Hands on Help

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine; without it your car wouldn't be able to operate. In fact, running your car or van low on oil can cause catastrophic damage, which translates to a hefty repair bill.

It's perfectly normal for your vehicle to burn engine oil over time, especially as it gets older. This is why it's essential that you ensure the oil level is topped-up between services.

It's also important that you buy the correct oil for your vehicle, which will be outlined in your vehicle's handbook. We would recommend investing in a funnel, because it prevents any potential spillages.

Brake fluid is an integral part of your vehicle's braking system, meaning it's important to regularly change it (typically every two years) and ensure it's not running low.

In this video, we show you how to check your vehicle's brake fluid levels, and how to top up the reservoir if it's low. 

It's important to note that if your brake fluid needs topping up regularly, then you may have a fault with your vehicle, in which case it's important to get it looked over by a trained technician immediately.

Wiper blades aren't the most interesting part of a car or van, but they play an integral role by keeping you safe when driving in the rain. So, it makes perfect sense to ensure your vehicle's wiper blades are performing as they should.

Over time, the rubber on a wiper blade will deteriorate, sometimes to the point where it will start to come away from the blade itself. In addition, as they come towards the end of their working life, you may notice they smear water on your windscreen; far from ideal or safe.

Wiper blades that are excessively worn are deemed an MOT failure, which is just another reason to get them changed.

Your vehicle's air conditioning is great isn't it? Turn it on, choose a temperature, and then bask in a sea of comfort as it cools you down during peak summer.

However, your air conditioning requires servicing just like the rest of your vehicle. It the air con has stopped working, then it could be something simple like a re-gas is needed; or it could be faulty component within the system itself.

In this tutorial, we demonstrate how you can check your vehicle's air conditioning. Remember, if you aren't sure, then you can book yourself in for a free health check at any of our Evans Halshaw retailers.

Your vehicle's tyres are the only thing keeping you on the road, so it's essential that include them as part of any checks you do. We recommend checking the tyres on your vehicle at least once a month to ensure they are in good condition.

In this video tutorial we show you how to perform a basic check on your tyres, where you should be looking at the tread depth and tyre pressure. We also advise looking for any premature wear that could be caused by incorrect wheel alignment.

For the tyre's on your vehicle to offer optimal grip, fuel efficiency, and safety, it is important that you ensure their internal pressure meet the specifications that have been set by your vehicle's manufacturer (this info can be found in your handbook).

Low tyre pressures can cause premature wear if left unattended. In addition, the vehicle won't be able to corner as well as it should do or stop effectively, which increases your chance of having an accident.

If you haven't got one, we recommend investing in an electric tyre pump. They are inexpensive to buy and make tyre maintenance much easier than a traditional manual pump.

Getting a flat tyre that has been caused by a puncture is one of the potential hazards of driving we can't avoid. And there's nothing worse than being stuck at the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance to come and help you out.

However, this video tutorial shows you how to change your wheel using the tools that come with your spare wheel (where applicable) so that you can get the job done yourself and get on your way again.

Please remember that the video is a basic tutorial, and that you should examine your vehicle's handbook to identify the correct jacking points and procedures before undertaking the task for yourself.

Ensuring the tyres on your vehicle have enough tread on them is essential for safety and ensuring you aren't breaking the law. The legal minimum for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, although we highly recommend changing tyres once they hit the 3mm mark.

For this video tutorial, we show you how to check the tyre tread depth on your vehicle using a depth gauge, which is an inexpensive tool that can be bought from a variety of online marketplaces.

Note: Motorists are liable for a fine of up to £2,500 per illegal tyre on their car, plus three points on their license. In short, don't risk it.