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Avoid the risk of breakdown, by having your car serviced at recommended intervals. Making the following ten simple checks regularly, will also help you to enjoy safer, worry-free motoring. If you are unsure where on your car to find some of the parts mentioned - come in with your car and ask one of our technicians who will be happy to help.
Know the correct tyre pressures for your car and check them fortnightly using a good-quality gauge or garage air line. Look out for cuts on sidewalls. If any one tyre needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture. Don't forget to check the spare as well. 2. Toolkit Check the handbook for the location of the basic toolkit for the car that should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools. Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely. If locking wheel nuts are fitted make sure that the toolkit includes the key or removal tool. 3. Engine Oil Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey. Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals. High oil consumption can indicate engine problems. 4. Water Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary - but only when the engine is cold. Have the antifreeze concentration checked before Winter. Antifreeze not only prevents the coolant from freezing but also prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system and so is important all year round. 5. Wipers Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year for best performance. 6. Screenwash Check and top up regularly - It's a legal requirement that the system works. Use good screenwash additive through Summer and Winter - water alone won't clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in Winter. 7. Windscreen Inspect the screen regularly for stone damage and always replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible. Any damage may impair vision or distract attention. Minor chips can grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist. 8. Lights Check all lights weekly. Don't forget indicators, brake and fog lights. Clean lights regularly. In bad weather wipe them over with damp cloth during driving breaks. 9. Power Steering Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service and check it yourself once a month. Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in the car handbook. 10. Bodywork Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in. Many cars have extended bodywork Warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer. Check that any previous owner has kept records up-to-date. | |||||||||||||||
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