When it comes to keeping your car in good shape, most drivers remember the obvious things—changing the oil, filling up the washer fluid, maybe even checking the tyre pressure before a long trip. But there are plenty of small yet important maintenance tasks that tend to slip through the cracks. Forgetting them might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time they can cost you extra money, lead to breakdowns, or even shorten your car’s life.
Let’s go through a few of the most commonly forgotten tasks that every Aussie driver should keep on top of.
1. Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
We’ve all had that moment—rain starts pouring down, you flick the wipers on, and they just smear water across the glass like a toddler finger-painting. Old, cracked, or worn-out blades can be a real hazard, especially during Melbourne’s unpredictable weather or Sydney’s summer storms. Wiper blades should generally be swapped out once a year, but many drivers don’t think about them until visibility becomes dangerously bad.
2. Checking Tyre Tread Depth
Most drivers remember to put air in their tyres but forget to check the tread depth. Bald or uneven tyres can make stopping distances longer and reduce grip, especially on wet roads. A quick way to check is the 20-cent coin test—if you pop the coin in and can see the platypus bill, it’s time to think about new tyres.
3. Flushing Brake Fluid
Brakes are one of the most vital safety systems on your car, but brake fluid often gets ignored. Over time, it absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness, which can lead to spongy brakes. Mechanics recommend flushing brake fluid about every two years, but many people never do it until they’ve already had a scare on the road.
4. Replacing the Cabin Air Filter
It’s easy to forget this one because it doesn’t affect how your car runs. But the cabin filter is what keeps dust, pollen, and pollutants from blowing straight into your face through the vents. In cities like Brisbane or Melbourne, where traffic and pollution are part of daily life, a clogged filter can make your car feel stuffy and even affect your air conditioning.
5. Checking the Spare Tyre
Plenty of drivers keep a spare tyre in the boot but never check it until they actually need it. The problem? By then, it’s usually flat or cracked from age. Giving it a quick check every couple of months ensures you won’t be left stranded in the middle of nowhere with a useless spare.
6. Cleaning the Battery Terminals
Car batteries don’t last forever, but sometimes it’s not the battery itself that’s the issue—it’s the corrosion around the terminals. A simple clean with a wire brush or even some bicarb soda and water can extend battery life and save you from that dreaded click-click noise when you try to start the car.
7. Rotating Tyres
Most people just replace tyres when they wear out, but rotating them every 10,000 km or so can make them last much longer. It evens out wear and helps your car handle better. Forgetting to rotate can mean buying new tyres sooner than you need to.
Why These Little Things Matter
Skipping small maintenance jobs doesn’t always cause immediate problems, which is why they’re easy to overlook. But over time, they add up. A clogged air filter makes your A/C work harder. Worn wipers reduce visibility. Neglected brake fluid could affect stopping power. The good news? Most of these jobs are inexpensive and quick if you get them done regularly.
Wrapping It Up
Staying on top of your car’s maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By remembering these often-overlooked tasks, you can avoid headaches down the track, save money on bigger repairs, and keep your car safer on Aussie roads. Think of it as giving your car a little TLC—it’ll thank you by running smoother and lasting longer.
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Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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