Top 5 Car Maintenance Tips for New Car Owners | Hexham

Top 5 Car Maintenance Tips for New Car Owners

If you've just bought your first car—or even if you've been driving for a while—keeping your motor in good shape isn't just about avoiding breakdowns, it's about protecting your investment. As a used car dealer in Hexham, I've seen it all: seized engines, blown gaskets, and tyres worn down to the cords. Most of it? Totally avoidable with basic upkeep.

Tip #1: Stick to a Proper Oil Service Routine

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. If it's not changed regularly, it breaks down, loses viscosity, and stops protecting internal components. I service all my cars every 6,000 miles with an oil and filter change as a bare minimum.

Every third oil change, I also change: the air filter, cabin filter, and fuel filter. You'd be amazed at the dirt that builds up. Most people wait for the dashboard light—by then, the oil is often completely degraded. Regular servicing is the easiest way to make sure your car runs smoother, lasts longer, and avoids expensive damage like timing chain or turbo failures.

Tip #2: Winter Tyres – A Game-Changer for UK Roads

Here in Hexham, winters last quite a few months and temperatures often drop below freezing. Here's a bold statement: a good set of winter tyres is often more effective than a 4x4 with poor tyres.

In colder months, temperatures drop below 7°C, and normal tyres begin to harden—reducing grip. Winter tyres stay soft and grippy, transforming the way your car handles in snow, slush, and icy rain.

Combine them with regular checks of your thermostat housing, which is a common weak point. It might leak slowly at first, but it's often a sign of imminent failure. Also, keep an eye on oil leaks. A minor leak now might seem harmless but left unchecked, it could starve the engine.

Tyre tip: I recommend Maxxis winter tyres—excellent grip and decent value.

Tip #3: Check Your Levels – Make It a Routine

Every two weeks, do a basic check. It'll take five minutes and could save your car.

• Coolant level: Check the reservoir (clear plastic tank near radiator). With engine cold, coolant should sit between MIN and MAX lines. Sudden drops signal leaks or head gasket issues.
• Engine oil: Use the dipstick (orange/yellow loop handle). Check with cold engine. Oil should be between MIN and MAX markers. Top up if needed with correct grade.
• Brake fluid: Small reservoir at back of engine bay. Should be light yellow near MAX line. Dark or low fluid indicates worn pads or leaks.
• Screenwash: Blue cap with windscreen symbol. Top up with proper screenwash (contains antifreeze), especially in winter.

These fluids keep your car healthy—catching issues early means you stay ahead of big bills.

Tip #4: Head Gasket Watch – The Creamy Oil Cap Test

A tell-tale sign of a failing head gasket? Pop the oil cap and check for a milky, creamy residue. It often means coolant is mixing with the oil—a serious fault that can wreck your engine if not caught early.

Other signs: Overheating, steam from exhaust, loss of coolant with no obvious leak.

If you spot any of these symptoms, get it looked at immediately. Head gaskets aren't cheap, but catching it early can make the difference between a repair and a full engine rebuild.

Tip #5: Don't Ignore Warning Lights

Modern cars are smart—but they're only useful if you listen to them. If a warning light appears on your dash, don't ignore it or cover it with tape (yes, people do).

A check engine light could be: a failing lambda sensor, a turbo overboost, or even just a loose fuel cap. Either way, it's your car saying "help me!".

A quick diagnostics check can reveal the cause and often costs less than £50. Waiting could mean a small fix turns into a major issue.

Need help with your car?

Whether you're selling your car or need honest advice about maintenance, we're here to help in Hexham and across the Tyne Valley.