QUIZ: How handy are you when it comes to car maintenance?

Whether you carry out your own car maintenance or get someone else to do it, it’s good to have an understanding of your car. Even if you take your car to the garage for regular services, it’s important to know what kind of work is due to be done on your car.

This can help you to identify any problems before they arise, but it’ll also stop you getting ripped off at a garage too.

Take our quiz to see how handy you are when it comes to car maintenance.

How often should you change your oil?

A. Every 10,000 miles
B. It depends on the model of car
C. It depends on how you drive
D. B and C

Which of these does NOT extend the life of your tyres?

A. Using a penny to check tread depth
B. Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure
C. Rotating your tyres
D. Keeping your wheels properly aligned

What should you do when you get a stone chip in your car windscreen?

A. Take your car to the nearest garage
B. Pull over immediately
C. Book in to get the chip filled when next convenient
D. Put your windscreen wipers on

How often should you replace your air filter?

A. Once a year
B. Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles
C. Once every ten years
D. Every 50,000 to 80,000 miles

Where should you place your jack when changing a wheel?

A. As close to the wheel as possible
B. At the rear of the car
C. In the middle of the car
D. On the frame of the car

Which of these would you not need to jack the car up to replace?

A. Air filter
B. Shocks
C. Brake pads
D. Oil filter

What colour should your brake fluid be?

A. Black
B. Medium brown
C. Clear to light yellow
D. Green

When should you replace the belts that power your alternator, power steering and cooling fans? 

A. When your engine warning light comes on
B. When the belts look greasy or glazed, are cracked, or are split
C. Once a year
D. Once every five years

How long does the average clutch last?

A. 50,000 to 100,000 miles
B. 10,000 to 20,000 miles
C. Five years
D. 25 years

Which of these is an MOT failure?

A. A radio that doesn’t work
B. No air freshener
C. A messy car
D. A windscreen crack obscuring the driver’s vision

Scroll down for the answers!

How did you do? Understanding the basics of car maintenance are key to understanding your car.

How often should you change your oil?
D - B and C

Most manuals for new cars will say you can go to 5,000 miles before having your oil and filter changed but this will drop to 3,000 miles if you drive in severe conditions.

Which of these does NOT extend the life of your tyres?
A - Using a penny to check tread depth

While using a penny is a great way to check how much life is left in your tyres, the test alone won’t prolong them.

What should you do when you get a stone chip in your car windscreen?
C - Book in to get the chip filled when next convenient

A stone chip might seem harmless but it’s best to get it filled before it turns into a crack and you need to have a windscreen replacement.

How often should you replace your air filter?
B - Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles

Your air filter should be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles but you’ll want to replace it more often if you drive off road or in dusty conditions. If you don’t drive much, your filter should be replaced every three years.

Where should you place your jack when changing a wheel?
D - On the frame of the car

When placing a jack under your car, find a part of the metal frame. This is the sturdiest place to put your jack. A suitable area is usually marked under the car.

Which of these would you not need to jack the car up to replace?
A - Air filter

The air filter can be easily replaced by lifting the bonnet of your car. All the other options require access from underneath the car.

What colour should your brake fluid be?
C - Clear to light yellow

Fresh brake fluid should be clear to light yellow or red. If your brake fluid is brown or black then it’s time to get it changed.

When should you replace the belts that power your alternator, power steering and cooling fans? 
B - When the belts look greasy or glazed, are cracked, or are split

The condition of your belts is judged by how they look. If they look like they’re on their way out with cracks or splits, then they’ll need changing.

How long does the average clutch last?
A - 50,000 to 100,000 miles

Clutch life depends on how you drive your car but most will average 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Which of these is an MOT failure?
D - A windscreen crack obscuring the driver’s vision