Windscreen Wipers, Coolant & Other Small Things That Keep You Moving

When most people think about car maintenance, their minds jump straight to the big-ticket items: tyres, brakes, oil changes. And sure, those matter. But what about the little things? The often-overlooked heroes of your daily drive: windscreen wipers, coolant, washer fluid, and other small but mighty parts that keep your car happy.

Ignore them, and you’ll quickly find out how “small” jobs can cause some very big headaches. So, let’s break down the basics of the most underrated car care items.

1. Windscreen Wipers

You probably don’t think about your wipers until you’re caught in a downpour. But when they start smearing instead of clearing, it’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous.

Signs it’s time for new wipers:

• Streaks or smears across your windscreen.
• Loud squeaking or chattering noises.
• Blades that look cracked or split.

Pro tip: In Australia, most wipers need replacing every 6 - 12 months thanks to our hot sun chewing through the rubber. And yes, cleaning them every now and then with a damp cloth helps!

(Because nothing says “unprepared driver” like leaning out the window with a rag in the middle of a thunderstorm.)

2. Coolant

Coolant doesn’t get the love it deserves, but trust us: it’s the difference between a smooth drive and being stranded on the side of the road with steam pouring from your bonnet.

Why coolant matters:

• It regulates engine temperature.
• Prevents overheating in summer.
• Stops freezing in colder climates.
• Protects the engine from corrosion.

Quick tip: Pop the bonnet and check your coolant level every month or so. It should sit between the MIN and MAX markers on the reservoir, (Hopefully closer to the MAX...). If it’s dropping quickly, that’s a sign of a leak and definitely worth a trip to your mechanic before you end up boiling your engine like last night’s pasta water.

3. Windscreen Washer Fluid

Sounds basic, right? But washer fluid is a lifesaver when a bug splat, bird gift, or rogue dust storm hits mid-drive. Water alone doesn’t cut it, proper washer fluid includes cleaning agents that cut through grease and grime.

And yes, topping it up takes less than 2 minutes. Cheaper than buying a new windscreen because you kept smearing mud across it for six months.

4. Tyre Pressure

Okay, this one isn’t exactly “tiny,” but it’s still one of the easiest and most overlooked checks. Under-inflated tyres chew through fuel, wear unevenly, and can be downright dangerous.

How often to check: every 2 - 3 weeks (or before a long trip).
Where: Any servo with an air pump and it’s free!

Get into the habit and you’ll not only save money on fuel, but also extend the life of your tyres. Win-win!

5. Battery Terminals

You don’t need to be a mechanic to give your car battery a once-over. Corroded terminals can cause starting issues, flickering lights, or even leave you stranded.

Signs to watch for:

• White or blue-ish gunk on the terminals.
• Slow cranking when you start the car.

Give the battery a quick glance every now and then. A clean terminal = a reliable start.

6. Cabin Air Filter

Most people don’t even realise their car has a cabin filter. It’s the thing that stops dust, pollen, and smelly exhaust fumes from ruining your drive.

Over time, it clogs up, making your aircon less effective and your cabin a little less fresh. Swapping it out is usually quick, cheap, and makes a big difference.

Small Things, Big Difference
Cars don’t just run on fuel, tyres, and oil. It’s the little things; the wipers, coolant, washer fluid, tyre pressure, battery, and filters that quietly keep you moving day after day.

The good news? Most of these checks take minutes and cost next to nothing compared to fixing the problems that come from ignoring them.

So next time you’re thinking about car care, don’t just focus on the big jobs. Show your wipers some love, top up that coolant, and give your battery a glance. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

And hey! If all this sounds like too much effort, you know where to find us. Book a service with Davey Automotive Services and we’ll take care of the “little things” (and the big ones too).