. Drivers are not perfect, after all.”

7. Stay focused on the road
According to the CDC, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. That’s why it’s crucial to stay focused on the highway. Don’t text on your phone, try to change music or be distracted by talking to friends while driving on the highway. Find out ways to prevent teen distracted driving.

CARS

Why is your check engine light on?

When your car’s internal computer identifies a problem with the engine or transmission, it turns on the check engine light. The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.

Why is your check engine light on?
Common minor and major reasons for a check engine light to turn on include:
Loose gas cap
An internal problem in the engine
An issue with or even theft of the catalytic converter
Faulty spark plug, spark plug wires, or ignition coils
Malfunctioning oxygen sensor
Damaged mass airflow sensor
A bad tank of gas

What to do when your check engine light comes on
Once you notice your check engine light has come on, pay attention to how the car is driving. Does something feel off? If so, reroute yourself to the nearest mechanic to get the car checked out. If the car seems to be running fine, you can check a few things on your own before heading to the mechanic.

There are a couple of simple solutions if your check engine light came on after getting gas. A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it’s in good condition.

If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on. For example, if your vehicle is designed to run on premium gas (octane grade 91 to 94), the engine may struggle to run on regular gas (octane level 87). You can safely solve this problem by having a professional drain your gas tank. If you must drive until the tank is empty again, this may not cause severe damage, as long your car doesn’t show signs of overheating or poor engine performance.

Do you suspect something else caused your check engine light to turn on? The most foolproof method to check the engine light is to read the diagnostic code in the car’s internal computer. If you have experience working with cars, you can do this at home with an OBD-II scanner. Otherwise, head to your local service station where a mechanic can read the diagnostic code and determine the correct fix.

Why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.
The check engine light is sometimes confused with the maintenance required light, although the two are unrelated. The maintenance required light goes on when your car is due for routine service. Examples of routine services include an oil change. However, the check engine light is an indication that something unexpected has occurred.

Some later car models have check engine lights in different colors and modes to help you determine how severe the issue is. If your car has this feature and your check engine light flashes on and off intermittently or glows red, it’s a sign you should get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Depending on your car’s make and model, a solid yellow or orange light may indicate lower severity. However, it’s still a sign that you should make an appointment to diagnose and fix the problem.

What are the implications of ignoring your check engine light?
Ignoring the light and putting off a visit to the mechanic could result in more costly and time-consuming issues you’ll have to deal with in the future. The problem that caused your check engine light to turn on in the first place may get worse or impact other aspects of your car’s engine or transmission. Ignoring the problem could lead to more long-term damage that your car insurance may not cover.

You also won’t be able to pass your next car inspection until the check engine light is off and you have resolved the problem. Your best option is to get the issue resolved quickly. If you’re concerned about affording unexpected engine repairs on your car, consider mechanical breakdown insurance.

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7 reasons you can be ticketed for your license plate in NJ

Who knew license plate laws could be so complicated? Ever since you put your license plates on your vehicle, you probably haven’t thought much about them.

Well, somebody with a state job at the MVC certainly has given them some thought.

New Jersey has a host of rules that you must follow pertaining to your license plate, mostly put in place to ensure that police, cameras, and plate readers can easily read your license plate, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
I’m betting there are even a few license plate rules you weren’t aware of.

Here are seven reasons you can be ticketed for your license plates in New Jersey:
You Must Have Two License Plates
In New Jersey, all motor vehicles are required to have a license plate on the front and the back of the vehicle. This goes for all types of motor vehicles, except for motorcycles, which are only required to have a license plate on the back.

Your Plates Must Be Secured
This may come as a surprise, but you can’t simply put your plates in the front and back windows of your car. If you do so without firmly fastening the plates so that they can’t slip or slide around, you may be ticketed.
What’s more, even if you manage to properly secure your license plates in the windows of your car, you may still be ticketed. This is because, in New Jersey, it is against the law to drive with anything blocking any area of your front or back window.

Distance From the Ground
In New Jersey, your license plates must be affixed to your vehicle, such that it is no more than 48 inches above the ground and no less than 12 inches from the ground. This one was news to me. Do police actually get out and measure? They just might.

