What to Regularly Check on Your Car

Regular care can support performance and give you added peace of mind.

Published: 14 Jan 2021 Last updated: 03 Jul 2026 3 mins read

Key points:

  • Regular checks can help you feel more confident every time you drive.

  • Staying on top of basics can support safety and smoother performance.

  • A little effort now can help you avoid bigger issues later.

  • Keeping your car in good shape can help you make every day driving more reliable. 

Small steps that can help you stay on top of car care

Bob Flavin has spent the last ten years test driving and reviewing cars. Bob sat down with us to share his best car maintenance tips so you can avoid unnecessary costs and stay safe on the road at all times. In episode three of this series, Bob discusses the checks you need to carry out every four to six weeks.

Watch episdoe three:

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Transcript 

00:00:00 Music playing in the background throughout the video

Bob Flavin

My name is Bob Flavin and I am a huge car enthusiast. Having spent the last 10 years reviewing cars, test driving cars and interviewing motorists for my Youtube channel, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way. If you want to keep your car in good condition, here are 3 things you should do every 4 to 6 weeks.

00:00:17 On screen

Tip one - Keep an eye on your tyre pressure

Bob Flavin

Firstly, keep an eye on your tyre pressure. I can’t emphasis enough the importance of keeping your tyres in good condition. Having the correct tyre pressure is vital to your safety on the road, as your car needs to support not only its own weight, but the weight of the passengers inside your car. Required tyre pressure varies from model to model, so you need to check your manufacturer’s handbook for details.

00:00:40 On screen

Tip two - Check your tyre tread depth

Bob Flavin

Secondly check your tyre tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in Ireland is 1.6mm, although I would recommend having at least 3mm but keep between 8mm and 4mm for maximum safety. Tyres deteriorate naturally when exposed to heat, sunlight, rain and just general weathering. Tyre degradation can depend on the amount of exposure and the severity of the weather, so it’s a good idea to regularly check your tyres to make sure that they have the required tread depth.

00:01:06 On screen

Tip three: Check the air filter in your car

Bob Flavin

Next is the air filter in your car. It’s important to check your filter as often as it is indicated in your manufacturer’s manual. This will improve the air flow and quality of air in your car. It will also keep odours at bay too. Not only this, but a clean air filter will reduce the emissions from your car. You may be able to change the filter yourself, just check your cars manufacturers manual to be certain.

00:01:30 Finish.

Tip one – Regularly check your tyre pressure

Your car needs to safely support you and your passengers on the road, and properly inflated tyres are the key to this.

Bob advises following your car manufacturer’s handbook to find the optimum tyre pressure for your car, because it varies from model to model.

Always keep your handbook stored safely in your car for reference. Here are ten other car necessities you should have to hand for any occasion that might pop up along your journey.

Tip two – Check your tyre tread depth

Your car’s tyres naturally get worn down driving in both normal and harsher weather conditions. The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but Bob advises having a depth of at least 3mm to ensure your safety while on the road, with somewhere between 4mm and 8mm being optimal.

While you’re here, why not get the full low down on tyre safety.

Tip three - Check your car’s air filter

Bob’s last tip on what to regularly check in your car is your air filter. You can find out how often this should be changed in your car manufacturer’s handbook. This will keep the air circulating in your car clean and odourless. Not only that, but a clean air filter will help reduce the emissions from your car. Your handbook will guide you on whether you can change the air filter yourself or need to seek the help of a mechanic.

Here’s everything else going on under the bonnet of your car, just in case you want a refresh.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages, where Bob will be revealing more tips and advice on car maintenance.

The days are getting darker earlier now, and driving in the dark can present more hazards, so be extra cautious every time you get behind the wheel. Make sure to have a look at our top tips for fighting driver fatigue this winter.

At Aviva, safe drivers save more so get 15% off car insurance when you buy online¹. Get your quote today.

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