A well maintained car is more likely to last for many years, and performing basic checks on your vehicle on a regular basis could be time well spent if it means spotting potential problems before they become more serious and expensive to fix. Most drivers are aware of the importance of keeping their cars in good condition, but there can still be confusion when it comes to certain aspects that need to be checked more frequently.

Your car's maintenance requirements will be informed by factors such as its make, model and age, as well as how regularly you use it and your own driving behaviour, but there are many aspects of car maintenance common to most vehicles. Reading your car owner's manual is recommended for all motorists to gain a basic understanding of how their vehicles work, as this will make identifying problems if something goes wrong, and following the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule, far easier.

A car's fluids generally need to be replaced more frequently than other components, and this will involve periodically checking levels of engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant and topping these up when necessary. Fluids may evaporate in the summer or freeze in the winter, making visual inspections important throughout the year.

Tyres also need replacing periodically, and you should learn how to spot overly worn tyres and uneven wear that could mean the tyres need replacing. Windscreen wipers should be checked too, as if these components fail, this could lead to the driver's visibility being significantly impaired, or the windscreen glass becoming scratched. Wiper blades are inexpensive to buy, and can usually be easily clipped into place once the old ones are removed.

Brakes are one of the most important systems to check, which will involve inspecting your brake pads as well as testing the brakes response times. If you feel there is a delay between the pedal being pressed and the brakes activating, or you hear any unusual sounds such as screeching when brakes are deployed, you should arrange some form of car servicing as soon as possible, otherwise you could be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk.

Car maintenance doesn't just involve the vehicle's mechanical systems either - you should also take care of your car's outward appearance with regular cleaning and waxing, as this will help to preserve its value if you decide to sell it in the future.

Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.