These simple checks can save you over £6,000 in car repairs – including flushing the radiator and cleaning the air filter
Low-cost maintenance can save you thousands of pounds for repairs
BRITS spend an astounding £21.1 billion on car servicing and repairs every year.
With almost half of the UK's drivers seeing an increase in their repair bills over the last 12 months, it's vital for motorists to prevent major car issues before they arise.
Regular and low-cost maintenance checks can minimise the chance of breaking down on the roadside or being towed to the garage.
The following common car issues, suggested by Select Car Leasing, would can cost up to £6,000 to repair if left to fail, whereas simple preventative measures can be as low as £200 a year.
Air Filter
Clearing any debris and dirt from your air filter every year or 12,000 miles will help ensure the engine does not get clogged up.
The car service warning light may appear if damage has been caused to the engine.
Black smoke is also a sign of distress, along with a misfiring engine.
Battery
An inefficient battery can corrupt immobiliser data, which could potentially stop the car from starting and damage its electronics.
Make sure the battery is running at its full power at least every 24 months. Consider buying a new battery if the old casing appears swollen.
Oil and Oil Filter
A dashboard warning light will signal an oil change - failure to do so can damage the car engine.
Drain the oil using a pan or bucket underneath the car and fill with new oil using a funnel.
Unusual engine noise and exhaust smoke could be a result of not changing the oil when advised. Also consider replacing your oil filter regularly too.
Radiator Flush
The engine can overheat if dirt clogs the radiator water pump, so you should carry out regular maintenance every 30,000 miles.
Unscrew the radiator's plug and drain the old coolant. Add cleaning solution and water before running the car for 10 minutes.
Turn the car off, drain the radiator again and refill with new coolant.
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Spark Plugs
Engine hesitation, high fuel consumption and a misfiring engine suggest new spark plugs are needed. To avoid these issues, modern cars should have new spark plugs installed every 80,000 miles.
Tyres
The tread of your tyres should be checked every four months to avoid poor grip or blisters.
With a 20p piece, ensure the tyre tread is thick enough to cover at least the bordering of the coin.
Windscreen wipers
These should be replaced every year to ensure your visibility is not compromised and to also avoid potential scratches on your windscreen.