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About Clearway Driver Training Basic Maintenance Maintenance is an extremely important aspect of car ownership. The following information is intended to raise your awareness, and help you care for your car to maximise its lifespan, performance and reliability. However, it is essential for car owners to refer to their owner manuals, which will provide information on specific details for their model. Remember when making these checks – if in doubt refer to your car manual and if there's anything you're still unsure of, play it safe and take your car into a garage for a check-up. Tyres First of all check that the pressure of your tyres matches the recommended levels in your car's manual. Remember that you will need to increase it if you are going to have a full car and be carrying luggage. Check all tyres, including your spare, for excessive wear, splits and bulges. Replace those that are damaged – it may save you from a blowout mid-motorway. Don't forget to also check your jack – a spare's no good to you if you can't fit it! Also, while you're at it, look out for any signs of uneven wearing which could indicate wheel misalignment and lead to bigger problems later on. Windscreen and wipers A dirty, dusty or fly-strewn windscreen can cause eye fatigue, which means a higher risk of an accident. Check that your wipers are in good condition and that your screen wash is full. If heading out on a long journey, perhaps consider taking a spare bottle with you. Brakes Carefully test your brakes for any sticking or irregular noises, and make sure that it's not taking you too long to slow down. If they haven't been changed within the past 12 months or 15,000 miles, get them seen to at your garage. Also make sure that brake fluid levels are up to where they should be. If in doubt check the manual and if they're going down too quickly and you suspect a leak, again, get the car to a garage for a check-up. Engine Oil Check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum levels on the dipstick and if it needs topping up, check your manual to see which type the manufacturer recommends. Coolant Check that the level of coolant in the radiator reservoir bottle is sitting somewhere between the minimum and maximum levels. If it's not and you need to top it up, be sure to let the engine cool down fully first and make sure you open the radiator cap slowly; the cooling system is under pressure and you don't want to be sprayed by scalding coolant. Other under-the-bonnet checks Have a good look at any hoses that you can see; make sure that none of them have become spongy, hard or cracked. Check belts that drive the alternator, power steering and fan belt, to ensure that none are cracked or loose. If, after all your preparation, you're unlucky enough to have your engine overheat and steam starts rising out of the bonnet, pull over and turn the engine off. Wait until the engine has cooled down fully before you touch it, which could be around 15 minutes or more. Whatever you do, don't pour cold water over it as this is likely to crack the engine block.

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