From ‘treads’ to ‘timing belts’: how to speak your car’s love language

Modern life is incredibly complex. The technology that surrounds us – from the phones in our pockets to the cars that we drive – is so sophisticated that hardly any of us have the faintest idea how any of it works. Because of this, the thought of going to a garage can be pretty intimidating with most of us lacking the lingo to understand what might be wrong with our cars. To get you up to speed we’ve teamed up with Kwik Fit, whose team of trained technicians do a range of free vehicle safety checks at their network of over 600 modern and approachable garages across the UK. Whether you’re worried about your battery or the state of your tyres, once you’ve swotted up on the terms below you’ll be able to stroll into a garage confident that you can talk your car’s love language.

Tyre pressure

Over time your tyres lose pressure which means that they frequently need to be topped up with more air. The optimum tyre pressure for each car is different, depending on their weight, where the engine is, and whether they are front or rear drive. To find out the required pressure for your car, check your vehicle handbook or put your vehicle registration into Kwik Fit’s online tyre pressure checker.

Timing belt

Your timing belt is to your engine what a conductor is to an orchestra – it keeps all the moving parts in time with each other. Over time, they wear down and need to be replaced so if you’re hearing odd noises – a rattling or a slapping – that could be a worn timing belt. Make sure you get it replaced regularly – how often varies according to model and manufacturer.

Brake pads and discs

The brake pads and discs are what slows your car down when the brake pedal is applied. The discs are attached to the inside of the wheel while the pads are attached via callipers to the car itself. The brake pad is squeezed against the surface of the brake disc which rotates the wheel. This produces friction which slows the rotation of the brake disc and ultimately allows the vehicle to slow down and stop. Obviously, over time these parts get worn down, particularly the pads.

There are various things to look out for – grinding, squeaking and pulsating are all potential warning signs that your brake pads are worn down which will impact on your braking speed and potentially damage the discs. Other things to watch out for are a feeling of sponginess when you put your foot on the brake pedal, which might mean there is air in your brake lines, and if your car pulls left or right when you brake it could be a stuck caliper. Kwik Fit offers a free no-obligation brake check in which their trained technicians will assess all aspects of your car’s braking system.

Shock absorbers

Modern cars have incredibly sophisticated suspension systems which absorb the impact of potholes and other bumps in the road ensuring that the driving experience is smooth and controlled. The main component of the suspension system is the shock absorber. Unsurprisingly, these wear down over time and need to be replaced not simply for comfort – worn shock absorbers also add to your braking distance and increase tyre wear.

Engine misfire

If you feel a jerking motion when you press down on the accelerator or sluggish acceleration it might be that one of the cylinders in your engine is misfiring. In petrol engines, misfires are often caused by a worn or faulty spark plug which degrade over time and can be easily replaced.

Knowing your ‘coolant’ from your ‘calibration’ will help you drive easy

(Getty Images)

Antifreeze/engine coolant

Antifreeze and Engine Coolant are actually the same thing. They’re two names for the liquid that lowers the freezing point of water in your car engine’s radiator, which stops it from packing up in the winter months (it also has anti corrosion inhibitors to reduce corrosion built up in the system). But that doesn’t mean you can forget it about during the summer months: it also has a higher boiling point which keeps your engine cool and running smoothly. Before you top yours up make sure you’ve got the right sort – there are five different types. The system is pressurised which raises the boiling point – so only check the level when the engine is cold or it can spray out and cause burns. If you’re in any doubt ask your local Kwik Fit centre for advice.

ADAS calibration

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS for short, is the collective name given to describe a growing range of features that help you drive more safely. Depending on the system ADAS can advise the driver on safety issues like drifting out of lane, or objects stopped in front. Some systems will even take control of the vehicle if the drive fails to act, applying brakes or steering input to help avoid an accident. In some circumstances vehicle maintenance or repairs will mean that your ADAS system will need recalibrating by a professional. Kwik Fit offer the service at selected centres.

Dipstick

Engine oil is vital to the smooth-running of your engine, so it’s key to make sure you keep it topped up. To check your level you need to find your car’s dipstick. Some cars have a dipstick as part of the electronic driver display but you’re likely to be looking for a yellow or an orange ring pull under the bonnet – which you dip into the oil pan. If it’s below the minimum level be sure to fill it up with the correct oil. Most engines require specific oil to ensure correct operation of emissions control systems and the engine itself – wrong oil can be costly so if you’re not sure which is right for your car, the trained technicians at your local Kwik Fit will be able to help.

Longer trips require a looked-after car, so ensure you’re well versed in its love language

(Getty Images)

Battery start-stop systems

Battery failure is the leading cause of breakdowns in the UK, which is not surprising given the intense use they get every time you drive your car. Batteries suffer wear when exposed to intense heat in the summer, but have to work hardest when the weather gets cold, so it's best to get them checked before the worst of the cold weather hits if you're in doubt. Modern vehicles with start-stop systems rely even more on the battery so keep a close eye on it - if you notice that your vehicle isn't switching off and restarting automatically like it used to this could be a warning sign that the battery is starting to struggle. If you’re in doubt Kwik Fit offer a free battery health check.

Tread

The tread of a tyre is the rubber on its circumference that touches the ground – it gives the wheels their grip, improving your braking distance and making aquaplaning less likely in wet conditions. Legally the tread needs to be 1.6mm deep, but most experts recommend changing tyres at 3mm, as stopping distances significantly increase below 3mm. It’s easy to check your tyre’s condition: put a 20p piece into the tread and if you can see the outer edge of the coin then it’s time to get the tyre replaced. If you are not sure or don’t feel comfortable checking your tyres, Kwik Fit offer a free tyre check.

EV cooling systems

In some electric vehicles the air conditioning system isn’t there simply to keep you cool on a hot day – on some models it is also essential in ensuring that your battery stays at the correct temperature and therefore it’s vital that you get it regularly serviced. Kwik Fit have more than 300 electric vehicle trained centres across the UK who can carry out services and maintenance on EV models. Find your nearest one here.

With over 600 centres UK-wide, Kwik Fit are committed to helping keep your car running smoothly all year round. If you think your vehicle might need a little extra TLC, pop into your local Kwik Fit for their free vehicle safety check. Click here to find out more