Easy DIY car maintenance and safety checks

How to check your car’s tyre pressures

All car manufacturers provide recommended tyre pressures for each model. These should be listed on a placard that’s usually located on the door jamb inside the driver’s door. Some cars also have the placard in other locations, such as the glove box or fuel filler lid.

It’s important to check tyre pressures regularly, preferably at least every fortnight and always before a long trip. Keeping the tyres at the recommended level will help you avoid premature tyre repair or replacement costs. Driving with low-pressure tyres can increase wear and negatively impact the car’s dynamic safety, including handling and braking. It can also increase fuel consumption.

Always check tyre pressures when they are cool. Tyres warm up after a few kilometres on the road and that can give misleading pressure readings.

You can check your tyre pressure at home if you have a portable air compressor. Otherwise, tyre pressure hoses with a gauge attached are provided at most service stations. Some service stations also have automatic systems that fill to the pressure you enter. These are great but be aware they are sometimes not well maintained.

When checking the tyre pressure:

• Remove the tyre valve’s screw-on dust cap, located on the outer rim of the wheel.
• Place the tyre gauge securely on the valve and check the pressure.
• Inflate the tyre to the recommended level and check again.
• Refit the dust cap, making sure no dirt gets in, as this can cause leaks.
• Always check the spare tyre, too, if the car is designed to carry a fifth wheel.

More: How to check your tyre pressure and recommended inflation

How to check for tyre wear

When you’re checking your tyre pressures, it’s a perfect time to also check the condition of your tyres.

All tyres have inbuilt indicators that show the tyre tread depth. These are little rubber blocks that protrude from the low point in the tyre channels. If the tread gets close to the wear indicators, it’s time to change that tyre. Some tyre companies recommend replacing tyres once the depth reaches 3mm. The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended you replace tyres prior to that point.

It’s also important to check for signs of uneven wear on your tyres, which could point to issues with wheel alignment, the car’s suspension or tyre inflation. It might also point to stresses placed on the tyres under certain driving situations, such as towing.

Check the entire contact surface of the tyre, including the centre and the inner and outer edges. You can view the inner surface by putting your steering wheel on full lock to expose the inside edge. If the tyre is heavily worn or below the tread depth limit, it needs to be replaced.

RACV Accredited Auto Care Centres also recommend getting your wheels aligned whenever uneven wear is detected. Misaligned wheels not only cause tyres to wear out faster, but increase the risk of vibration and skidding.

All tyres degrade over time, even if you don’t travel many kilometres each year, so always keep a look out for signs of cracking and seek professional advice on whether it’s time for a replacement set if they’re more than five or six years old – even if they look fine. Other warning signs include bulges, cuts or nick in the sidewall.

More: Tyre maintenance, roadworthy and safety checks

How to check headlights, tail-lights, brake lights and indicators

It’s important to ensure that all exterior lights on your car – and caravan or trailer, if you have them – are working properly, including the headlights, tail-lights, brake lights and indicators.

The easiest way to check is to have a friend or household member walk around the vehicle (and trailer) and check the light functions are working properly as you turn them on and operate them. If you don’t have another person to help, you could position the car in a safe place away from other vehicles where you can see the reflection of the lights, such as on a wall or garage door.

Modern cars increasingly have complex lighting systems, often including LEDs, so their replacement should always be left to a qualified professional. If you have an older car with halogen light bulbs, for example, refer to the owner’s manual for details on the type of globe used and the correct procedure for replacing them. But, again, it’s recommended that a qualified mechanic handles the job.

More: What you need to know about car services

How to check and replace windscreen wiper inserts

The rubber inserts in your car’s windscreen wiper blades can deteriorate through use and exposure to sunlight. They should be checked frequently for signs of cracking or splitting and replaced if there is any indication they’re not operating properly, such as shuddering, squeaking or leaving a smear mark across the windscreen.

Scratches on the glass are also a sure sign that the wiper blades need immediate replacement, but if you’ve reached this point you should also consult a qualified professional on whether the windscreen is still in a safe condition.

Replacing the rubber windscreen wiper blade inserts is a common DIY maintenance job for many car owners. The correct inserts for your make and model of car should be available at your local dealer or auto store. Instructions on their replacement should be in the owner’s manual.

The procedure usually involves the following steps:

• Lift the wiper blade clear of the windscreen.
• Push the end of the wiper rubber inwards (back along the blade) until the end can be lifted clear of the metal backing strip. Then pull the rubber out.
• Using this old insert as a template, cut the replacement rubber to the same length.
• Feed the rubber insert into the metal backing strip and slide along. Once it reaches the end, pull back the rubber and refit under the retaining clip.
• Lower the blade back onto the windscreen and repeat the process for the other wiper. For optimal performance, wiper rubbers should always be replaced in pairs.

More complex work such as replacing the wiper blade itself, or the arm, should be left to a qualified professional.

How to check and refill the windscreen wiper washer bottle

Your routine maintenance schedule should also include regularly checking the windscreen washer fluid and topping up the reservoir as required.

This should be done throughout the year as a windscreen that can’t be quickly cleared of light debris (such as leaves) and road grime, dirt, mud, etc could impact driver visibility and operation of the forward-facing safety camera system (if fitted). Many modern cars also use this fluid for other automatic washers across the car, such as for headlights and safety cameras and sensors.