Inadequate Illumination
Your plates must be adequately illuminated at night. This is why vehicles are constructed with small lights around the area where your license plates should be attached. Make sure that these lights are in working order, or you may be ticketed.

Snow And Ice
You must also be sure to remove any snow and ice from your license plates that might prevent them from being read. If any letters or numbers on the plate are unable to be read, you may be ticketed. You will see many people breaking this rule every time it snows.

No glass or Plastic Covers
New Jersey forbids the use of any plastic or glass license plate covers, or any other covering or coating that may distort or obscure your license plate, such that it cannot be properly read or photographed. I am not breaking this rule, but that’s completely by chance. I had no idea about this one.

Parked Or Driving
You can be ticketed for a license plate violation, whether your vehicle is parked or being driven. If the violation was noticed while you were parked on a public road or highway (as opposed to being parked in your own driveway or garage), the violation will result in a parking ticket.

If the violation was noticed by law enforcement while you were operating the vehicle, it will result in a moving violation.

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The Right Type Of Gas For Your Car

You might think about it every time you pull up to the gas pump. What grade fuel should I use? Can I just go for the 87-octane the lowest price option? Is there really a difference in gas grade? Here’s what you need to know.

Is a Higher-Octane Gas Really the Best Gas for Your Car?
When it comes to gas for your car, it’s not about which octane is the best but which octane your car requires. If your car’s owner’s manual doesn’t say you need a higher octane than 87, there’s no reason to pay extra for premium gas. A higher-octane gas will not offer you higher performance.

On the other hand, if your car’s owner’s manual says that your minimum octane for your car is 91 to 93, don’t cheap out — it could end up costing you more in the long run. Go ahead and use the premium. The general rule is you should be putting the minimum acceptable octane gasoline in your car as per the owner’s manual.

Why Do Some Cars Require Higher Octane?
Before knowing why some cars need higher octane, it’s important to understand what exactly octane is. When you activate the ignition, this creates a spark that ignites the compressed air and fuel mixing in your engine, which is what allows the gas to power your car. Sometimes this mixture can ignite prematurely, a phenomenon known as preignition, which is signaled by a knocking sound coming from the engine. Modern cars usually have knock sensors that prevent this.

The octane of your gasoline has nothing to do with how much energy is in the fuel. It is a measure of how easily your air-fuel mixture ignites. Higher octane means the gasoline you are using has a greater resistance to preignition. That is to say, it requires greater agitation to ignite it. That is all that the octane level indicates.

Many premium cars generate greater power by using a higher fuel-air compression ratio in the engine. Because the mixture is more compressed, it generates more heat and thereby is more likely to ignite early. Higher octane gasoline is more resistant to this problem.

What Happens if You Don’t Use the Best Gas for Your Car?
Your gas cap or instructions near the gas cap should indicate if your car requires premium fuel. You can also check the owner’s manual for specific information on what kind of octane fuels are appropriate for your car.

If your car requires premium gas and you use a lower octane like 87, you can expect knocking, preignition and engine damage particularly if you have an older model vehicle. If you have a modern car, your knock sensor will kick in to prevent preignition, but this will reduce your engine power and diminish fuel economy, so you will lose more money than you save by using the cheaper gas. It’s also conceivable that your knock sensor could be faulty or slow, which could still result in engine damage over time.

Should I Always Use Premium Gas When It Is Indicated and Never When It Is Not?
Some cars may indicate something like “premium fuel recommended.” What this means is that your car is safe to run on regular 87-octane gas, but there can be benefits from using a higher octane. If this is the case, you may want to just go with the cheaper gas, or experiment and see if the amount you make up in fuel economy and the difference in power is appreciable enough to justify the higher cost of the premium fuel.

What about the other way? Does higher octane gas ever help a car not designed for it? If there is no premium recommendation for your car, putting in higher octane gas will not improve fuel economy, and you are just throwing away money.

