Car maintenance checklist

Whether it happens at home or out and about, a flat battery can be a real inconvenience. But don't panic, there's a few ways you can get your battery back up and running again. If you're at home, you can use a battery charger to top up the power, but if you're out and about, it's best to use some jump leads or a jump starter.

How do jump lead works - Jump leads work by transferring power from a working battery to a flat battery. For this method, you'll need another car with a charged battery and a pair of jump leads.

How does a jump starter work? - With a jump starter, you don't need another car. These transfer power from a power pack to your car's battery.

Jumpstart safety - Working with batteries can be dangerous, so it's important to follow the instructions included with your jump leads or jump starter. Incorrect connection of jump leads can cause damage to you and the electronics of your car. You should never try to jump-start a damaged or leaking battery.

Even if you haven't driven your car for a while, it's still a good idea to check the pressure and condition of your tyres.

2.1. How to check tyre pressure check out the tyre inflator

You can usually find the correct tyre pressure for your car in the manual, handbook or a manufacturer's sticker somewhere on the bodywork. To check your tyre pressures at home, you'll need a tyre inflator with a pressure gauge.

These are great pieces of kit that tell you the current pressure and then let you inflate the tyre back to the correct pressure. To apply the inflator, you simply remove the valve from your tyre and attached it to the inflator. 

Before you set off, check the condition of the tyres to make sure there's a suitable amount of tread, and that there aren't any scuffs or bumps on the tyre or rims.

If you want to change a tyre at home, or fit the spare, you'll need to invest in a car jack. This lift the car off the ground, allowing you to remove the existing tyre.

Got a warning light and not sure what it means? A code reader or diagnostic tool can help identify exactly what the problem is before you take your car to a garage.

Give your headlights and brake lights a quick check over before you set off to make sure they're still working. You don't want it to be dark before you realize you've got light out.

When your car is idle, the handbrake is left on for an extended period of time. This can sometimes cause the brake pads to get stuck to the discs, even when you try to pull away.

You can avoid this risk by leaving it in gear instead and regularly moving your car, even just slightly backward and forwards. If you have any concerns with the condition of your brakes, it's always best to seek professional help.

Not only could your screen be dirty from sitting idle, but you may be unaware of how much or how little screenwash is left in the bottle.

8. Cleanliness (Checkout our vacuum cleaner)

Inside and out, your car may be in need of a quick clean before you set off. Whether it's food wrappers, drink bottles or unsavory stains on the paintwork or windows, it's always much nice to set off with a clean car.