How to look after your second-hand car

If you’re reading this, congratulations are in order - you are now a proud owner of a second-hand car! But with your new purchase comes new responsibilities, ones which as a car owner should never be overlooked.

• Keep it clean, and look for early signs of rust

  If you drive your car off-road, it is important to make sure it is cleaned thoroughly to avoid corrosion or unnecessary damage. (This applies to both the outside and the inside!)  

  Vehicles with damaged body paint can increase their risk of corrosion or weather-damage - so by removing any dust and dirt early you are also maintaining the body work of your car for the long-run.  

• Check your tyres regularly

  Did you know under-inflated tyres can over-work your car, engine and put unnecessary pressure on your suspensions?  

  If you feel the grip of your tires is not what it used to be, it is recommended you consult your garage for a tyre check. This may be a sign you need a complete tyre change – and if not picked up may impact both the longevity and safety of your vehicle.  

• Inspect your oil and fluids

  You know what they say - prevention is better than cure. To avoid any unnecessary pay-outs, we recommend checking your oil and fluids regularly alongside following the manufacturer’s servicing schedule.  

  There are four other fluids that should be checked regularly to ensure they are at the correct levels: engine coolant, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid and power steering fluid. These fluids play their part in not just keeping your vehicle running smoothly, but also help reduce gas consumption. 

  By staying on top of these, you can hopefully prevent any avoidable issues down the line. 

  If you are unsure at any point, you can always pop to your nearest SLM branch and have your car checked up by us.

• Spot the red flags early

  Is your car taking longer to break? Is the clutch feeling loose when changing gear? Are some functionalities working sparingly? If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to call your garage.  

  All those small changes in your driving experience should be raised and dealt with at the earliest possible time to avoid high-cost or a complete write off.  

• Enjoy your second-hand car! 

  Although the life expectancy of second-hand cars will vary from owner to owner, there is no harm in sticking to a maintenance habit to keep your car safer and valid for longer.  

  If you have any questions or need assistance with your second-hand car, get in touch with our professionals or visit your local SLM Group for extra help.