SiCanFixIt

Car

Simple checks you can do on your driveway. Five minutes now can save a breakdown later.

Check your tyre pressure

What you’ll need

  • Tyre pressure gauge (or a garage air machine)
  • Your car handbook or the sticker inside the driver’s door/fuel flap

Step by step

  1. Check when tyres are cold – ideally before driving or after under a couple of miles.
  2. Look up the recommended pressure for your load (shown in PSI or bar).
  3. Remove the valve cap and press the gauge firmly on the valve.
  4. Add air if low; let some out by pressing the valve pin if high.
  5. Refit the cap and repeat for every tyre, including the spare if you have one.
When to call a pro: If a tyre keeps losing pressure, it may have a puncture or a faulty valve – get it checked at a tyre centre.

Check tyre tread depth

What you’ll need

  • 20p coin or a tread depth gauge

Step by step

  1. The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round.
  2. Insert a 20p coin into the main grooves.
  3. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread may be close to or below the limit – check with a proper gauge.
  4. Check several points around each tyre and look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear.
When to call a pro: If tread is low, or you spot bulges or cuts – replace the tyre promptly.

Check and top up engine oil

⚠ Safety: Engines and exhausts get very hot. Never remove the coolant cap when the engine is warm.

What you’ll need

  • Kitchen roll or a rag
  • The correct oil for your car (see handbook)
  • Funnel

Step by step

  1. Park on level ground and wait for the engine to be cool, or at least several minutes after turning off.
  2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, push it fully back in and pull it out again.
  3. The oil should sit between the min and max marks.
  4. If low, add a little at a time through the oil filler cap, wait a minute and recheck. Don’t overfill.
When to call a pro: If you’re topping up often, see blue smoke, or the oil warning light comes on.

Change a wiper blade

⚠ Safety: Only ever lift a car on firm, level ground with the handbrake on, and never get under a car supported only by a jack – use axle stands.

What you’ll need

  • Correct replacement blades (check size for your car)

Step by step

  1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen – put a towel on the glass in case it snaps back.
  2. Press the release tab where the blade meets the arm and slide the old blade off.
  3. Slide the new blade on until it clicks.
  4. Lower the arm gently and test the wipers.
When to call a pro: If the wipers move slowly or don’t park properly, the motor or linkage may need attention.