Where should a driver start? The basics
of car maintenance are quite simple really. Click4Warranty would like
to make all motorists aware of the following essential driving and safety
knowledge, so as to keep the vehicle they drive on a regular basis in
good condition between regular servicing & MOT's.
When buying a used car we recommend that
you investigate whether or not used car warranty cover would be something you may need. There are many different warranty products on the market and it is important that you thoroughly investigate the pro's and con's of each type and the level
of cover they provide. Now moving swiftly on to car maintenance and what you should know to help keep your car in top shape.  Firstly, you should regularly check the oil level in the engine. This should really only be done when the car engine is cool. Simply
remove the dipstick, which is most commonly located under the bonnet slightly
to the left or right of the main engine block facing you. It can easily
be identified as they often have a red or blue ring at the top for you
to take hold of. Using a clean cloth or kitchen towel wipe the base of
the dip stick clean. You will clearly see a oil level on at the base of
the dip stick, and once wiped you will also not that there are markings
for full and empty on it. Place the dipstick back, & remove again, resting
it on a clean piece of towel.
You should then be able to see what the level is, according to indicators
on the dipstick as described above. Refill if necessary. This is done
by opening the oil screw cap, (located as a rule on the top of the engine)
and slowly pour a small amount in at a time & check the level after a
couple once you have given the oil a chance to settle. Repeat this process
as necessary but do not overfill. There are no benefits to overfilling
the oil! The additional oil pressure could damage seals in the system
if over filled. Always use the oil as directed by the manufacturer, this
should be stated in the vehicle manual. If the engine oil on your dipstick
appears very dark, has fillings in it or is a cloudy white colour, you
should then see a mechanic as soon as possible. Not always a problem,
but it could indicate one of a few problems are developing such as a water
leak, cylinder head gasket failure or simply overheating problems. It
is safer to stop by a mechanic and ask them to check than be caught out
and suffer a breakdown later on if there is a problem.
Secondly, you should also regularly check the water level. Again, whilst
the engine is cold, unscrew the water container. If this is done whilst
the engine is hot, there is likelihood that you will get burnt by the
water cap or the steam that will be expelled under extremely high pressure
when the cars engine is hot. Also you get a far truer measure when the
engine is cold. The level of the water should be just below the neck rim
of the container, you should be able to see the level clearly when the
top is off. If necessary, fill with cold water, up to this level. The
water bottle is always market and you must not over fill this system either.
Coolant & antifreeze should really be maintained during services, so do
check with the garage. Nearby this water container, you should be able
to see the windscreen washer spout. Always use a special fluid either
bought diluted or one that you can dilute at home with cold water. Winter
washer fluids usually contain antifreeze as well. Don't over fill with
fluid, most vehicles now have a pour out level, so if you do, it will
simply drain out.
The tyres on your vehicle are so important. Regularly check the tyre pressures. A little tip. The rear tyres are sometimes required to be inflated slightly more than the front, This is due to weight distribution. An example would be if your front tyres are inflated to 2 bar then the rear may well be specified to be inflated to 2.1 bar by the manufacturer. Did you know that correct
tyre pressures, help with your fuel economy? Regularly inspect your tyres
for sign of damage & wear. Most tyres will have a tread gauge. These are
small ribs across the bottom of the main grooves, when these are level
with the tyre grooves, it is an indication that they are at the legal
limit & must be changed. It is not only dangerous to drive with worn tyres,
but also illegal & if stopped by the police you could be fined &
or have points added onto your licence. This will then in turn cost you
money through an increase in your yearly car insurance renewals too. Do
not expect your car to pass a MOT if you have worn tyres. Many petrol
stations and garages do have free tyre pressure gauges connected to their
tyre inflators. Some you may have to pay for, but at around 20 pence,
it makes your life easy and not only improves the vehicles fuel economy
but safety too. The majority will have an automatic pressure control that
you can specify. If, unsure how to use the machine, just ask a member
of staff inside. You should also follow the guidelines in the car manual
for details on the tyre pressure you should use. There is often a small
sticker on the inside of the front door frame which has details on the
manufacturers specified tyre pressures for the various tyre sizes you
could have on your car. If you are in any doubt, ensure that you speak
to a mechanic prior to this or ask if they can show you.
Lights are critical not just to your saftey, but that of other road users,
pedestrians and both motorcyclists and cyclists. If you can’t see
them in bad light, the chances are they may also not spot you. The public
at large rely on your better judgment every minute you are on the roads!
Please remember to frequently if not every time you use your vehicle
to manually check your various lights work. Again, if you are stopped
by the police & your lights are not all correctly working, you may be
liable to a fine or more. Ensure that they are all working correctly by
switching them all on when the car is parked & running, & walking around
the vehicle. The only ones that will be difficult to see are the brake
lights, because naturally, you will have to be pressing the brakes for
them to appear. If you are checking on your own and you are parked close
to a wall you should be ale to see the reflections of the red light.
Copyright © 2008 Click4Warranty
The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily held by the Click4Group unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.
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