If your vehicle calls for diesel fuel, you have a diesel engine, which is an entirely different system. There is no negotiating fuel if you have a diesel engine. You need to fill it with diesel fuel and nothing else. If you put regular or premium unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine, not only will the vehicle not run, you can do catastrophic damage to the engine.

Other Things to Know About Octane
If you are driving through very high-altitude places, you may see gas stations offering lower-octane gasoline than you expect. For example, you may see 85-octane gas advertised. If you are used to always just getting the least expensive gas at the station, you may be tempted to use lower octane gas than you are used to. Here’s why you should resist that temptation.

Older cars were able to operate with lower than normal octanes at high altitudes because of the thinner air, but this does not hold with modern fuel-injection engines. Therefore, if you usually use 87-octane gas, going for the cheapest option if it is lower than 87 is not recommended. It is better for your car to use 87, 88 or even 91-octane gas than to go too low. If you have a luxury car that needs premium gas, try to fill up before driving to a high-altitude location in case you cannot find a gas station that provides the octane you need.

Foreign cars that are designed for sale in the U.S. should have standard octane ratings, but those purchased or intended for purchase outside the U.S. may call for a RON, or research octane number. The RON number and the U.S. octane number do not match up exactly. If your European car calls for RON 95, for example, it requires regular or 87-octane gas. If it asks for RON 98, use premium 93-octane fuel.

TIPS

Top Tips For Tyre Maintenance

Do you maintain your car well? Most of us would answer this question in affirmation because as soon as the word ‘maintenance’ hits our ears, we directly relate it to services like regular oil change, the functioning of brakes, fuel efficiency, engine servicing and performance etc. But we overlook to maintain or take proper care of the tyres of our vehicle/car, which are the real beasts of ‘our’ burden.

In today’s hectic urban life, our care is mostly restricted to the outer look of the car, whilst the other crucial components of the car, like tyres, go for a toss. So let’s quickly learn some tyre maintenance tips that will prove helpful in upholding the health of this essential unit of your car.

1. Changing tyres at the right time
The experts suggest that the right time to discard the old tyre and go for a new tyre is between 6-10 years. Here, 6 years is suggested ideal, however, 10 years is the extreme limit, that too, when you find every bit of the tyre good. The wear and tear of the tyres also depend upon several factors like driving style, the total number of kilometers driven, weather conditions in the region etc.

During the manufacturing process, car tyres are fed with an anti-oxidizing chemical compound in order to furnish them with longevity. Here the chemical actually decelerates the usual ageing process of the untreated rubber. But the tyres still deteriorate with age, though gradually, and invite the danger of tyre malfunction. Nevertheless, there are ample ways by which you can spot the wearing of the tyres such as cracking or bulging marks on the side walls of the tyre, deformation of tyre tread grooves and distortion in the overall carcass of the tyre. Furthermore, every tyre carries a the tread wear indicator, which can be of great help when you are pondering over ‘to-change’ or ‘not-to-change’ the tyre with a brand new one. The tyre tread wear indicator for a four-wheeled vehicle is placed within the grooves at 1.6 mm height. And tyres worn beyond these limits are suggested unsafe to drive.

Another important thing to look for can be the tyre manufacturing date inscribed on the side walls of the tyre, which can also play a decisive role in the replacement of tyre.

2. Size of the wheel bolts
Generally, the wheel bolts are provided by the vehicle manufacturer; just assure that the bolts used aren’t too short or too long. In both the cases, they can turn foes. If they are short, there are chances of the wheel popping out, or else, if they are too long, they might injure the suspension of the car. Examine them and get them replaced with the ideal size ones.

3. Tyre rotation is important
Tyre rotation is recommended after every 5000 kilometres or if you find any uneven wear of the tyre positions. While rotating tyres make sure that all the tyres get equal chances of road exposure. Tyre rotation at regular intervals ensures all the tyres wear evenly and no tyre is under or over-worked.

