[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/d-i-y-car-maintenance\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/d-i-y-car-maintenance\/","headline":"D.I.Y Car Maintenance","name":"D.I.Y Car Maintenance","description":"The festive season is approaching fast and along with that comes frozen windscreens and empty wallets. We all know that car repairs can be pricey and now that we are in the run up to Christmas, wouldn\u2019t you rather spend your money on your loved ones rather than an expensive trip to the garage? In this post, we will take you through some tips to save you money on your car through Christmas and beyond. Windscreen Wipers Having a clear […]","datePublished":"2016-11-09","dateModified":"2017-01-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-9.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-9.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/d-i-y-car-maintenance\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":496,"keywords":["battery maintenance","Car DIY","car maintenance","tyre maintenance","windscreen care"],"articleBody":"The festive season is approaching fast and along with that comes frozen windscreens and empty wallets. We all know that car repairs can be pricey and now that we are in the run up to Christmas, wouldn\u2019t you rather spend your money on your loved ones rather than an expensive trip to the garage?In this post, we will take you through some tips to save you money on your car through Christmas and beyond.Windscreen WipersHaving a clear windscreen is extremely important to you and other road users. It\u2019s a good idea to regularly check the condition of your wipers but more importantly if you experience any of the following symptoms;Streaking WaterSqueakingSmearingOften the wiper blades will simply need a clean to prolong their life but if there are bits missing from the blade (which is an MOT failure) or a clean makes no difference then it is time to buy some new ones! For the purpose that they serve, wiper blades are inexpensive and depending on the car, they are extremely easy to fit yourself.Tyre HealthThere are very few things worse than having a flat tyre in the freezing cold, which is why you should check the condition of your wheels frequently. You should always have a spare tyre in your car and the necessary equipment to change it if necessary. Catching a problem early can save you money in breakdown recovery and time.Visual Check \u2013 Look for any bulges, cuts or lumps. If there are, take your car to a garage.Check Tyre Pressure \u2013 Under inflated tyres can cause overheating and over inflated tyres can cause poor handling. Checking your tyre pressure is as simple as going to your local petrol station and using the machine. Consult your car handbook for the correct pressures.Check Tread Depth \u2013 Checking the tread depth of your tyres is not as complicated as you may think, in fact you can do it with a twenty pence piece! Simply place the coin inside the main tread groove of your tyre. If you can see the outer band of the 20p then your tyres are approaching the legal limit and it would be best to get them checked sooner rather than later.Clean Battery ConnectionCleaning your battery every few months could be the difference between your car starting on a freezing morning or not at all. All it takes is a wire brush and some cleaning fluid or if you are feeling adventurous, a mixture of baking soda and water.Remove your battery terminals and make sure that you always remove the negative cable first.Clean the posts with a cleaning fluid that can be purchased at a car parts shop or a mixture of baking soda and water. Use a wire brush for this.Rinse off the posts with a little dash of water and dry.Replace the battery terminals.Image Sources:\u00a0uk.askmen.comwww.autoexhaustandtyres.co.uk"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"D.I.Y Car Maintenance","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/d-i-y-car-maintenance\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]