A visual guide to car maintenance basics

Unsure of how to keep your car legal and in good condition? Our car maintenance guide covers the basics, like checking the battery and tyre pressure.

Your car may be your pride and joy, but do you know how to look after it properly? There’s more to it than the occasional wash and keeping the petrol topped up.

For many of us, daily travel routines and family schedules are dependent on our cars running smoothly. Getting your children to nursery and school in the morning, or making an important business meeting in rush hour traffic can be stressful enough without your car playing up.

Our infographic on car maintenance basics provides helpful tips on things to consider when caring for your car.

For more detailed information, have a look at our guide to car maintenance basics [PDF 542 KB]​​​​​​​ .

In addition to looking after your vehicle, it’s a good idea to be prepared if your car breaks down [PDF 767 KB] . Have you considered which essential items to keep in your car, or what kind of insurance would be most appropriate? A policy to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen, along with access to a courtesy car while your vehicle is getting fixed, could make all the difference.

If you are thinking of buying a car, check out our visual guides to buying new and used cars. They cover some of the main issues to consider before making a purchase, like the pros and cons of used, new and nearly new cars.