4. Be smooth while driving
Knowingly or unknowingly (or say, ignoring-ly), many-a-times you drive harsh or at high speed, and after spotting a hazard on the road, try to stop the car immediately by applying emergency brakes. Though the car stops but the entire wrath is endured by the tyres. Rough braking takes a direct toll on the life of your car tyres, which leads to premature wear of the tyres. Hence, it is always advised to drive at a neutral speed that will eventually prevent you from applying brakes frequently. Rash driving and regular stoppages (at high speeds) also invite tyre skidding, which not only asks for a mishap but also pushes the tyre to lose tread much quicker than expected.

5. Beware of monsoon hydroplaning
Rainy season brings numerous challenges to the urbanites, especially to the car owners/drivers. In this weather condition, the tyres are more exposed and prone to premature wear and tear. During rains, it is difficult to drive through a heavily waterlogged road or street and, it becomes a nightmare with the company of worn out tyres, as the risk of hydroplaning is always involved. However, preventative driving and good treads can lessen the threat.

According to the experts, one of the best weapons to shun hydroplaning is new tyres. The approach is simple, compared to limited tyre grooves, the new tread will allow more water to channel through the grooves of the tyre, resulting in more grip of the surface and hence keeping hydroplaning at bay.

6. Need to be cautious with the jack
At the time of swapping the tyre, a hydraulic car jack should be used, which is safe and easy to work with, alongside is also termed reliable for the person replacing the tyre. If hydraulic car jack is not available, the regular jack provided by the car maker will also solve the purpose. Always remember that the area/base where the punctured tyre is being swapped should be even and rigid.

7. Check air pressure
A regular check on tyre pressure will not only keep tyres away from frequent punctures but will also play a vital role in achieving better fuel efficiency. In order to upkeep and ensure maximum tyre lifespan, safety, cornering at speeds, general performance and handling it is vital to maintaining tyre pressures at certain levels as suggested by the manufacturer.

Overinflated or underinflated tyres, both will adversely affect your vehicle’s day-to-day performance. Overinflated tyres have less amount of contact with the road surface; also the side wall decreases flexibility and affects road-adhesion ensuing limited control of the vehicle. Moreover, the underinflated tyres reduce overall tyre diameter and increase sidewall flexion leading to difficulty in handling the vehicle at different stages.

8. Store tyres at a safe place
In order to store the tyres, you should first clean the tyres and choose the position (lying or standing) of the tyre. Always store tyres in a cool and dry place that is away from chemical and substances like grease and petroleum products. Furthermore, the storage area of the tyres should not have any supply of sunlight or heat, and should also be kept away from hot pipes and electric motors. Stagnant water is another enemy of tyres, hence you need to ensure that there are no chances of water collecting inside the tyres. Continuous exposure to the aforementioned elements can lead to inner weakening and early deterioration of the tyres that are subjected to abrupt breakdown.

9. No playing mix and match
Nowadays, nearly all the passenger vehicle tyres are radial tyres. Experts suggest using the same size and same type of tyre on all four wheel positions until and unless the vehicle manufacturer defines different sizes to be used for the front and rear. This can be checked with the manual of the vehicle. If for instance, two radial tyres are fixed with two non-radials, the radial tyres are to be mounted on the rear. If you come across different types of tyres mixed on a vehicle in any configuration, avoid using them for a longer period of time and always keep speed in check. Mix and match of tyres on the 4×4, all wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles require special care. Here, look for vehicle maker’s handbook for their suggestions and recommendations.

10. Wheel alignment is vital
A wheel alignment is nothing but an essential aspect of regular vehicle/car maintenance, wherein the angles of the wheels are adjusted as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The point of these adjustments is to get maximum life out of a tyre, ensure even wear of all four tyres and check for the vehicle-travel that is upright and accurate when it is driven along a straight and level road. Wheel alignment is a must after every 5,000 kilometers or whenever you find any lopsided wear on the tyre.

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How To Check Your Oil In 8 Steps

Checking your vehicle’s engine oil is a quick and simple maintenance project that almost any driver can do themselves. Even if you don’t feel up to the task of changing your own engine oil, chances are that you will be able to check it yourself. Most models should have an oil change about every three months or three thousand miles. In between your regularly scheduled oil changes, you can check your engine oil levels to ensure that it has not become too low or dirty.
Follow these simple steps to check your vehicle’s engine oil:

Find a Lint Free Rag
Locate a lint free rag or a scrap of old fabric to use when checking your oil. An old t-shirt usually works great

Read Your Owner’s Manual
If you are extremely unfamiliar with what is under the hood of your vehicle, you will find a detailed description of where your dipstick is located in your owner’s manual.

