When it comes to maintaining and looking after our vehicles, we’re all prone to making a few mistakes. However, for those wanting to take good care of their cars to keep them in top condition for as long as possible, some of these mistakes could cause problems in the future. From ignoring external damage to failing to keep on top of maintenance schedules or basic checks, falling short in these areas could lead to costly repairs in the future. Here, we’ve put together a quick guide to maintenance mistakes you need to avoid. 

Ignoring External Damage

While the odd nick or scratch might be entirely harmless, other bumps and dents could be hiding internal problems. It’s easy to ignore a bump or dent if the car still appears to be functioning perfectly fine, but they could be hiding more serious problems internally. They also create weak spots that are prone to further damage, which could then result in expensive repair bills down the road. Similarly, a chipped windscreen should be dealt with rapidly too, to prevent the chip from turning into a crack, or worse. Booking your car in for a diagnosis or a check over after external damage can give you that additional peace of mind that everything is in working order.

Not Keeping On Top Of Tyre Pressure

Monitoring and keeping on top of your tyre pressure is one maintenance task that too many people tend to forget. If you’re travelling a lot, even to and from work, low tyre pressure could be damaging your tyres or in some cases, even put a strain on your wheel trims. Low tyre pressure makes you vulnerable to accidents and can cause more rapid wear and tear over time. It can also make your fuel costs higher by reducing gas mileage. You can either use tyre pressure machines at most petrol stations or invest in your own decent-quality inflator for home.

Or The Condition Of Your Tyres

Just like the tyre pressure, it can be easy to forgo checking the state of your tyres, but this is crucial for not only the health of your car but for safe and legal driving too. If your tyres are worn down, you could be at risk of blowouts, losing control of the car and slipping in wet weather. You should make sure to regularly check the treat and ensure they are rotated properly.

Ignoring Maintenance Schedules

Ignoring or failing to remember key maintenance milestones could be detrimental to the health of your vehicle, with some more serious than others. Putting your vehicle through regular servicing is a good way to keep up to date with the health of its components and stay on top of things like oil checks and changes. Alongside servicing, you should also be regularly checking coolant levels, windscreen wash levels and other liquids in the engine. 

Not Paying Attention To Warning Lights

Warning lights exist for a reason and in some ways, even make caring for your car easier. When a warning light appears, it’s important to not only understand what the light means but to act accordingly. Some warnings may give you a bit of leeway to getting the issue seen, but others, such as the engine check light or ABS warning lights, should be seen too immediately. If you’re unsure of what the light means, check our guide to engine warning lights for advice.

For more information about maintaining your car or to book yours in for a service or repair with our team, get in touch with us, today.