{"id":6866,"date":"2023-03-29T13:40:35","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T12:40:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scrapcarnetwork.org\/news\/?p=6866"},"modified":"2025-02-26T06:27:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T06:27:27","slug":"4-things-you-need-to-do-after-your-cars-first-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scrapcarnetwork.org\/news\/4-things-you-need-to-do-after-your-cars-first-birthday\/","title":{"rendered":"4 things you need to do after your car\u2019s first birthday"},"content":{"rendered":"

When your car\u2019s first birthday rolls around, you might not have traditional birthday presents planned (what\u2019s it going to do with a cake, anyway?). But you can prepare the next best thing \u2013 a couple of quick maintenance tasks that will keep it running smoothly for the foreseeable future. Of course, there may come a time way down the line where you might be thinking it\u2019s time to scrap my car<\/strong><\/a>, but until then here are a few small maintenance tasks you can do after owning your car for a year to ensure it remains reliable for the year to come.<\/p>\n

Change your oil<\/h2>\n

Your car\u2019s first birthday can be useful as a memorable date to check its oil levels. Your car’s engine oil needs to be changed every three to six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Check your oil level regularly to make sure it’s not low, and if it is, add oil as needed. If you suspect that your oil is leaking from somewhere, then the first thing to do is to slot a piece of cardboard underneath where you think the leak is seeping from, and leave it overnight. Check it first thing in the morning. If it\u2019s dry, you\u2019ll probably be OK, but it\u2019s never a bad idea to check it into a garage just in case you aren\u2019t sure. Nobody wants to discover they were wrong about a leak at 70mph!<\/p>\n

Battery<\/h2>\n

Check your car’s battery for any signs of corrosion, damage, or wear. You can also take it to a mechanic for a battery test to ensure it’s holding a charge. Your car’s battery is responsible for providing the initial electrical charge needed to start the engine. If the battery is weak or dead, your car may not start, leaving you stranded. By regularly checking your car battery, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and potential safety hazards. For example, a dead battery could cause your car to stall while driving, which could be dangerous if you’re on a busy road.<\/p>\n

Check the tyres<\/h2>\n

Check the air pressure in your tyres regularly and make sure they’re wearing evenly. Rotate them every six months to ensure that they wear evenly and last longer. If left unattended for too long, a dodgy tyre can pose serious risks \u2013 not just to your wallet, but also your safety, and that of other road users around you. The most common issues can include things like tyres being underinflated or overinflated, worn out treads, cracks and punctures. A good way of ensuring your tyre tread is up to scratch is to use a 20p piece \u2013 we covered what you need to do in our post on how to prepare for an MOT test<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Assess your brakes<\/h2>\n

Check your brakes for any signs of wear, including squeaking or grinding noises. If you notice any issues, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Problems with your brakes are generally pretty obvious, but if you\u2019re concerned, then a few signs to look out for include:<\/p>\n