Warm Up Your Car
It is best to check your oil while it is warm. A great time to check you oil is after a quick trip to a local market or around your neighborhood.

Turn Your Car Off
Make sure that you turn your vehicle off before you begin the process of check its oil.

Pop the Hood
Pull the handle located on the inside of your vehicle, usually on the side of the driver side door, and the press the lever located underneath the center of the hood. Make sure that the hood of your car is securely propped. There’s no point in feeling embarrassed if you do not know how to open your hood. Check this short video for a clue

Locate the Dipstick
On most models, the dipstick is located on the left side of the engine. The dipstick usually has a yellow or orange circular handle that is clearly visible. When you pull this handle, a long piece of metal will slide out of the engine.

Clean the Dipstick and Reinsert
Once you locate and remove the dipstick, clean it with your rag and slide it back in. Make sure that the dipstick is inserted all the way back in.

Remove the Dipstick and Inspect
Next, remove the dipstick once more. Look at the end of the dipstick. Some models will have a line marked “full” while others will have a textured area that represents the capacity of the oil pan. The oil will appear amber in color. It should be easy to discern the oil level by looking at the dipstick.

– Normal Oil Level
If the dipstick indicates that the oil level is normal, reinsert it.
– Low Oil Level or Dirty Oil
If the dipstick indicates that the oil level is low, touch the end of the dipstick with two fingers and feel of the texture of the oil. If the oil is clean, you can add new oil using a funnel. If the oil is gritty, it is necessary to have your oil changed as soon as possible.
Checking your vehicle’s oil level is a simple task that takes only a few minutes to perform. Knowing how to check your oil will enable you to ensure that your engine is being properly lubricated.

CARS

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE COLD WEATHER

Wintry weather can take its toll on cars and difficult driving conditions can catch you by surprise.

But with a bit of planning, you can ensure your car is ready for the winter weather.

Below we provide a run-down of essential maintenance tips.

1. CHECK YOUR OIL LEVELS AND DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR FUEL LIGHT
Check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick. The RAC says one in three vehicles its patrols attend are dangerously low on oil[1], which can lead to a breakdown or engine damage. You should check the oil level once your car is fully warmed up. A cold car will look low on oil. Remember, too much oil can be as bad as too little.

You should check you have plenty of fuel in your tank, too. Don’t try and eek out the last few miles if your fuel light comes on. It might be nice and warm in your car, but it’s better to go out into the cold at a petrol station rather than end up stranded on the side of the road.

2. KEEP YOUR LIGHTS CLEAN
Cars get extremely dirty in winter months, not least because of all the salt on the roads. So it’s particularly important to keep your lights clean – you can just wipe them over with a cloth if your car doesn’t have headlamp washers.

You can lose an estimated 40% of luminosity in about 20 miles on a damp, gritted motorway, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart[2].

Wipe down your number plate too. You could face a fine if you drive around with an unreadable registration plate. Also, have someone stand outside the car and check all the lights work properly.

3. TEST YOUR BATTERY
A flat or faulty battery is the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns, according to both the RAC[3] and Green Flag[4], and the risk of battery failure is greater in cold, wet and icy weather.

Aim to change your car’s battery every three years if possible, or sooner if it’s causing you problems in the cold weather.

Green Flag says warning signs of battery failure include the engine turning over more slowly than usual when you start it. Also, the red battery light in the instrument display may flicker when you’re driving or take longer than usual to go out after you’ve started the engine.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
Many people don’t know what the warning lights on their dashboard mean – as we demonstrated in a street survey.

So with winter closing in, now would be a good time to get to know what all of these lights mean. And if one appears on your dashboard, get it checked out as soon as possible.

