Car Maintenance Basics

CAR MAINTENANCE basics Before you head out (5-Windscreen Motor oil Power steering Battery 9. Controls Water and coolant 4 Lights Cleaning 8. Tyre pressure and tread 1 Battery 6 Power steering Check battery regularly Check power steering fluid regularly. If steering becomes heavy: Using a qualified mechanic Low fluid level - top it up ..... Or check it yourself with a car battery tester Correct fluid level - ask a mechanic to take a look If losing fluid - ask a mechanic to take a look 2 Controls 7 Motor oil Ask a mechanic to check controls urgently if: Cars need motor oil to run smoothly Knocking or rattling from steering / suspension Check oil regularly - always before longer journeys 'Play' in steering wheel, or steering is heavy Oil level should be between the two lines on dipstick Brakes feel spongy/ slack 8 Tyre pressure & tread 3 Water & coolant Check tyre pressure / tread weekly Prevents car radiator from freezing / overheating Over-inflated / under-inflated tyres can be unsafe Water level should be between max and min marks on water tank Tyre tread must be at least 1.6mm deep To avoid injury, only ever open radiator cap on a cold engine Regularly inspect tyres for cuts / damage Check your car handbook for more details Check your spare tyre too 4 Lights Incorrect wheel alignment can result in increased tyre wear Typical signs of Incorrect wheel alignment include: Ask friend to help you check ED lights regularly → Uneven / 'feathered effect' tyre wear → Steering wheel vibration Ensure brake, indicator and fog lights work → Drag or pulling Make sure lights are properly adjusted → Audible distress when turning corners 5 Windscreen 9 Cleaning Check your windscreen for chips or cracks Regularly clean: Small, unattended chips can grow into cracks Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates Chips in your line of sight larger X than 10mm, or any chip larger than 40mm, could result in a failed MOT Windscreens and windows Check windscreen wipers regularly; replace when necessary Car interior - to prevent distractions when driving On the road Car care and road safety basics In-car travel must-haves Health and safety essentials 1 Car care & road safety basics 3 In-car travel must-haves Reflective Jack Water triangle Puncture Wheel lock Puncture repair kit repair kit opener Sunglasses Tyre wrench Multi-tool Flashlight Jump leads Screen wash Hands-free set Oil and other engine fluids Multi-use car charger 2 Health & safety essentials Small change or a phone card First aid kit Up-to-date maps / GPS kit Small fire extinguisher Blanket High visibility vest What if something goes wrong? Generally, if a warning light comes on when driving or doesn't switch off when the engine's running, you should stop when it's safe and investigate or seek assistance. Airbag warning light ABS Know your dashboard warning lights* 120 100 140 ABS 160 180 Oil pressure Battery charge 40 200 20 - 220 Engine Handbrake Tyre pressure Airbag warning light Airbag could go off unexpectedly, or not go off when it should Oil pressure Oil level needs to be topped up ABS There could be something wrong with the brake system Battery charge There might be an issue with the battery charging system Engine Indicates an issue with the engine management system Handbrake O If it stays on after handbrake is released, have brake fluid level checked Tyre pressure You may need to top up the air in tyres - check for punctures *Your manufacturer's handbook should provide full details on your warning lights, which can vary from vehicle to vehicle. In the event of a breakdown On the road Get your car off the road if you can Wear a high visibility Use hazard warning lights vest if available Keep sidelights on in poor visibility Place warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your car - On the same side of the road - Be careful Stand away from your car On the motorway Make sure all passengers are kept away from carriageway and hard shoulder Stop as far to the left as possible on hard shoulder Turn wheels to the left Leave car via left-hand doors Never place a warning triangleX on a motorway Walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway: - Free calls to Highway Agency / police - Use emergency phone, not a mobile, if possible - Always face traffic when on the phone Servicing your car (Your manufacturer's handbook should tell you: How often to get your car serviced How often regular maintenance tasks should be carried out When replacement parts need to be changed are not exhaustive - refer to your car manufacturer's handbook or a qualified mechanic for more information. The above chec Sainsbury's Bank