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…