5 basic car maintenance tips

• Oil: this is checked with the dipstick. If you can't find it, consult the handbook, (although some cars check the oil for you and so don't have a dipstick). With the engine warm, let the car stand with the engine off for five minutes on a level surface. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it with a clean cloth, stick it back it and remove again. Now look at the oil at the bottom; it should be between the high and low levels on the stick, clean and the colour of dark honey. If it's black, sludgy, has bits in or a white froth, you might have a problem and should go to a garage. If it's low you can top it up yourself; again, follow the instructions in the handbook to find the filler cap and get the right grade of oil.
• Coolant: this is easier to check. Most cars have a see-through reservoir under the bonnet with high and low markings, and a quick look is all that's required. Look out for puffs of white smoke from the exhaust that might mean you are burning it up.

Tip 4: Feel the pressure
Worn tyres are dangerous, and under-inflated tyres cost a fortune in extra fuel. The correct pressures are on a label usually found inside the petrol filler cap or in the area where the front door closes. Top up at least once a month, and remember to check the spare too. Get a tyre pressure gauge from somewhere like Halfords as garage air lines are notoriously inaccurate. Pick up a tyre tread depth gauge at the same time; they're only a couple of quid but you can check when your tyres are due for replacement. The legal limit is 1.6mm of tread, but consider changing them when they drop to around 2mm. While you're down there, check for any odd lumps, which indicate tyre damage and a possible blow-out on the way, and for any uneven wear on the tread, which could indicate problems with your wheel balance, steering or suspension.

Tip 5: Pit-stops without the pain
Changing a tyre is invariably a cold, wet, miserable experience. If you opt to do it yourself rather than calling the AA, four key items will make it almost tolerable. Old gloves will keep your hands warm and clean. An old sheet will keep everything else clean when you're sat on a filthy roadside, and can be used to wrap the dirty flat tyre in the boot. An old anorak will keep you dry if it's raining and you won't mind getting it dirty, and a fully-charged, powerful torch is essential. Double-check you have your locking wheel nut key, which you'll need to remove the special, odd-shaped security bolts fitted to some car tyres. Practising in the comfort of your own driveway makes it far easier; you'll also learn where the jacking points are on the underside of your car, which are near impossible to find in the dark.

For your free FordFiesta Freedom brochure, test drives and for more information go to www.fiestafreedom.co.uk.