Running a car is a significant investment, and with the right levels of care and maintenance, you can enjoy years of reliable performance while saving on costly repairs.
Whether your car is brand new or has a few years on the clock, following some basic maintenance practices can make a real difference, saving you money and reducing the risk of breakdowns and roadside delays.
If you're leasing a car, it's also crucial that the vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions for the duration of any contract.
Here are some essential tips to help extend your car’s lifespan and keep it running at its best.
1: Stick to a regular service schedule
Regular servicing is one of the best ways to protect your car’s performance while increasing its longevity, especially in petrol and diesel vehicles. Routine checks and the replacement of parts like oil and air filters can help keep the engine in peak condition and prevent the build-up of dirt inside the car’s mechanicals.
While electric vehicles (EVs) have no engines to worry about, there are still checks to systems like the brakes, coolant and software that need to be done regularly.
Always follow your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, which will be detailed in the car’s manual – they tend to be around every 12,000 miles, or once a year, but can vary by model. Many of the latest cars will have a feature on the dashboard that alerts you when a service is due. A consistent service history not only keeps your car in tip-top condition, it also boosts its resale value.
2: Use quality engine oil
In a petrol or diesel car, engine oil lubricates the moving parts within the engine, reducing friction and preventing overheating. But not all oils are equal – using the right oil is key, as the wrong type can put a strain on the engine. Check your car’s manual for the recommended oil type and have the oil changed in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s a straightforward job, and is an easy way to protect your engine from wear and tear.
3: Check your tyre pressures
Tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road, and if they’re over or under-inflated, they can have a big effect on your car’s handling, fuel efficiency and overall performance. Check your tyre pressures at least every month, and make sure they align with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found in the car’s manual or printed on the car body – often just inside the door or inside the fuel filler cap.
Properly inflated tyres not only help your car handle better, but they also reduce wear and expand the lifespan of the tyres themselves.
4: Check your fluids
Oil is not the only fluid in a car that needs monitoring, and even electric cars have important fluids. In EVs, battery coolant helps regulate temperature, especially in extreme weather or in scenarios where the car is under particular strain, such as in stop-and-go traffic. All cars use brake fluid and power steering fluid, which regularly need checking to make sure they’re at the right level – a drop in a fluid level could mean a leak, which could lead to expensive problems.
5: Protect your battery
All cars have a battery of some kind, and it’s important to ensure it’s in good health. In petrol and diesel cars, the battery starts the engine and runs ancillary systems, while in EVs the battery is central to performance and range. In petrol and diesel cars, check the battery regularly for corrosion and loose connections. EV owners should avoid letting the battery drain completely, as this can reduce its long-term efficiency. It’s also worth parking EVs in cool, shaded areas where possible, as high temperatures can strain the battery over time.
6: Avoid short trips (if you can)
Short drives put extra strain on petrol and diesel engines because they prevent them from reaching optimal operating temperatures – for example, when engine oil isn’t up to temperature it’s less effective at reducing wear on components. This is less of an issue in EVs, but where possible combine short trips into a single journey to improve the car’s efficiency.
7: Drive smoothly
Aggressive driving puts undue stress on a car’s components, no matter what the power source might be. Keep your driving smooth and you’ll reduce strain on engines, batteries, braking systems and tyres, which generally means they’ll last longer, too. Consider removing excess weight from the car – taking out all of the rubbish you’ve accumulated in the boot means less load for the car to haul, reducing wear on the suspension and brakes. In EVs, heavy loads can reduce battery range.
8: Keep your car clean
Keeping your car sparkling isn’t just an aesthetically-pleasing thing, it helps extend the vehicle’s lifespan. Cars are more prone to rust and corrosion when dirty, and keeping them clean gets rid of salt and dirt, especially in the winter. It’s a good idea to protect the car’s underside with rust-proofing products too, as the undercarriage is most vulnerable to road salt and other debris.
9: Keep an eye (and ear) on the brakes
We shouldn’t need to explain that brakes are important. Both EVs and petrol and diesel cars rely heavily on the braking system, and while the strain on EV systems is often less, due to the power of regenerative braking provided by the electric motor, it’s still important to check for wear on the pads and discs. At best, worn components can reduce braking performance, and at worst they can cause a crash. If you notice any squeaking, grinding or a decrease in stopping power, get them checked out.
10: Don’t ignore any issues
Dashboard warning lights, unusual sounds, vibrations or changes in performance can all indicate an issue in any type of car. Don’t ignore them – even if they’re relatively minor, they can escalate quickly and lead to much more serious (and expensive) problems. Get any new issue with your car investigated promptly, to reduce potential strain on both your wallet and your safety.
11: Consider a maintenance plan
A maintenance plan can help make car upkeep more manageable, particularly if you’re leasing your vehicle. Select Car Leasing offers maintenance packages for a small additional fee, covering routine servicing, repairs and all fair wear and tear replacement parts, such as brake components, batteries, exhausts, tyres and more. You can find more information on their maintenance packages here.
Car maintenance FAQs
How often should I change my car's oil? If you have an electric car, then rest easy – your car has no oil to be changed. For petrol and diesel cars, it should be changed regularly, in line with your particular model’s manufacturer instructions. Check the car’s manual for details.
How do I know if my car battery needs to be replaced? Petrol and diesel cars will show signs of battery problems through slow cranking of the engine or dim headlights. EV batteries may show reduced range over time and regular checks are recommended for performance. If you see any signs of this, check with a mechanic.
What are the warning signs of brake problems? Squeaking or grinding sounds when braking, vibrations through the pedal or a soft feel underfoot can all signify issues with the braking system. If in doubt, get them inspected.
What pressure should my tyres be? Recommended tyre pressures vary depending on the car and how it’s used. Check your car’s manual or online for the manufacturer’s recommendations, and make sure you check your tyre pressures at least once a month.
Why is my check engine light on, and what should I do? A car’s “check engine” light could signify a variety of issues in petrol and diesel cars. The best solution is to get a mechanic to look at it as soon as possible; they’ll be able to plug in a diagnostic machine and find out what’s causing the light to come on.
What is engine coolant? Engine coolant is a liquid used to regulate temperature in petrol and diesel cars. A similar cooling system is used in EVs to regulate battery temperature. Keeping coolant levels correct is key to avoiding overheating, which can cause serious damage to the car.
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