Stick to a Proper Oil Service Routine

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, I’ve seen it all: seized engines, blown gaskets, and tyres worn down to the cords. Most of it? Totally avoidable with a bit of basic upkeep.

Here are my top 5 essential maintenance tips every new car owner should know — and they’ll save you a fortune in the long run.

Let’s be clear — oil is the lifeblood of your engine. If it’s not changed regularly, it breaks down, loses viscosity, and stops protecting the internal components. Personally, I service all of 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, The cabin filter and the fuel filter

You’d be amazed at the amount of 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.

Winter Tyres – A Game-Changer for UK Roads

Here in Hexham, we have winters which last quite a few months, weather tends to get 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. Catching these early through seasonal inspections will save you a tow truck callout and a red-faced breakdown.

Also, keep an eye on oil leaks. A minor leak now might seem harmless but left unchecked, it could starve the engine and lead to catastrophic failure.

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

Check Your Levels – Make It a Routine

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

Coolant level – Drop here might indicate a leak or early head gasket issue.

Where to look: Locate the coolant reservoir, usually a clear plastic tank near the radiator. It’ll have "MIN" and "MAX" lines clearly marked.

How to check: With the engine cold, the coolant should sit between the two lines. If it’s low, top up with the correct coolant mix (never plain water). A sudden drop in coolant level could signal a leak or early signs of a head gasket failure.What to watch for: Milky residue on the oil cap, Sweet smell near engine bay and damp patches under the car


Engine oil level – Top up if needed, and look for sudden drops.

Where to look: Find the dipstick – usually a bright orange or yellow loop handle.

How to check: Make sure the engine is cold or has been off for 10–15 minutes.Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. Check that the oil is between the "MIN" and "MAX" markers. If it’s low, top it up with the correct grade of oil (listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil cap). Keep an eye on the colour too — thick black oil can mean it’s overdue a change.


Brake fluid – Low fluid could mean worn pads or a leak.- Brake Fluid – Small Reservoir, Big Job

Where to look: The brake fluid reservoir is usually at the back of the engine bay, near the driver’s side, with a tight screw cap.

How to check: The fluid should be light yellow and sit near the “MAX” line. If it’s dark or low, it could indicate: Worn brake pads, A leak in the brake system Or even a failing master cylinder. Never ignore this — low brake fluid can lead to complete brake failure.


Screenwash – Keep it topped up, especially in winter.- Screenwash – Stay Safe and Legal

Where to look: The screenwash reservoir has a blue cap with a windscreen symbol.

How to check: Top it up regularly, especially in winter. Make sure to use proper screenwash fluid, not just water — it contains antifreeze agents to stop it freezing in the lines and helps clean grime from the windscreen.These fluids keep your car healthy — and catching any issues early means you stay ahead of the big bills.

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 the 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.

Don’t Ignore Warning Lights – They’re Not Decorations

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.