Grooming and quick checks

Fluids
It's a good idea to keep a regular check on the engine oil, coolant and brake-fluid levels (see The basics for more info). These are all vital and on a modern car, the engine oil and coolant levels shouldn't change much, if at all. The brake-fluid level will drop very slowly as the brake pads wear. Any sudden change in fluid levels is a warning sign of trouble.

Tyre pressures
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure is important for both safety and fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres wear out more quickly, use more fuel and don't grip as well as tyres set to the correct pressure. We know it's a dirty, boring job, but if you check pressures at least once a month, you'll be safer and save money.

Wiper blades
Wiper blades stay in top condition for only 12 to 18 months. Replace them and you'll really notice the difference next time it rains. You'll usually need to replace only the rubber-blade insert (around $9 to $15 for both blades), not the metal bits.

Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming of the upholstery and carpet will stop dirt getting ingrained and difficult to remove. Small portable vacuum cleaners plug into the cigarette lighter socket, which can be handy if you have to park out of reach of an extension lead. But many people prefer the vacuum machines at service stations - they have lots of suck.

Spray-on/brush-off upholstery cleaners are available in aerosol cans to help keep the seats clean.

Cleaning/waxing
Keeping paintwork free from road grime and bird droppings will help retain the shine. There is a myriad of cleaning and waxing products on the market. For cleaning, choose a car "shampoo". For waxing, we think the polymer sealant-type polishes are easier to use than traditional waxes.

Stone chips
These allow moisture to penetrate under the paint film, causing rust damage much larger than the chip itself. You can buy small pots or pens of touch-up paint. The pens, much like marker pens, are especially convenient. Fill the stone chip with paint using either the paint pen or a sharpened matchstick dipped into the paint. Use several small applications rather than one big blob. You can usually find the manufacturer's paint colour code on an identification plate under the bonnet.