SIX EASY Weekly (Weekend) Checks to Ensure the Reliability of your car
SIX EASY Weekly (Weekend) Checks to Ensure the Reliability of your car
Take just 30 minutes every week, and do these simple checks.
Avoid expensive repairs with these 7 preventative maintenance tips, from TORQUE MOTOR GROUP, the caring car dealer who will guide and protect you and your car with simple car maintenance tips.
Nobody wants to breakdown, especially when the dark nights and bad weather arrive, so follow these easy tips - perfect for new first time drivers and those who rely on their cars to give good trouble free motoring.
So let's dive in.
Break the checks down into 3 easy to remember areas.
Fuel
Under the Hood (Bonnet)
Oil Level
Coolant Level
Washer Fluid
Rubber
Tyres (Pressures and Tread Depth)
Screen Wiper Blades
1. Fuel
It is wise to keep your tank filled up. You then avoid running low, and the risk of bad fuel deposits entering your engine. So, every weekend (When you are not rushing so much), take a trip to the fuel station and fill up for the week. A good tip, is that every 4th tankful, use the higher grade fuel to make your engine cleaner and more efficient. Some trade specialists comment that the use of higher grade fuel may help to avoid that dreaded Engine Management Light appearing.
2. Under the Bonnet
Demystify what goes on under here.
Become familiar with how to open your car bonnet, and what is where (Use Google and You tube for your specific year and model of car to guide you).
There are 4 Things to check under here.
i. Dip the oil. Locate the dipstick (Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean, and have a piece of kitchen roll with you to wipe the tip of the dipstick).
Take out the Dipstick, and wipe the tip where the markers are. Replace the dipstick, ensuring it is fully in. Pull it out again, and make sure the oil level is between the low and full markers. If it is close to the LOW marker, buy some oil to top up. (Search your make model year of car online for the correct type of oil).
ii. Oil Filler Cap. Located on the top of the engine.
IF you need to top up oil, and you have bought the correct oil for your car, unscrew the filler cap and pour in an amount of oil to top up ( I suggest buying a 1 litre plastic bottle of oil, so you can keep in the boot of your car for when it is required). When topping up, I suggest around a coke can amount at first. Dip the oil again with the dipstick to get the level midway between the High and low markers - never overfill with oil, it can be drastic), and always ensure the filler cap is replaced tightly.
iii. Coolant Level. (This is the water that circulates in the engine to prevent the engine overheating).
Most cars have a transparent water tank clearly showing MIN and MAX levels. If you need to top up, then let the car cool down, as the water in the system is pressurised and BOILING. If the tank needs filling often, get it checked by a reputable garage to make sure you don't have a coolant leak somewhere. Running your car when the coolant level is low can be disastrous and expensive (especially on a long journey).
iv. Washer Fluid Level. (This is the water for cleaning the windscreen).
Again, search in Google, however most manufacturers colour code the water fillers in blue (Engine coolant too).
Ready mixed coolant is available from the fuel stations, so you don't need to mix with water. Ant-freeze washer fluid is available for the closer months, it prevents the water from freezing on those icy mornings. Again, keep in your boot in case you need to top up midweek.
3. Rubber....... Tyres and Windscreen Wipers
i. Tyres.
1. Pressures
Get used to checking the tyre pressures. Search google for the correct pressures, or a sticker is usually inside the door or fuel filler cap.
Invest in a tyre pressure gauge (this way, you dont need to use the air machine at the garage - you can do this simple check at home).
The correct tyre pressures will make sure you have the correct grip and roadholding. Also it increases the life of your tyres (Over inflated, or underinflated tyres can cause premature wear, and also increase fuel consumption).
If you need to add air to your tyres, either use the air machine at the garage, or buy a neat tyre inflator that you plug into your car power socket. Remove the dust cap, and securely push the connector onto the tyre valve, and start the inflator until the desired pressure is achieved.
2.Tread Depth.
Tyres need a minimum depth of tread to be safe and give both safe grip and stopping ability. Buy a tread depth indicator (Digital, or manual).
At Torque, we always advise a minimum tread (Over 75% of the tyre width) of 3mm.
The legal requirements are 1.6mm or above.
ii. Wiper Blades
Effective wipers ensure clear vision and a clean screen.
Do a visual check of the blades and replace if they appear torn, or are not clearing your screen effectively. Its good advice to clean periodically with white vinegar on a cloth, on the blades where they have contact with the
We really hope you have enjoyed this post helping you to learn more about how to enjoy your car driving experience
- Passionate about Cars
- Passionate about our Business
- Passionate about our Clients
Torque Motor Group are based in MilnsBridge Huddersfield West Yorkshire.
We are a young Progressive experienced and passionate car dealership driven by Care