How To Maintain Your Car & Tyres

When it comes to cars, I’m certainly not an enthusiast but I am someone who appreciates the value of driving, the aesthetic of a beautiful car and the necessity for knowing how to maintain your car as an essential part of owning a vehicle.  I love the freedom and the independence driving gives me, not to mention it makes commuting to and from my different locations for work so much easier. Although I’m not someone who has a great understanding of the mechanics of a vehicle, I do take an interest in maintaining it with help from skilled and trusted workers in the trade.  I like to make sure that my car is in tip top shape so that it looks good but most importantly, is safe to drive.

I’ve had three cars in my life; my first one was a Peugeot 207 GT convertible, my second was a BMW 3 Series M Sport Business Edition and I currently drive a BMW 1 Series Sport. I chose the latter because it’s a better car for me. It has the same sized engine as my second car, but it’s faster, lighter and, more importantly, cheaper for me to run in terms of tax and insurance.

I’m not one who needs the latest gadgets, or buys a new car every year. I like to invest in my vehicles and look after them, which is why in this post I’m going to share with you what I’ve learnt, how I look after my car and how I maintain the condition of my vehicle.

SERVICING

I always take my car for the recommended service when it’s required and thankfully, I get a notification of this flagged on my dashboard so I don’t have to worry about remembering when it is due! I’m not someone who can leave it until its absolutely desperate, safety first ALWAYS.  I know how to check and change the oil and washer fluid but that’s about it so for the safety of myself and my friends and family, I book in for a full service every 12 months and sometimes an interim service if I’ve done a lot of miles. These services highlight if there’s anything wrong with my vehicle and gives me the opportunity to top up on things that can easily be forgotten about such as oil.

MOT

A MOT is not only a legal requirement to maintain your car, but it’s so important when it comes to your safety, the safety of passengers in your car and other road users and pedestrians.

I usually book in an MOT around the same time as my annual service, as they work hand-in-hand together. When it comes to booking in both an MOT and service I would advise you to find a garage you can trust.   I know it’s stereotypical, but most garages think women don’t know anything about cars and can sometimes rip you off.  I would advise going to a garage that someone has recommended to you, or that someone knows personally.

I always take my car to a garage recommended by my friend in Sunderland, Wearside Mercedes-Benz.  They’re specialists in Mercs but work on all vehicles.  Their service, attention to detail and pricing is absolutely spot on.  There’s never a long wait to get booked in, they’re prompt and efficient and when I collect my car its always clean and driving like a dream!

TYRES

Now lets be honest here girls, how often do you check the pressure of your tyres? It’s something that’s always been drilled into me, so when I go to fill up I often check the pressure of my tyres too.  Ensuring my tyres are at the correct pressure not only makes driving a smoother ride, but it keeps my tyres in top condition and me driving safely on the roads.  Its worthwhile reading up about tyre pressure, the legal tread limit and how to prepare for longer journeys so that you can be prepared and ensure your vehicle is safe and legal.  The TyrePlus E Book is a great resource for reading about tyre maintenance.

Although I love my car, it’s not the best in the winter. BMWs are notorious for being difficult in the snow, so this year I’m pricing up winter tyres to help me on the roads.  If I end up not being able to afford it this year, then it’s definitely something I’ll be actively saving for for next winter.  When it comes to having them fitted, I’ll certainly be looking at the mobile tyre fitting from TyrePlus, as they can come out to my apartment to fit the tyres there and then which will save me so much time!

MAINTENANCE

Although I look to professionals for the majority of my car care, there’s things I do myself to keep my car in good condition.  I like to keep my car clean both inside and outside, so often take it to the hand car wash, or take it to a valet when it needs a more thorough clean.  If you’re in the North East, the places inside the multi story car parks at intu Metrocentre is expensive but worth it, so I save it for when my car really needs it and maintain it with cheaper hand washes in between.  Plus it means that I can run errands, shop or go to the pics while my car is being cleaned.  With living in an apartment and working so many hours, I don’t have the time or the space to wash my car at home.

Just like my apartment, I like my car to smell nice too so every few weeks I pop a new car air freshener in. I also keep carrier bags in the car for rubbish and cleaning wipes in the pockets to wipe away any spillages, or my hands after I’ve filled up.  Keeping a car clean and tidy maintains the aesthetic and makes it a more enjoyable space to be in.

I love my car and looking after it and although this may sound like a lot of effort to some, its essential to me as I don’t see the point in buying a car and investing in something if I’m not going to take care of it, have it looking its best and being as safe to drive as possible!

Pin this image for later to help with your car maintenance!

SHOP THE POST

If you love my hat, its the Pia Rossini Caitlyn Hat and you can buy it from Curvissa here.

My dress is from the new Dani Dyer Collection at In The Style.  I’ve

How do you take care of your car?  What tips can you share with me?

*thanks Sarah for taking my photographs!