It’s definitely good practice to do a few vital tests around the motor. When talking to my clients, I suggest that ten to twenty minutes each month might be a good habit to develop. This can confirm if the engine is losing fluids, if the automobile has a bulb blown or if your car hooter is functioning.
This may all be achieved without the need for any tools.
Be Sure That The Oil Level Is OK
Start by inspecting the oil (You should have a rag or a bit of paper towel). Be certain ones car is parked on a level surface and locate the measuring stick this is more often than not at the front of the engine and will possibly a yellow/orange ring or top.
The position will vary dependent on make, model and engine style.
Now pull the dipstick up and wipe the lower half using a rag/paper towel. After that re-insert the measuring rod back into its tube until it’s re-seated.
Remove the measuring stick again and look at the oil level. At the bottom of the measuring rod, there will typically be a “min and a “maximum” mark. This may be displayed in words or some measuring sticks will have a min and maximum dot or line. Once more, this is manufacturer and model dependent.
The oil level must be near the “maximum” indicator. If you’re comfortable with filling up ones own oil, be sure that you don’t overfill, as this may damage the oil seals in the car.
Checking Water Levels
We should now visually check the coolant or water in your vehicles expansion tank. This is ordinarily found on one side of the engine compartment. Again, this is dependent on the make and model of your car.
The tank should ordinarily have a “minimum” and a “max” indicator. Ensure that the vehicles coolant level is fully topped up.
Do not forget, if you are filling up the coolant, be sure to use the recommended kind. The coolant will be either “OATs” Organic Acid Technology which is often a pink or red colour, or ethylene glycol, which is usually a green colour.
The mixture of water to coolant will also be specified by the manufacturer, the rule of thumb is a fifty percent mix should be about right.
Inspecting Your Cars Bulbs and Lights
Make sure the cars hand brake is applied and that your vehicle is in “Neutral” or “Park”. Start your engine and lower the driver’s side window (just in case the doors lock, it has been known). Turn on the cars sidelights and walk around the vehicle and check they are on front and do the exact same for the headlights, main beam and fog lights.
With the all the bulbs are still switched on, look at the direction indicators on both sides, turn on the Hazard lights and test that they are working.
It should be simpler to test the stop lights with an assistant. You can also verify your rear-view mirror at night time with your foot on the break pedal. This will give you a good indication to whether they are operating.
Horn And Tyre Pressures
Turn off all the lights, honk the horn to make certain that it is working OK.
Don’t forget to frequently check your cars tyre pressures. It needs to be carried out using the guidelines in the hand book. If you don’t have a handbook, you can look up the pressures on the web.
