Critical Car Checks Every Drive Should Know

Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, keeping your car in top condition doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s a handful of simple checks which goes a long way in preventing breakdowns, improving road safety and saving money on repairs. Best of all, you don’t need to be a mechanic to do them.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 6 essential car checks every driver should know. These inspections can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and ensure you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way.

Check Your Oil Level

Your engine relies on oil to stay lubricated and run smoothly. Without it, metal components grind together - leading to overheating and serious engine damage.

How to Check:

1. Park on level ground and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
2. Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick – usually a brightly coloured handle labeled “Engine Oil.”
3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again.
4. Check the oil level on the dipstick. It should be between the “Min” and “Max” marks. If it’s low, top up with the correct oil type for your vehicle.

When checking, the oil should be a golden-brown or amber colour. If it’s very dark, dirty, or gritty, then it’s time for an oil change. Milky or frothy oil may indicate a more serious issue like coolant mixing with the oil. In which case please consult a mechanic.

Check Tyre Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is vital for your car’s safety, fuel efficiency and overall handling. Underinflated tyres may result in poor grip and higher fuel consumption, while overinflated ones can lead to uneven wear and a harsher ride. To get the most accurate readings, always check pressure when the tyres are cold and have been parked for at least a few hours.

How to Check:

1. Find the recommended pressure in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame (usually measured in PSI or BAR).
2. Use a tyre pressure gauge on each tyre, including the spare.
3. Compare the reading to the recommended level.
4. Inflate or deflate as needed using an air compressor at home or a service station.

Check Coolant Levels

Coolant is essential for regulating your engine’s temperature. It prevents the engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating or engine damage.

How to Check:

1. Only check coolant when the engine is cool - never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as pressurised steam can cause serious burns.
2. Open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir—usually a translucent plastic tank with “Min” and “Max” level markings.
3. The fluid should be between the two marks. If it’s low, top it up with the correct coolant type (refer to your car's manual for specifications).

When checking, please see if the coolant is usually green, orange, pink or blue. If it looks rusty, murky, or has particles in it, it might be contaminated and should be flushed and replaced. If you frequently need to top up your coolant, there may be a leak or underlying issue that requires attention from a mechanic.

Test All Lights

Your car’s lights are essential for visibility and communication with other drivers - especially at night or in poor weather. Faulty or non-working lights aren’t just dangerous; they can also result in fines.

How to Check:

• Turn on your lights one at a time: headlights (low and high beam), fog lights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights and hazard lights.
• Walk around the car to ensure each light is working properly.
• Ask a friend to help with brake and reverse lights, or park near a reflective surface (like a window or garage door) to see them yourself.

All the lights should be reasonably bright and even. If they’re dim or flickering - the bulb may be on its way out. Replace any blown bulbs promptly and check the fuses if multiple lights aren’t working.

Inspect Brake Pads

Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. Brake pads wear down over time and need regular inspection to ensure they’re still in good condition. Worn pads can reduce stopping power, increase stopping distance and damage your brake rotors.

How to Check:

1. Listen for warning signs while driving - squeaking, squealing or grinding noises when you hit the breaks often mean the pads are worn.
2. Feel the brake response - if the pedal feels spongy, vibrates, or requires more pressure than usual, it’s time to check the pads.
3. If you're comfortable doing so, look through the wheel spokes to see the brake pad. It should be at least 3mm thick. Anything thinner means it’s time for a replacement.

Uneven wear on the pads may indicate a problem with the brake system. Pulling to one side when braking could mean one pad is more worn than the other. Some vehicles also have sensors that alert you when brake pads are low.

Check Car Battery Voltage

Your car’s battery is the heart of its electrical system - powering everything from the starter motor to the lights and infotainment. Unsurprisingly, the battery failing may leave you stranded. 

How to Check:

1. Look for visible signs of battery health—check for corrosion (white or green powdery deposits) on the terminals and ensure cables are tightly connected.
2. Listen for slow engine cranking when you start the car; if the engine turns over slowly or struggles to start, your battery may be weak.
3. Use a multimeter or battery tester to measure the voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 to 13 volts.

Conclusion

For beginners, these checks might seem daunting but once you do them for a while, it will become easy. Regularly doing essential car checks can save you time, money and stress down the road. By keeping an eye on key components in your car, you’re not only protecting your vehicle’s health but also ensuring your safety and that of everyone on the road.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to take these simple steps - just a little routine care and attention can make a big difference.