Car maintenance is an essential part of owning a car. Maintenance definition - Activity involved in maintaining something in good working order.   Many aspects of the modern car have evolved over time. However, regular maintenance is still essential. Here are some pointers that will get you started with some of the basics.    1. Wheels & Tyres Where your vehicle connects to the road. An often neglected area that is until you have a puncture! a. Pressures - Always check every 2-3 weeks. Weather changes can have a massive difference on this. Although every wheel/tyre setup requires it's own specific pressure. If you are unsure, check the handbook. As a guide, 30 PSI all round & don't forget the spare. b. Tread depth should be checked to make sure your tyres are not illegal. Uneven tyre wear (park your car with the steering wheel on full lock to easily check front tyres) can mean worn suspension bushes or you needing an alignment. d. Check the bolts or nuts you have holding your wheels on are tight. Another top tip is to keep a spare set of nuts/bolts for one wheel with your spare wheel.  There is no such thing as universal wheel bolts or nuts.   2. Brakes Allows you to stop safely, worn pads & discs can mean poor braking and even a vibration on braking. Low fluid and not having it changed every two years can mean poor response when applying the pedal. a. Easy to check brakes by a quick visual of  looking through the wheels is your first port of call. Along with the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay for level of fluid. b. From there, if your brakes are not working sharply and pulling you up straight. Any qualified mechanic will be able to identify where the problem lies.   3. Engine bay There are many complicated areas of the engine bay. However there are some simple checks that should be done every two weeks. Always make sure the engine is switched off.  A tip when you take a cap off to top up a fluid, do not rest the cap in the engine bay where it can fall down and be lost. a. Oil level check using the dipstick. Top up if necessary. Note that there are many different types of oils and there is no such thing as a universal oil for all engines. Check your handbook for the correct type required. b. Coolant in the expansion tank. Never open this when the engine is hot. Again, there are different types of coolants and you must use the correct type by checking your handbook. The wrong type can damage the seals, water pump and engine block. There is no such thing as a universal coolant.  Coolant is just as important in the summer as winter. Coolant lubricates the water pump internals and will prevent overheating compared to using just water. c. Brake fluid. Check this and again if it needs topping up, check the handbook for the correct type as there is no such thing as universal brake fluid. d. Power steering. Check and top up if necessary. Again, check you have the correct type. e. Washer fluid. Use proper auto washer fluid and not household washing up liquid. Auto windscreen washer fluid will not freeze up in the winter and will not damage the cars paintwork.   The handbook to your car will have all the detailed features on regular maintenance which is specific to your model. Aim to have your car serviced every 6 months. When giving your car to a garage/qualified mechanic. Ask them to talk you through what they will check and what work will be done.