How well do you know the warning lights in your car? Test you knowledge with our quiz.

5. ASSESS YOUR TYRES
Worn tyres are dangerous at any time, but especially as stopping distances increase in icy, snowy or wet conditions.

Tyres need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm by law, but experts recommend you change tyres at 3mm to maintain safe stopping distances[5]. Don’t forget to check you have a roadworthy spare too.

If you drive on rural or uneven roads, consider investing in some snow chains/socks or winter tyres.

6. CHECK WIPER BLADES AND TOP UP ON WINDSCREEN WASH
Check your wipers are in good condition, with no tears or holes, and can clean your windscreen properly. You can give them a wipe with a clean cloth every now and then. But, as Auto Windscreens warns, don’t pull wiper blades off frozen glass or turn them on if the screen is iced over, as the rubber may tear.

You’ll need plenty of washer fluid too – it’s surprising how often you need to do this in the winter when wet, muddy or salty roads increase the amount of spray hitting your windscreen. Not only is it dangerous to not have fluid in a vehicle’s screen washer bottle, it’s illegal too.

7. TOP UP ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze stops the water in the engine’s cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is topped up.

Coolant should be changed every 2 – 5 years, depending on the car and the type of coolant required.

8. CHECK IF YOUR CAR IS DUE A SERVICE
Like many of the tips above, this is important all year-round, but winter just makes it that bit more urgent.

A service is usually recommended every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes sooner. But every car is different, so check your owner’s handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. In some areas, it can take a couple of weeks for the garage to fit you in for a service, plan ahead and make sure you’re booked in in good time.

9. CHECK YOUR BRAKES
Your brakes need to be in tip-top condition, especially in winter.

If they squeal, make other noises or generate unusual sensations, get them checked. If you’re taking your car out after a few days left unused in the cold, set off gently in case the discs, calipers or handbrake have frozen up.

10. CARRY THE RIGHT GEAR
Ensure you have the items below in your car, just in case:
– Ice scraper and de-icer
– Warning triangle
– Warm clothing and a blanket, rug or -sleeping bag
– Practical footwear like wellies
– Torch and batteries
– Mobile phone and charger

CARS

Most Important Car Maintenance Tips

Basic vehicle maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns and even accidents. Some of these tasks you can do yourself, while others require taking your vehicle to a mechanic for annual car maintenance. Your manufacturers’ handbook will let you know how often regular maintenance is needed and the frequency that your car will need to be serviced. Follow these car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good working order:

Tip 1: Take Care of Your Tires
Keeping your tires in good condition isn’t just important for vehicle maintenance. Tires in poor condition pose a dangerous threat to the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are a few tire care items to be mindful of:

Tire pressure – Check your tires’ pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires affect your fuel efficiency and cost you money.
Tire rotation – Rotate the tires every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Tire condition – Inspect your tires regularly – at the same time you’re checking the tread – for any signs of bulges or bald spots. If you spot any of these danger signs, have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
Uneven wear – Uneven wear on a tire indicates wheel alignment problems. Have the wheels aligned properly as soon as possible.
Spare tire – It’s easy to forget that spare tire stuck in the back of your car. Check it at least once a month to ensure it’s usable if you find yourself having to replace a flat.

Tip 2: Check Fluids
At least every 5,000 miles, check and refill your fluids. These include:

Changing the oil
Checking brake, coolant and/or antifreeze, transmission, washer and power steering fluids.

Tip 3: Check the Battery
When your battery goes dead, you’re stuck. Checking the battery regularly can help you avoid this uncomfortable situation.

You can have your mechanic check the battery or do it yourself via a car battery tester.

Tip 4: Check the Lights
Check your exterior and interior lights regularly.

Besides the headlights, make sure your indicators, brake lights and fog lights are in good working order.

Tip 5: Get an Annual Inspection
At least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, take your car in for servicing. Your mechanic will check the fuel filters, brake pads and spark plugs and replace them if needed.

The mechanic will also flush the radiator to get rid of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Other annual maintenance includes checking the ABS sensor, timing belt and fuel pressure regulator.

Maintenance