How to look after your car after a holiday

The holiday is over, and the car has covered hundreds or thousands of kilometres fully loaded, in the heat, on motorways and dirt roads. For you it was a rest; for the car it was hard work.

Autumn and winter are also on the way, with rain, mud and road salt. A little maintenance now will help avoid breakdowns in the cold season.

What you will need

• WD-40 Multi-Use
• WD-40 Specialist Penetrant for seized wheel bolts
• WD-40 Specialist Silicone for seals
• WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease for hinges and locks
• engine oil recommended by the car maker and a funnel
• clean dry cloth, water, car shampoo
• tyre pressure gauge

Step 1

Check the fluid levels

Start with the basics: engine oil, coolant and screen wash. After a long drive in the heat their levels may have dropped noticeably. Top up coolant only with the same type that is already in the system.

While you are there, look for leaks around the engine and hoses.

Step 2

Inspect the brakes

Mountain roads and a full load put a heavy strain on brakes. Check pad thickness, the condition of the discs and the brake fluid level. If the brakes squeal, vibrate or the pedal feels softer, see a mechanic without delay.

Step 3

Check tyres and wheels

Look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear, and check tread depth and pressure. Swap a damaged wheel for the spare or visit a tyre shop.

If the wheel bolts have seized, apply WD-40 Specialist Penetrant, wait a few minutes and undo them. Do not lubricate the bolt threads when refitting; tighten to the torque in the manual.

Step 4

Check the engine oil and change it if due

Let the engine cool. Pull out the dipstick slowly, wipe it, push it fully back in and pull it out again. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, top up through a funnel with the oil the manufacturer recommends.

If the holiday added a lot of kilometres, compare the mileage with the oil change interval in the owner's manual and change the oil and filter if due.

Step 5

Wash the car and get it ready for autumn

Wash the body and underside thoroughly: sand, sea salt, tar and insects damage paint. Remove tar and sap residue with WD-40 Multi-Use on a soft cloth.

After washing, treat door and boot seals with WD-40 Specialist Silicone and lubricate hinges and locks with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease. Protect exposed metal under the bonnet and the battery terminals from autumn damp with WD-40 Multi-Use.

What next

Do this check after every major trip. Before the first frosts, add a switch to winter tyres and a battery test so the cold season passes without trouble.

These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.

More guides in «How to use».