Top Car Maintenance Tips for First-Time Drivers
- Mike Floyd
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Buying your first car is a rite of passage. But once the excitement fades and the keys are in your hand, reality kicks in: now you've got to look after the thing.
Whether you're driving a ten year old hatchback or a shiny new compact, routine maintenance is what keeps you on the road and out of the mechanic’s wallet emptying grip.
Let’s cut through the fluff. Here are the top car maintenance tips every first time driver should know, no nonsense, no jargon, just proper know how.
1. Check Your Tyres Weekly (Yes, Weekly)
Tyres aren’t just round bits of rubber, they’re your only contact with the road. Under inflated tyres can cause poor handling, lower fuel efficiency, and uneven wear. Worse still, they’re dangerous.
What to do:
Use a pressure gauge to check each tyre weekly (including the spare).
Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, usually listed inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.
Check for cracks, bald spots, or anything stuck in the tread.
Tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread depth by law in the UK. Use a 20p coin: insert it into the tread, if the outer rim’s visible, time for a new set.
2. Oil: Your Engine’s Lifeblood
Think of oil like the blood that keeps your engine alive. Low or dirty oil can cause wear and tear, leading to costly repairs. Don’t wait for a dashboard light; get ahead of it.
What to do:
Check the oil level every fortnight using the dipstick.
Make sure the car is cold and parked on level ground.
Top up with the correct grade of oil, don’t just grab whatever’s cheapest at the shop.
Change your oil and oil filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your car’s age and usage.
3. Brake Checks Aren’t Optional
Brakes should never squeak, grind, or feel spongey. If they do, you’re not just ignoring a maintenance issue; you’re flirting with disaster.
What to do:
Listen out for unusual sounds.
If the pedal feels soft or takes longer to stop, get it checked immediately.
Check brake fluid levels monthly; look for a clear reservoir near the back of the engine bay.
Brake pads wear quicker in city driving due to frequent stops. Expect to replace them every 25,000 to 60,000 miles.
4. Battery: Don’t Get Caught Flat
Most car batteries last around 3 to 5 years. But cold mornings, short trips, and dodgy terminals can shorten that lifespan.
What to do:
Look for signs of corrosion around the terminals. Clean it off with a wire brush and baking soda solution.
If your starter sounds weak or you get flickering lights, your battery could be on its way out.
Carry jump leads or a portable battery booster in your boot. You’ll thank yourself when it’s raining and your car won’t start.
5. Top Up the Screenwash (And Make It the Right Stuff)
It sounds trivial until you’re bombing down the M6 behind a filthy lorry and can’t see a thing.
What to do:
Top up your screenwash regularly, don’t use plain water, especially in winter (it’ll freeze).
Check your wipers too. Replace if they smear or squeak.
Keep a spare bottle of pre mixed screenwash in the boot. It costs a couple of quid and can save you a fine (or worse, a crash).
6. Lights, Mirrors, Action
You’re legally required to have all lights working, front, rear, brake, indicators, number plate. And guess what? You can’t check your brake lights on your own unless you reverse up to a wall or ask someone.
What to do:
Walk around your car once a week and check every light.
Replace any dead bulbs pronto, they’re cheap and usually a DIY job.
Always carry a spare bulb kit in your glovebox. It’s a legal requirement in some European countries and good practice here.
7. Coolant & Overheating Awareness
Your car’s coolant stops the engine from melting down, literally. It needs to be at the right level and mixed properly to work.
What to do:
Check coolant when the engine is cold. The reservoir will have ‘min’ and ‘max’ markers.
Top up with the right antifreeze if needed, don’t just pour in tap water.
If your temp gauge spikes or you see steam, pull over, switch off the engine, and let it cool. Don’t open the cap when it’s hot, you’ll get burned.
8. Keep It Clean, Inside and Out
It’s not just about vanity. Washing your car removes grime and salt that can lead to rust. Vacuuming and wiping down the interior protects materials and helps keep resale value high.
What to do:
Wash the exterior fortnightly.
Wax every few months for paint protection.
Clean windows, mirrors, and lights for better visibility.
Don’t use washing up liquid. It strips wax and can damage paint. Use proper car shampoo instead.
9. Know the Warning Lights
The modern dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree for all sorts of reasons. Some lights are advisory, others scream “Fix me now!”
What to do:
Familiarise yourself with your car’s warning symbols, check the handbook.
Yellow lights mean caution; red lights mean stop immediately.
Ignore a warning light, and you could invalidate your warranty or face a bigger repair bill later.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a mechanic to look after your motor. Regular checks, basic tools, and a bit of confidence go a long way in keeping your car safe and reliable.
Every good driver knows their car inside out, and that starts the day you pick up the keys. Learn these basics, stay on top of them, and you’ll not only save a load of money but you’ll also avoid looking clueless at the garage.
And remember, when in doubt, ask. No one’s born knowing this stuff, but staying sharp behind the wheel includes under the bonnet too.
Mike Floyd
Senior Maintenance Editor, Car Care Column
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