Keeping your vehicle in top condition isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, performance, and avoiding costly repairs. With Bristol’s busy traffic and unpredictable weather, regular car care and maintenance are more important than ever.
At Chandler Motor Company, we specialize in Peugeot maintenance and general car care, helping drivers keep their vehicles in peak condition. In this guide, we’ll share 10 essential car care tips to help you extend your car’s lifespan and ensure a smooth, safe drive every time.
📖 Table of Contents
- 🔧 Find a Trusted Mechanic
- 🛠️ Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
- 💧 Check Your Fluids
- 🔋 Take Care of Your Battery
- 🚘 Keep Your Tyres in Good Condition
- ⚠️ Take Care of Your Brakes
- 🌦️ Protect Your Car from the Elements
- 👂 Pay Attention to Warning Signs
- 📅 Know Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
- 📝 Keep Records of Your Maintenance
🔧 Find a Trusted Mechanic
Choosing a reliable, experienced mechanic is crucial to keeping your car in top shape.
✅ Look for a Peugeot specialist if you drive a Peugeot.
✅ Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
✅ Ensure the garage has certified technicians and uses genuine parts.
🛠️ Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Regular servicing prevents minor issues from turning into expensive repairs.
📅 Follow your car’s service schedule (check the owner’s manual).
🛠️ Have oil changes, filter replacements, and general inspections done on time.
🔍 A professional inspection helps identify hidden problems before they get worse.
💡 Pro Tip: A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient and lasts longer!
💧 Check Your Fluids
Your car’s fluids are like its lifeblood—neglecting them can lead to major damage.
💦 Check oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid regularly.
🚗 Low fluid levels can cause overheating, poor braking, and mechanical failure.
📖 Follow your owner’s manual for correct fluid levels and top-up schedules.
🔋 Take Care of Your Battery
A dead battery can leave you stranded. Here’s how to avoid it:
✔️ Test your battery’s charge level regularly.
✔️ Clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
✔️ Replace the battery every 3-5 years to avoid unexpected failure.
⚠️ Warning Sign: If your car struggles to start, your battery may need replacing.
🚘 Keep Your Tyres in Good Condition
Your tyres impact fuel efficiency, safety, and handling.
🔹 Check tyre pressure monthly and before long trips.
🔹 Ensure your tyre tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
🔹 Rotate your tyres every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear.
💡 Pro Tip: Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and reduce handling!
⚠️ Take Care of Your Brakes
Your brakes are your first line of defense—never ignore them.
✔️ Check brake pads and discs for wear and tear.
✔️ Listen for squeaking or grinding noises—they indicate worn brake pads.
✔️ Make sure your brake fluid is topped up and free from contamination.
🚨 If your brake warning light comes on, book an inspection immediately!
🌦️ Protect Your Car from the Elements
Bristol’s rain, snow, and UV rays can damage your car’s exterior and interior.
☀️ Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
🌧️ Park in a garage or shaded area to reduce sun damage.
🚗 Use protective covers if your car is parked outside for long periods.
👂 Pay Attention to Warning Signs
🚗 Unusual noises, smells, or dashboard warning lights can signal a problem.
🔹 Strange smells? Could indicate fluid leaks or electrical issues.
🔹 Grinding or knocking noises? Might mean engine or brake problems.
🔹 Dashboard warning lights? Get a professional diagnostic check ASAP.
💡 Act fast! Small problems can turn into costly repairs if ignored.
📅 Know Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Every car has a manufacturer-recommended service schedule—stick to it!
✅ Oil changes are needed every 5,000-10,000 miles.
✅ Tyre rotations should be done every 6 months.
✅ Brake checks should be performed annually.
📝 Keep Records of Your Maintenance
Keeping a service history log helps you:
✔️ Track when parts were replaced.
✔️ Improve your car’s resale value.
✔️ Identify recurring issues before they become serious problems.
💡 Pro Tip: Many drivers use apps or simple notebooks to track maintenance!
📞 Contact Chandler Motor Company for Expert Car Care
At Chandler Motor Company, we provide expert Peugeot servicing and general car maintenance.
📍 Visit our workshop in Bristol or Book a Service Online.
📞 Call us at 0117 971 6070 for expert advice and appointments.
🚗 Drive smarter—keep your car in top shape with Chandler Motor Company!