The process is usually straightforward:

• Consult your owner’s manual on where the reservoir is located; it’s usually under the bonnet and easily spotted with a bright coloured lid (often yellow or blue).
• Check the fluid level. On some cars, you’ll need to remove the cap and check the level using a dipstick-style measuring tool.
• Carefully top-up the reservoir with clean water and car windscreen cleaning liquid. When using a cleaning additive, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These fluids often need diluting with water, for example.
• Do not use ordinary washing detergent; this might affect the performance of the wiper blades and could cause other problems such as leaving streaks and causing the blades to rust.
• On many cars, the water jet on a windscreen should hit the centre of each wiper’s sweep. If the flow is poor, the jets can sometimes be cleared gently using a fine needle or pin. However, some modern cars use different systems, such as jets embedded into the wiper arm, so it’s recommended to leave any adjustment to a qualified professional.
• Oil from exhaust fumes and road grime tends to build up on a car’s windscreen. A regular wipe with a high-quality automotive glass cleaner may also help improve visibility and extend the life of the wiper rubber.

More: Get road trip ready with this car safety checklist

How to check the engine oil level

Always consult the owner’s manual for the correct way to check your car’s engine oil level. It’s usually best done after the engine has been running for a few minutes, to get an accurate reading.

On many modern cars, there’s actually no need to lift the bonnet to check the oil. Instead, they will display all the relevant information (sometimes referred to as a ‘digital dipstick’) via the infotainment system in the cabin. In these cases, sensors constantly measure the oil level and should provide warnings if the car needs attention, prompting the owner to visit their nearest workshop.

Doing it the traditional way takes some care and attention, so follow the correct procedure in the owner’s manual. Some important considerations include:

• Park the car safely on a flat surface and apply the park brake.
• Never check the oil level while the engine is still running – it’s not safe and won’t provide an accurate reading.
• Turn off the engine and wait at least 10 minutes for it to cool down before checking.
• Check the owner’s handbook for the location of the dipstick.
• Remove the dipstick and use a clean rag to wipe off the oil.
• Take a look at the end and find the marks indicating the lowest and highest recommended levels.
• Put the dipstick back in, then draw it out again. Look to see where the oil level comes to; it should be around the full mark. It’s a good idea to repeat the process to be sure about the level.
• If the level is low, you need to top-up your engine oil.
• Consult your owner’s manual for the correct grade of oil, as specified by the car manufacturer.
• Also use the manual to locate the oil filler cap. Ideally, place a rag around the filler neck (to catch any spills). It’s also a good idea to use a clean plastic funnel.
• Remove the cap and carefully add some oil. As a rule of thumb, if the oil is down to the low mark it will require about half a litre.
• Give the oil time to drain into the sump and check the dipstick level after each addition. Do not overfill. Too much oil can cause as much damage as too little oil.
• Return the dipstick to its holder.

If an oil warning light remains on in your car, or any other warning lights are displayed, seek help from your dealer or qualified mechanic. The same applies if you notice an oil leak under the car, so make regular checks underneath, preferably after it’s been sitting in the same spot overnight.

How to check other fluid levels (coolant, transmission, brake, clutch, power steering)

If your car is regularly serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, there should be little or no need to check other fluid levels such as for the automatic transmission, brakes and power steering.

As with engine oil, fluid levels for major components of a car that are down excessively or require frequent topping up is a sure sign the vehicle should be taken to a qualified mechanic or other automotive specialist immediately.

If you must check fluid levels such as these, always consult the owner’s handbook first and carefully follow the instructions provided. Not all manufacturers will include this information, which is another indication you should take the car to a qualified mechanic or accredited service centre.

Where details are provided, the owner’s manual will be an important reference for locating the relevant reservoir and/or dipstick and for the correct process on how to safely check the fluid level.

Some important considerations:

• Always park the car safely on a flat surface and ensure the park brake is on.
• Carefully follow the instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual and adhere to all safety advice and warnings.
• Don’t remove any caps unless instructed by the car manufacturer; most fluid levels should be easily read from the markings on the outside of a clear plastic reservoir.
• Many automotive fluids are hazardous and must be handled with extreme caution.
• Automotive fluids can become easily contaminated if contact is made with dirt and other materials.
• If in any doubt, take the car to a qualified automotive professional.
   

Checking other areas of the car

While you’re checking under the bonnet, it’s worth taking a look at the major hoses to check they’re in good shape. Make sure the engine is cold, then go over all the car’s hoses and squeeze them to check for any soft spots or signs of cracking or splitting. If in any doubt, have them replaced.

Similarly, battery failure is a common cause of car breakdowns in Australia, so it’s important to watch out for warning signs that indicate the battery might soon need charging or replacement. See our separate guide on ‘What you need to know about car batteries’ for further details.

It’s also good practice to simply walk around the vehicle when it’s parked in a safe position, looking for signs of wear and tear or damage to the car’s body. This might include corrosion, flaking paint and loose or cracked trim. Consult your local mechanic if there’s anything urgent; otherwise, make a note for when the car goes in for its next service.

More: How to protect your car’s paintwork

What you should leave to a qualified professional

All motor vehicle repair services should be left to qualified and accredited professionals. Safety checks and basic maintenance routines specific to your car will be provided in the owner’s manual; if not, that’s a good indication that more complex work should be undertaken at a mechanical service and repair centre.

Do not attempt DIY maintenance on anything you’re not trained to handle. Examples include air-conditioning degassing, anything involving the fuel system, ignition system maintenance, suspension work and brake system modifications.

If in doubt, find your nearest RACV Accredited Auto Care Centre to book in your next service. As with anything, common sense and caution is the key. If you’re not sure, consult an expert.