Basic maintenance of our car is essential to keep it running in good order. Basic checks can increase fuel economy, reliability and safety.

Here are a few of the things that we regard as essential checks you should make regularly.

Oil Level - Oil is absolutely essential in any engine. The smart, with its relatively small oil capacity means that even a small loss of oil reduces the capacity by a large percentage, meaning the engine may run hotter. Checking it may appear daunting to some people, but really it's pretty straight forward. See our guide 'Checking the Oil Level'.

Tyre Pressures - Underinflated tyres don't only increase fuel consumption but they pose a safety hazard, handling will be affected, tyres run hotter due to the flexing sidewall and are more likely to blow-out due to the increased heat. Checking pressures is also relatively easy either at a petrol station, or with a simple low-cost pressure gauge. 'Checking Tyre Pressures'

Tyre Tread Depths - The minimum limit is 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band throughout the central ¾ of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre. However, this is the absolute minimum required by law. Some places suggest replacement at 3mm to ensure the tyre performs well during wet weather driving. This is also our opinion, and we will note your tread depths on your service sheet. We don't fit tyres, so have nothing to gain by trying to get you to change them sooner. 'Howto Check Tread Depths'

Antifreeze / Coolant Level - The level of coolant on a modern car such as the Smart should not alter significantly between services, however leaks can and do occur. Typically a slow coolant leak would result in a slowly dropping level (easily spotted if you make regular checks) without any other symptoms until the level drops below the level at which air is introduced into the cooling system. This in our experience usually results in overheating suddenly in the Smart car. So checking is important! The mixture of antifreeze is checked during a service, and as such shouldn't need checking between services unless it has been topped up with water. 'Howto Check Antifreeze Level'.

Brake Fluid Level - Ideally when all brake pads, shoes, discs and pads are new, the level of the brake fluid should read "maximum". As the shoes and pads wear, the level will drop towards the minimum mark. However it often doesn't work like this (brake fluid changed with pads part worn, fluid topped up etc etc). The main thing is that the brake fluid is clearly above minimum at all times, ensuring the master cylinder always has a supply of fluid. 'Howto Check Brake Fluid Level'

Lights & Bulbs - It's easy to forget, and before you know it one, then if you're unlucky both brake light bulbs have blown... the potential for an avoidable accident is there. The easiest way to check all of your lights is have an assistant check your lights as you work through them methodically - we usually use the technique whereby the assistant repeats which lights are operating. Otherwise it's easy to check all lights by turning them on (except reverse and brake) and getting out of the vehicle to check. Reverse and brake lights can be checked by carefully reversing near to a reflective surface (i.e. shop window, garage door) - though exercise caution!

Windscreen Wash - Simple but important, get caught without fluid and a smeary windscreen can soon turn into an opaque windscreen with mud or road salt. If you can't get any windscreen wash fluid, water is better than nothing to get you by. Most petrol stations sell washer fluid, but be careful, some charge a fortune. It's far better to stock up from a motoring shop before hand.