Neglect and be damned

Motoring experts warn that regular maintenance is a vital element of vehicle ownership that can end up saving motorists money.

Your vehicle is subjected to all sorts of climatic conditions, especially at this time of the year, and so it is even more important to ensure it remains in good condition.

It is not just a matter of common sense and safety on the road, but regular maintenance checks can head- off potentially more expensive repairs down the road.

The checks can also avoid upheaval when the vehicle breaks down at the most inopportune moment, causing family and friends maximum inconvenience.

So to help avoid possible future costs, there are a few quick checks owners can make to improve the chances of trouble- free motoring.

For a start, a quick vacuum of the interior will heighten the pleasure of driving. Straightening and securing the floor mats will stop them scrunching up and getting caught under the pedals.

Check the carpets to ensure there are no unseen leaks, or that air- conditioning drain hoses have not become disconnected or split.

It pays to check the door hinges, and if there are squeaks or stiffness, a lubricant spray can help sort the problem out.

Motorists should also check that all the windows are operating correctly. Some people use their back seats only rarely, and so the rear windows especially can become clogged or jammed.

On the outside, features such as the side mirrors and plastic protective covering should be checked to ensure they have not worked loose.

Better a preventive check than have them falling off and disrupting a winter road trip.

The hubcaps should also be checked, especially if they are held on by plastic clips that can degrade over time.

A quick check of the boot should ensure there is no water sitting in the spare wheel well, or elsewhere on the floor of the car.

Once again that check could head- off serious corrosion issues that could eventually force the vehicle off the road.

The windscreen should also be checked for chips or potential cracks that can be repaired at a time that suits the owner rather than creating havoc at the most inconvenient time.

None of these preventive checks will take much time but will help ensure your motoring continues to be a pleasure rather than a painful chore.

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