What to Look for...
Once a month it's a good idea to perform a quick self-check of
your vehicle. This not only helps you understand your car better,
but also keeps your car in top shape, saving you unneccesary and
expensive cost. There is some maintenance you can do yourself and
other things you might find you need to refer to a qualified
technician at your local Tyres and More store.
Tyres
We already know incorrect tyre pressures can affect the handling
and life of a tyre. Using your own pressure gauge check all
pressures, including the spare, and ensure they match the
recommended cold inflation pressure on your tyre
placard. Do not adjust pressures when the tyres are hot.
You should also do a quick visual check of the tyres for objects
caught in the tread and cuts or damage to sidewalls. Check the
tread to see if it's wearing evenly. Refer any concerns to your
tyre specialist.
For more details ocheck out these tips for tyre
care.
Windscreen
Check your wiper blades for signs of perishing or cracking. If
they are not cleaning the windscreen properly, have them replaced.
This is inexpensive but important.
At the same time, check that your washer fluid bottle is full.
You can mix in some windscreen washer additive to help remove the
greasy film from the glass when it first starts to rain.
Lights
Check all functions are working - headlights, high beam,
indicators, brake lights and reversing lights. It can be extremely
dangerous driving with inoperative lights. A second person helping
makes this check quick and easy.
Engine Oil
The vehicle should be standing on level ground to check the
engine oil. Run the engine briefly to warm it and then switch it
off. With the engine warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with a lint-free cloth. Reinsert the dipstick making sure it goes
in fully.
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If you need to add
oil, refer to your owner's handbook for the correct grade as
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Be careful not to
overfill.
Consider getting an oil change and oil filter replacement every
5,000-7,000km or every six months, especially if your vehicle is
used mainly for short trips.
Radiator Coolant
Most modern vehicles have a plastic reservoir (overflow bottle)
which has a high and low level marked on the side. You should check
to see that the water level is between these two markings. If not,
add water and coolant in the correct proportions to the overflow
bottle. It should not be necessary on most vehicles to remove the
radiator cap to perform this check.
NEVER remove a radiator cap from a hot engine
as steam and boiling water under pressure can cause severe
burns.
If you find you repeatedly have to add water and coolant, it's
time to check with your vehicle technician. This could be something
as simple as a leaking hose, or a major engine problem so get
advice.
Battery
Batteries in modern vehicles have a hard time due to high
under-bonnet temperatures. Make sure you include your battery in
your monthly check to minimise the chance of being stranded and
requiring a jump start.
Some batteries are sealed and maintenance-free so you can really
only check that the terminals and top of the battery are clean.
Others have removable caps so the fluid level inside can be
checked.
Remove the caps and check that the fluid is about 10mm above the
top of the plates. If not, add distilled water (available from
service stations) to top-up the fluid then replace the caps.
Batteries produce hydrogen gas which is explosive and the fluid
inside the battery is acid. Do not smoke near batteries and keep
metal objects that might cause a spark away from the battery
terminals.
Brakes
The brakes are clearly an important safety component on any
vehicle. These days you are best having a specialist check the
brakes for you. They can check the brake fluid is at the right
level, that the brake pads have sufficient life in them, and that
the brake system is functioning correctly.
You should take notice, however, if any of the following occur:
-
- Excessive brake pedal travel
- Brake pedal seems hard and ineffective
- Brake pedal needs to be pumped to be effective
- Car pulls to one side when brakes are applied
- Brakes seem 'touchy' and grab with little pressure on
pedal
- Vibration through the car under brakes
- Brake warning light appears
- Squealing or grinding when brakes are applied
These are all indications you should see your
specialist!
Automatic Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Clatch
Fluid
Procedures for checking each of these vary from model to model.
You can check your vehicle owner's handbook, or periodically have
the levels checked by your technician.
For more details, why not visit your local Tyres and More store.
