Owning a car can be a big responsibility, not least because it means having to ensure it is kept insured and with enough fuel to run, no matter the cost.  Another constant responsibility is making sure your car is maintained in a manner that allows it to run without damage - in other words, keeping each and every part of the car clean and in working order.  Even if you have invested in a great roadside assistance policy and are confident that your breakdown cover company will take care of you no matter where or when you find yourself in need, it certainly doesn’t hurt to know of a few tips and tricks to use to make sure your car stays in the best state it can.

First, and perhaps most importantly, is cleaning.  This may sound like an obvious point to make, but many people are unaware of just how dangerous a dirty car can be - both for the driver of the car and the car itself.  If the windscreen of a car is obscured by dirt or insect debris it reduces the visibility of the driver and can lead to an accident.  Similarly, if the lights (both headlights and indicators) are covered wholly or partially by dirt or debris, other vehicles may not be able to determine the movements of the car - and this can also lead to an accident.  Dirt build-up in or around the tyres can also be hazardous, as can build-up on the brake-pads.  Blockages of airways (such as the vents between the windscreen and the bonnet of the car) can lead to overheating of the engine.  Build-up of salt spray or highly-acidic water can lead to rust.  Blockages in the tyre treads can lead to a loss of traction and thus a loss of control.  You would be surprised how important it is to maintain the exterior of your car, even though it has no primary role in the actual running of the motor!

Another important element in the care of your vehicle is regular maintenance of the engine and other working parts.  This maintenance can be undertaken by a mechanic, or even by your car breakdown assistance company.  Usually these maintenance checks include changing the oil (oil lubricates the engine and allows it to run efficiently), changing or refilling the water and detergent (water is used to clean the windscreen when the driver uses the windscreen washer lever), topping up the engine coolant (this is used to maintain the temperature of the engine which is incredibly important on both long and short journeys), and checking the efficiency and age of the battery.  The brake pads will be checked and possibly replaced, whilst the wheel alignment will also be monitored.  You may need to have your tyres rotated or replaced, particularly if the tread has worn down.  While these checks may seem trivial, having your car looked after properly by a registered mechanic can make a huge difference further down the line - it can prevent serious engine problems, can keep you safe in the advent of an emergency, and will ensure that your insurance remains valid.  A small up-front cost can eliminate a large mechanics bill later on.