To many, car maintenance is a hassle that we constantly look for excuses to avoid carrying out. However, by taking just a few minutes out of our busy schedules on a weekly or monthly basis we could potentially save lives and save cash through reduced car insurance premiums and lower fuel costs.

Here we look at some straightforward car maintenance tips and why they are worthwhile.

Carry out oil checks once a month. This should involve waiting until the car has been stationary for at least five minutes so that the engine is cool. Then lift the bonnet, clean the dipstick and reinsert it before pulling it out quickly again. Ideally, the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum mark but if not, then top up as appropriate.

Brake fluid checks should be carried out by professionals as opening the container or touching it yourself can get dirt into the system which could cause damage. Make sure you check your brakes in a safe spot as soon as you leave your driveway every day, and consult a garage if the fluid levels are not correct.

Open the bonnet and ensure that the water levels are appropriate on a monthly basis. Make sure the car is cool before topping up.

While you're checking tyre pressures, examine the tread depth too. The minimum legal requirement is 1.6mm because worn down tyres can skid, particularly when they are near the end of their lifespan. If the tread depth is not appropriate you will need to get them changed as soon as possible.

Squeaking windscreen wipers aren't just irritating - they are potentially dangerous too, as wipers that don't work correctly could affect your vision on the road. Depending on their usage it will normally be necessary to change wipers once or twice a year and this is easy to do yourself to avoid garage labour costs.

Carry out regular spot checks on your vehicle to ensure there is no bodywork damage - any overlooked issues could allow rust to set in.

How many of us have shrugged our shoulders when a light appears on the dashboard? Remember they are there to tell us that something is wrong and you should get the issue resolved as soon as possible or you could risk extensive damage.

Don't put off a vehicle service, even if it can seem like an expense you could do without - because problems that get out of hand could cost you more money in the long run. Air filters should be changed every 6,000 miles and it's important to have brake pads checked regularly. Keeping a car in good condition can also help to maintain its value and ensure it runs efficiently.

Not only can keeping your car in good condition help you keep your fuel costs low, it can also help you save money on car insurance.

Many accidents are caused because vehicles are not kept in the best possible condition. Even if you have comprehensive car insurance cover in place you could still be left out of pocket as most insurers will wipe two years off a no-claims bonus for every fault claim you make, unless you have no-claims discount protection, and they may also increase premiums at renewal time. Furthermore, if an accident is deemed to be your fault, and is a direct result of negligence, you may even be refused a payout altogether.

Thankfully, car insurers do reward sensible drivers who take care of their vehicles - some even offer discounts if you join owners' clubs and learn more about how to run your car correctly.