How To Make Your Car More Reliable

If you own a car in the UK then it is likely you will be aware of the latest Budget news from the Government. That road mileage pricing is being introduced for electric vehicles (EV) is now known but it is always in the back of your mind as to when and if this will be extended to all cars. We will have to wait and see. What is certain is that motoring is not going to get any cheaper any time soon. So what is the average driver going to do?

One thing is certain and is a proven fact. Saving money on automotive expenses by not getting done those little niggles the car throws up from time to time is very much a false economy. If those dashboard lights which hopefully go out on start-up happen to stay on, they should not be ignored. If there’s any squeaks, rattles or groans from any area of the car they should be investigated pronto.

Small niggles can quickly become big problems.

So let’s be positive about car maintenance. There are things that every vehicle owner can do to help themselves either via attention from a professional car servicing garage or by self-initiative. Here’s a few ideas:

Climate Control Is Not Just For Summer

We all like a bit of air-con in the Summer when it’s sweltering outside the car, but what happens in winter? It’s a fact of automotive life that air-con systems inevitably leak refrigerant gas over time, particularly if they aren’t used regularly. Leaving your air-con off in winter may save a little bit of fuel, but you could end up with a bill you didn’t want for an early re-gas of the system; a job you’ll have to leave to your local garage expert who is equipped to do the job.

Running the air conditioning in winter helps stop condensation and damp, avoiding that ‘wet dog’ smell; it also pays occasionally to run the air-con on full cold whatever the weather. Yes, eventually the system will need a re-gas but not as often as when the system is neglected.

Change The Filters

One of the downsides of not getting your car properly serviced at least annually (high milers may need more attention) is that oil and air filters get clogged and do not work as efficiently. On most cars, changing the air filter can be done at home as it usually sits on top of the engine. Your handbook should have a guide and replacement filters are available online or from the local motor factor. If in doubt at all, get a professional technician to do it.

In olden times (Remember the 20^th Century?) oil filters were fairly straightforward to do, but on modern cars there’s added complexity. At service time ask your garage to ensure the filters are renewed even if the car has only driven a low mileage. Lack of use promotes its own issues too. Fresh filters will ensure the engine is working at optimum levels and will thus be more reliable.

Plugs & Leads

As cars become ever more complicated, less knowledgable drivers (that’s most of us) are understandably less inclined to do home servicing.

Replacing spark plugs and high-tension leads is another job that is worth doing. A regular visual inspection of leads and plugs (if you know how to remove them and have the right tools) is recommended along with inspection of the tyres, fluid levels, bodywork condition and the like which is something we all should be doing weekly, ideally.

A spark plug in a poor condition either indicates wear over time and needs replacing or can hint at the condition of your engine. 

If a plug is relatively new and has developed a significant gap between the electrode and the insulator, then it could be an indication that the engine is under-performing. If that's the case, you should consult your local garage. If leads have cracks or show signs of any wear, replace them and, again, it is best to let a reputable garage carry this out. If the engine seems to be running rough at all then get it checked: You don’t have to wait until service time.

About Your Driving

It’s called having ‘mechanical sympathy’ apparently; the idea that we should all pay attention to what our cars are telling us. It’s like when a small child is unwell and it is a struggle to find out what the problem is because they can’t verbalise it. It’s the same with a vehicle. The unusual noises and creaks are the clues to something not being right. Listening to your car is something that should be practised. Doing so will reduce component wear and make your fuel go further.

Consider your driving. Simple things like using the steering wheel, gearbox and pedals smoothly are key, along with looking well ahead to reduce the need for sudden braking. With more rules and regulations than you could shake a spanner at applying to our roads today, what harm is there is driving a little slower and with more care? You’ll save a little fuel and reduce wear and tear in the long term.

Maintaining a car properly and attending to issues immediately may involve a little more expense but that’s far better than a huge bill further down the road.